Counselor’s Corner Issue 2

Hello, Teammates!

My first-week reception by you has been a wonderful one -- filled with appreciation for this newly-created role, warm welcomes into several school buildings, and an attitude of partnership and positivity toward the work we will do together. Thank you for opening your careers, classrooms, and confidences to me.

I wanted to share my excitement about our upcoming Fall Inservice on October 13th! Because TEACHER SUPPORT AND CARE is a big emphasis as the Conference Counselor, Lori and I have designed that day's meetings to be focused on you. On a daily basis we think about all you've done to re-open the doors of your school, juggle connected and in-person learning, and meet ISBE standards for health and safety with fidelity, all the while bringing a cheerful, sincere, Jesus-presence to your students. In short, you've been tried and tested. In light of this, we want October 13 to be more than a typical Professional Development, information-giving, sit-in-your-seats experience. We have designed that day to fill your love-cup in a way that enables you to walk away empowered and encouraged. Thus, our fall inservice is themed "Tried and Tested: Being a Survivor; Becoming a Thriver."

As you look ahead to our time together, I invite you to check our our keynote speaker, Dr. Jean Wright. Dr. Wright comes to us from Philadelphia as a Clinical Psychologist with emphases in Forensic and Abnormal Psychology. He has served as an adjunct professor at Temple University, as well as partnered with the City of Philadelphia to implement trainings in both Trauma Informed Care and Health and Wellness. Above all, Dr. Wright is a lifelong Adventist Christ-follower who has an understanding of SDA educators and our mission. I'm so excited to host him as through additional grant-monies gift from La Sierra's Center for Conflict Resolution, and hope you'll enjoy our Survivor day as much as I think you will.

Warmly,
Mindy

P.S. Please don't forget to complete the Needs Assessment so I can begin services for you and your students! As you continue to educate your students, parents, and stakeholders regarding this grant-funded, project-based role, please feel free to reference this role descriptor for understanding of how I can support you and your kiddos.