School is a journey of growth for our students. Whether they’re developing foundational skills in elementary school, navigating the emotional shifts of middle school, or managing the academic pressures of high school, every stage of a student’s academic journey comes with unique challenges. At every stage, school counselors play a vital role in supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary development.

At Eagle County School District, we try hard to recognize the unique groups that make up the whole as often as possible. From our bus drivers to our teachers, our nutrition services workers, to our office staff, it is truly a group effort that makes our district a great place to be and work. We consider our school counselors to be another group of dedicated employees who work behind the scenes to help students succeed. Not just academically, but in all facets of life. 

At the heart of a school counselor’s role is their ability to build relationships. They provide a safe, non-judgmental space where students can express their concerns, fears, and aspirations. Students sometimes struggle with friendship drama, anxiety about an upcoming test, personal issues at home, and countless other social and emotional stressors. Counselors are there to listen and provide guidance. School counselors guide students through some of the most formative years of their lives with kindness, respect, role modeling, and understanding. 

Our counselors use various means to connect with students both in and out of the classroom and equip them with the tools they need to handle difficult situations. Numerous schoolwide initiatives focused on social-emotional learning, teaching skills like emotional regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution are also valuable lessons taught throughout the year. 

These counselors are more than just advisors — they are integral to creating a positive and supportive school environment. They play a key role in promoting a culture of kindness and empathy, organizing programs like anti-bullying initiatives, mental health awareness events, and peer mentorship groups. All these efforts, led by our counseling champions of inclusivity, contribute to school climates where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to succeed at all levels.

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National School Counseling Week was recently celebrated Feb. 3-7, and this year’s theme was “Helping Students Thrive.” We want to recognize all of our counselors who do that every week of the year. At every level, counselors foster a sense of belonging and well-being for students. Counselors are always advocating for students’ best interests and we are lucky to have such an amazing group serving our children across our school district. 

At elementary school, counselors help students learn how to build friendships. Our pre-K and elementary schools achieve this through a combination of school counselors and social-emotional learning teachers who effectively integrate these important lessons into the classroom. They build foundational skills such as time management, goal setting, and social awareness. Thank you to our elementary team members, Tanya Solis, Jenny Bloess, Emily Larson, Michele Moskowitz, and Adrienne Thomas, for their efforts with this important work.

Through their tireless efforts, counselors ensure that students feel seen and supported during critical stages of their development. The focus shifts to self-discovery, decision-making, and coping with academic transitions. Their work may not always be visible to the broader school community, but the impact is undeniable as they guide middle schoolers through identity and emotional challenges. Thank you to our middle school counselors, Carolyn Reihe, Marley Andrews, Michele Barber, Erika Gilbert, Neucasha Green, Madeline Kern, Wanita Kirwan, Mary McGinnis, and Julia Shafer, for their service to our students.

In high school, counselors guide students in exploring postsecondary goals while also teaching self-advocacy, problem-solving skills, and navigating young adulthood socially and emotionally. As students roam the halls they take greater control in shaping their world through the classes they choose, extracurriculars they join, and connections they make. Counselors are there to support high school students with life-changing decisions. Thank you to our high school counselors, Jordan Bamberger, Allison Bender, Tammi Boeke, Kristan Carey, Donyelle Dewey, Mark Fitzwater, Krista Kedrowski, Andrew Wheeler, Charlene Whitney, Jim Thompson, and Joshua Wright, who show up and do the work day in and day out to support our students. 

While National School Counseling Week was officially celebrated a few weeks ago, I hope that you can join me in showing appreciation for these dedicated staff members all year long. It’s important to recognize the vital contributions counselors make every day. Through their dedication to academic growth, emotional well-being, and social connection, they empower students to build brighter, more confident futures.

Dr. Katie Jarnot is the assistant superintendent of Eagle County School District. Email her at katie.jarnot@eagleschools.net.