This week is National School Counselor Week, and VMS is grateful for our two amazing School Counselors, Ms. Semler and Ms. Zahn, as well as our outstanding Behavior Specialist, Ms. Cochrane. This team works tirelessly to enhance our students’ academic success, career aspirations, and social and emotional growth. They help every student feel safe, supported and capable.
Ms. Semler, Ms. Zahn, and Ms. Cochrane support our VMS classroom teachers by reinforcing academic traits like study skills, organization, motivation, resiliency, and goal setting. They are highly trained mental health professionals who not only support students in crisis, but also enhance the educational experience of all of our students by improving student social skills and creating connection. Conflict resolution, communication, empathy, and friendship skills are also taught through individual and small group lessons.
In addition to supporting our VMS students, our counselors and behavior specialist also collaborate with school staff and administration, and can connect families with outside providers when extra support is needed, either at home or at school. We appreciate all that our counseling team does to support our entire student body through our PBIS program, and by providing academic, emotional, and behavioral supports. Their commitment to our students makes our school a better place!
VMS School Counselors, Ms. Semler and Ms. Zahn
VMS Behavior Specialist, Ms. Cochrane