From February 3-7, Minnetonka Schools joins other school districts from across the country in recognizing National School Counseling Week. Throughout a student’s journey from kindergarten through high school, school counselors provide guidance and support to help each student achieve personal and academic success. 

School counselors’ day to day work changes depending on the building they work in, the time of year, and the needs of their students and families. “Some may think that elementary school counselors primarily work with students individually or in the classrooms. However, we strongly focus on small groups as this gives students a chance to not only learn social, emotional and academic skills but also provides the opportunity to practice these skills and build relationships with others that they can then take back to the classroom,” said Christine Edlefsen, school counselor at Groveland Elementary. “School counselors are also continually collaborating with the school support team and with families to enhance a sense of belonging and support the overall positive environment in our school.”

“Counselors are in a fairly unique position serving as a collaborative partner among students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members. These relationships allow us to understand the bigger picture and contribute to planning and decision-making in small and significant ways that can positively impact our schools,” said Sarah Seldon, a member of the counseling team at Minnetonka High School. In her role at MHS, she supports students in a variety of ways, from academic planning, goal-setting and personal problem solving to post-secondary planning.

For Edlefsen, the most rewarding part of her role is building relationships. “I hope that every student I encounter, whether in my office or my groups, will leave with hope, encouragement, and have a little fun, too,” she shared.

A love of supporting students in a multitude of ways is a core theme for our District’s counselors.  “My favorite part of my job is helping students face challenges that are constantly evolving and adapting my approaches to meet their needs,” said Courtney Davis, school counselor for Clear Springs Elementary and Tonka Online. Working at the elementary level, she enjoys seeing students grow and change over the course of six years. “The highlight of my day is when former students come back and visit and tell me about their lives,” she shared. 

Reflecting on her role, Seldon is grateful for the team she works with and the ways she is able to support students. “I am able to be a part of this incredible time in my students’ lives when they are learning who they are, figuring out their interests, making decisions about their future, and evolving into the people they will become,” she shared. 

Counselors, thank you for the encouragement, care and inspiration they provide for students and families. This week, make sure to thank the counselors for all the work they do!