National School Counseling Week, observed from February 3 through February 7, highlights the vital role school counselors play in supporting students' academic, social, and emotional growth. This week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication and impact of school counselors who work tirelessly to guide, advocate, and empower students to reach their full potential. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of providing students with the resources, encouragement, and support they need to navigate their educational journey.
In honor of National School Counseling Week, we are spotlighting several of our school counselors and the invaluable work they do. Rachel Meckley, a school counselor at Miller Middle School, is one of many dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to create a positive and welcoming school environment where students feel heard, supported, and prepared for success.
Learn more about her experiences and insights by reading Meckley's responses to the following Q&A:
What inspired you to pursue a career in school counseling?
What inspired me to pursue a career in school counseling was being able to support students and help them not only find success, but feel valued and heard.
How do MCSD’s programs or resources support your efforts to help students thrive?
MCSD offers so many great programs for our students to truly find something they excel in. Whether it's extracurriculars, clubs, iJag, therapeutic partnerships, and even community partnerships to support not only students but also their families, there are so many programs and supports that MCSD provides to students and their families.
What makes Marshalltown’s approach to counseling unique?
I think that Marshalltown as a community really sees the value in school counselors and partnering with the school to best serve the families in the community. This also doesn't happen without a supportive school board, superintendent, district office, and building administration. I think everyone within the school district sees the importance of mental health and community supports in the school setting.
What do you find most rewarding about serving students and families in MCSD?
Watching students feel successful and gain confidence! Seeing them succeed, seeing them be proud of themselves, cheering them on with their families! I really love partnering with families to help them feel welcomed and knowledgeable within the school setting so that they can best help and support their student, too.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a counselor?
Being at the middle school level, I get the privilege of watching students grow and succeed during some of the most transformative years of their lives, and then get to continue to encourage them throughout high school and beyond. It really is being able to tell kids how valued they are, the gifts they have, and then being able to watch them succeed in the future.
What does it mean to you to Embrace The Lead?
Embrace the Lead to me means giving students the tools and resources to continue to find success, even when things don't feel easy. Watching them find success and feel good about their accomplishments and all they've overcome.