Page 6 - FIS World JUne 2024

In Good Hands
FIS counselors offer care, compassion and expertise
Each morning, ES counselors greet students in the Elementary School
Jr. Lounge (above
and opposite page)
to further nurture connections and emphasize that they are approachable and available for students, no matter the need
As an FIS World writer for the past several years, I have tended to gravitate toward topics showcasing the rich resources and opportunities that make FIS special. For this article, I had the privilege to speak with some of the most valuable resources our community has to offer – school counselors.
The roles and responsibilities of FIS school counselors vary by school and grade level with the common goal of eliminating barriers to learning. FIS has an impressive number of counselors – 10, plus a part-time Korean university advisor, between the Oberursel Campus’ (FISO) Primary, Elementary and Middle/Upper Schools, and at FIS Wiesbaden (FISW). To ensure consistency in systems across FIS, all counselors meet periodically during the year and in smaller groups as needed. Their interactions with all community members inform future principal engagement sessions, newsletters, virtual presentations and conferences. Extensive professional networks also enable them to connect families, students and colleagues with outside resources as needed.
One notable difference across schools is the proportion of time a counselor may spend with students versus families. In the Primary School, Counselor and Inclusion Coordinator Lucie Nuehlen has significant direct engagement with parents due to the partnership vital for developing consistency across home and school. Children
have formal appointments with her as needed, but a favorite opportunity among FISO Primary School students is the chalkboard outside her office. As Lucie says, “It’s like Disneyland.” Any PS student wishing to spend informal time in her room can write their name down and she will invite them for “a playdate at school.” Some children need this type of intimate, non-intimidating setting to start building peer relationships. The comfort level fostered in the smaller setting can increase student confidence in larger environments like the playground and classroom. “I want people to see me as a resource,” Lucie emphasized.
On any given day, counselors may
be teaching social emotional lessons
in classrooms, supporting colleagues, or participating in student/child studies team meetings.
Elementary School counselors have approximately equal time between student and parent engagement. At FISO’s Elementary School,
4 FIS World May 2024