Page 7 - FIS World JUne 2024

Counselors Natalie Stringer and Shirley Manntz share responsibility for Grade 2-5 students with a mind toward “what strategies can we use to help them persevere?” Natalie also serves as the ES Inclusion Coordinator, which involves “coordinating any extra services that students require.”
Shirley specializes in student transitions for new or departing students of any ES grade level. In a system similar to the PS chalkboard, ES students can place a note inside the counselor’s office mailbox to request one-on-one time. This comfort level is cultivated through classroom presentations and morning duty; by greeting the students as they arrive at school each morning and visiting their classrooms, the counselors are seen as committed and approachable.
FISO Middle School Counselor Charlene Aspinwall explained that all new Middle and High Schoolers meet with a counselor. Grade 5 parents and students receive specific presentations to prepare them for the move up from the Elementary School, and this theme of empowerment continues throughout each student’s time in the Upper School. Another grade-specific outreach comes in Grade 10 when counselors open dialogue about the variety of options available in post- FIS life to support students on the path toward graduation. Throughout these and all grades, counselors endeavor to help students come up with solutions to problems. They care deeply about the “mental well-being of students.”
FISW, although a smaller school, operates similarly to its FISO counterparts in many ways. At the beginning of the year, Counselor Michal Beth Chaffinch visits classrooms to talk about school
counseling and emphasizes that her role does not focus on whether or not a student is in trouble; her job is to help students solve problems. She endeavors to meet one-on-one with as many new students as possible to start forming a positive counseling relationship.
All of these counselors and their colleagues have to be equipped for a variety of situations and topics. On any given day, they may be teaching social emotional lessons in classrooms, supporting colleagues, or participating in student/child studies team meetings. The latter was a concept on which they educated me; teachers have rotating opportunities to present student issues or concerns to the counselors and other relevant school personnel. This recurring format allows the team to share ideas, track trends and enhance student success.
I asked each of the counselors if they had messages to share with the community considering the timing of this publication and they offered the following – every single student, whether remaining at or departing from FIS is embarking on a transition. Anyone remaining at FIS is anticipating a move up in grade level. Some students may be transferring from FISO to FISW or vice versa, while others are departing FIS altogether due to graduation or family move.
Whatever transitions await our children now and throughout the year, our FIS counselors have the care, compassion and expertise to help them navigate with success. We are lucky to have them!
Susan Robbins FIS Parent
May 2024 FIS World 5
Counselors’ Tips for Transitions
Find inspiration:
Attend one of the many family partner- ship sessions across divisions that focus on topics connected to transitions.
Learn strategies:
Connect with one of the school’s counselors for a conversation on tips to help master your family’s unique transition situation.
Stay connected:
If your family
is leaving FIS, be sure to join the alumni association so you can stay connected to the Warrior community. Scan the QR code below to join.