MCSD receives counseling program recognition

     The Monticello Community School District’s counseling staff is the recipients of the inaugural ISCA District of Distinction award. This award is presented by the Iowa School Counselors Association.

     The award honors school districts in Iowa “that are committed to implementing comprehensive school counseling programs that address the career, academic, and social-emotional development of all students.”

     Those leading the MCSD counseling team include: Aimee Hospodarsky, Carmen Stenger, and Kathy Larson.

     “It’s an honor,” voiced Hospodarsky. “It’s bragging rights.”

     She said as school counselors, you always strive to make a difference and meet the “gold standards.

     “It’s recognition of the professional work we do and our dedication on behalf of the students,” added Hospodarsky, who’s a member of the ISCA.

     In order to even qualify for the District of Distinction award, these staff members came together to collaborate on an extensive 98-page application. They worked on the project in late-October/early-November.

     There are seven different parts to the application: Beliefs, Vision, and Mission; Professional Competencies; School Counseling Program Goals; School Counseling Core Curriculum; Small group Responsive Services; Closing the Gap; and Program Evaluation Reflection.

     “My work as a school counselor involves addressing as many student needs as possible,” said Stenger. She said the application process provided her with the opportunity really reflect on her own work, as well as the work of the counseling team as a whole. “There is rarely time to soak in what is going well,” added Stenger.

     The application forced the staff to document all aspects of the MCSD’s counseling program, showing the staff’s commitment to the students through best practices for school counseling.

     ISCA’s press release stated: “This distinction recognizes those school counselors who have committed to reflective practices and districts that support a comprehensive school counseling program as an integral part of the educational experience for all students.”

     The MCSD’s counseling team has only been collaborating together for the past two years. Despite the fact, Hospodarsky said it’s still “awesome” to get the District of Distinction award. “It recognizes all of the heard work all of our school counselors do. It validates our work.”

     Stenger said the school district has so much to be proud of.

     “The (ISCA) consultant shared that if she were to move to rural Iowa, she would consider Monticello given what she saw of our school counseling program,” praised Stenger.

     This year is a pilot year for ISCA’s award; the MCSD is one of four other schools to receive the award.

     Aside from district wide collaboration, the MCSD counselors also take part in Grant Wood AEA’s counselor academy. Hospodarsky said that level of professional development plays a role in the award as well.

     “It’s a nice feather in our cap,” said Hospodarsky.

     This year, only those schools that took part in the counselor academy were eligible for District of Distinction.

     Now that they’ve taken the time (two months to be exact) to apply for and earn the state distinction, the MCSD trio has their minds set on earning the national award through the American School Counselors Association (ASCA). Known as RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program), Stenger said their ISCA consultant encouraged them to apply for the national award. The MCSD counselors were also encouraged to present their work at the state conference in November.

     “Very few schools in Iowa have RAMP,” shared Hospodarsky.

     While four schools in Iowa received the ISCA award, the MCSD was the only one in the Grant Wood AEA.

     Of the entire process, Hospodarsky said it shows that the work the counselor’s do is proactive and data driven.

     “It reflects a shift in understanding the role of school counselors,” she said. “We’re leaders and an integral part of the education system, and we advocate for the students and ourselves.”

     Stenger concurred. “I am a school counselor because I want to make a positive impact on the students’ lives. An award such as District of Distinction highlights the importance of that work and reinforces my passion for the school counseling profession.”

     Stenger said the award recognizes the entire school district’s dedication toward top-notch education.

     “This year’s District of Distinction recipients exemplify the collaborative nature of school counselors in impacting student success,” said Sheryl Cline, ISCA president-elect. “The recognition encourages school counselors across Iowa to continue to strive for excellence.”