Shawnee Mission School District explores new counselor roles for K-6 students

The Shawnee Mission School District Board meeting on January 13, 2025, focused on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing student support and well-being. A significant discussion centered around the potential addition of counselors for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, with expectations for recommendations to be presented in upcoming meetings. This initiative reflects the district's commitment to addressing the mental health needs of younger students.

Board members highlighted the progress made in implementing strategies related to community inventories and the establishment of a well-being resource hub. These efforts are part of a broader plan to improve student support systems and are expected to continue throughout the year.

In a notable moment, a senior student shared her aspirations to attend Howard University and become an athletic trainer, emphasizing her desire to inspire younger students. This personal testimony underscored the district's focus on fostering leadership and mentorship among students.

Additionally, the board addressed concerns regarding a decline in student contacts with counselors and social workers, juxtaposed with an increase in social-emotional learning (SEL) interactions. The administration hypothesized that this trend may indicate improved tier 1 support within classrooms, suggesting that teachers and staff are effectively addressing students' needs at the classroom level before they escalate to requiring specialized support.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's ongoing efforts to enhance mental health resources and support for students, with a clear focus on proactive measures and community engagement. The board's commitment to these initiatives signals a positive direction for the well-being of students in the Shawnee Mission School District.