The week of February 7-11 has been named National School Counseling Week, a time to recognize the importance of school counselors, honoring their contribution to the educational process.
Additionally, proclamations from State Superintendent of Public Education Joy Hofmeister and Marietta Public Schools Superintendent Brandi Naylor have been signed to honor counselors on the state and local levels. In celebration of the week, Marietta Public Schools is honoring their counseling staff members: Tonya Bucher, Kimberly Fraire, Candy McDonald, Heather McMahon, and Alyson Stokes.
Tonja Bucher
Although she has been with MPS since 2015, Tonya Bucher is serving in her first year as a high school counselor. Bucher is a 1996 graduate of Coleman High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant in 2011. She is currently taking master’s classes.
In her work with mostly juniors and seniors, Bucher is helping students create a plan for post-secondary education, certification programs, or careers that can be updated as necessary.
“I think the main goal of education as a teacher or counselor, is to make sure kids have the necessary tools to become productive members of society,” she said. “It’s the most important job there is.”
Kim Fraire
Fraire, a 2003 Marietta grad who received her bachelor’s degree from SOSU in 2007 and her master’s from East Central University in 2003, has been a high school counselor at Marietta since 2014
After being the sole high school counselor, Fraire was thrilled when the school hired an additional; counselor this year, giving them the ability and time to focus on the needs of more students. Fraire considers giving kids the support to choose a path for their life the most important part of her job.
“College readiness is near and dear to my heart,” she explained, “so I really try to push students to look at a college or vocational program that can give them gainful employment.”
Candi McDonald
McDonald has been in education for 14 years, the past three at Marietta. This is her first year to serve as primary school counsel. McDonald earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas in Denton and is currently working toward her master’s in counseling at SOSU.
“I work to provide students with a safe place to share, and to empower them by listening, being consistent, and showing them and others love and respect,” she said.
McDonald is implementing the American School Counselor Association program, which includes the implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on student behaviors and educational needs and focuses on the closure of achievement and opportunity gaps with the goal of results that demonstrate achievement as well as improved attendance and discipline outcomes.
Heather McMahon
McMahon graduated from Marietta in 1989 and SOSU in 1993. After earning her master’s degree in school counseling, McMahon worked at Turner before coming to Marietta, where she’s now been an elementary school counselor for nine years.
Through individual counseling and small group meetings, McMahon works with students on issues such as relationship skills, communication, social-awareness, decision-making, and self-awareness, teaching them strategies that enable them to better understand how they should interact with others, solve problems, and cope with things that stress them.
McMahon’s love for dressing up means she’s often seen around campus dressed as a donut who tells kids “Donut be a bully,” or a taco who offers, “Let’s taco about your feelings.”
Alyson Stokes
Middle school counselor Alyson Stokes is another MHS graduate. After attending MPS for 13 years, she graduated in 2003 before attending SOSU, receiving her bachelor’s degree in 2008.
Stokes taught at Turner for seven years before returning to her alma mater in 2015 as a middle school Language Arts teacher. As a teacher who found herself drawn to supporting students who were struggling, Stokes decided to obtain her counseling certification. Serving in her first year as counselor in the middle school, Stokes sees her position as one of support to staff and students alike.
“I am trying to bring a positive attitude and optimistic vibe,” she said. “I try to be in the hallways encouraging the kids, and in the classrooms staying up-to-date on what’s going on with teachers. I like to go to ball games and performances to cheer everybody on. I believe it’s necessary to make meaningful connections with the students and staff to ensure they know that they are supported and valued.”
Counselors are valued members of the educational process, at Marietta, and in public schools all over the country.
“School counselors have an extremely important role in our schools,” said Primary Principal Ann Rutledge. “They are able to use their knowledge and expertise to make an impact with students that helps them to be not only more successful in their educational experience, but also in life.”
Middle School Principal Carrie Tucker said that school counselors assist and support students through what are often the most challenging times of their lives.
According to Elementary Principal Dana McMillin, school counselors wear many hats.
“Our counselors meet with students on everything from improving grades to talking about conflict and even home life issues,” she said, “and they’re always looking for ways to spread kindness.”