St. Vrain Valley School District’s 120 counselors and interventionists will rely on each other so they can better help students returning to in-person classes on Monday.
Kristin Hefflon, the district’s Student Services coordinator, said counselors have formed a community to swap knowledge and expertise. All of which can be used to aid students who might fear going back to brick-and-mortar classrooms after a month of online learning.
“The counselors know they can look to each other to help solve problems that might come up,” Hefflon said. “They know they are supported and valued which increases their ability to support students.”
When the COVID-19 outbreak forced schools to close and St. Vrain went to online learning this spring, the district’s counselors increased professional development efforts through the American School Counselor Association, Hefflon said.
“We wanted to increase our skill sets to respond to the needs of our students,” she said. “We want to make sure they are inspired and motivated so they can better help our students.”
The district opted to begin this school year fully online to adhere to local and state health guidelines aimed at controlling the spread of the pandemic. Nearly all St. Vrain students will start Monday on a hybrid schedule by attending in-person classes on a part-time basis.
Superintendent Don Haddad last month told school board members that every precaution is being taken — including mask wearing and social distancing — to keep students and staff healthy.
Some parents still worry the district is rushing into in-person learning without properly ensuring student and staff safety.
District officials say they are aware anxiety will be high when students return to class and are using curriculum and counselors to ease fears.
“We have a robust social-emotional learning and health curriculum for students at all grade levels,” district spokeswoman Kerri McDermid said. “Additionally, counseling staff and interventionists will continue to work with students individually to provide ongoing high levels of support.”
