For immediate release
Nov. 8, 2011
Kathy Toelkes, Director of Communications
Seventeen Schools, One District Earn School Counseling Awards
TOPEKA –The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) recently recognized Kansas schools and districts for achieving excellence in the area of school counseling. Seventeen schools and a school district were honored at the Annual Fall Counselor Conference at Emporia State University on Nov. 3, 2011.
The awards were developed by KSDE based on the Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program and are presented to schools that demonstrate a high degree of alignment with the Comprehensive School Counseling Program and the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) in their school counseling program. Two levels of recognition are available. The Program of Excellence Award recognizes schools that demonstrate Kansas best practices through an online application process, while the Standard of Excellence Award honors those that not only demonstrate best practices through their application but also submit samples of their work in a portfolio.
“These schools are to be commended for their commitment to meeting and exceeding the guidelines of the Comprehensive School Counseling Program,” said KSDE Education Program Consultant Kent Reed. “From planning to implementation, these schools have focused on student achievement and have become models for other schools across the state to follow.”
Those receiving the Program of Excellence Award are Robert E. Clark Middle School, USD 204; Olathe Northwest High School, USD 233; Humboldt Charter School, USD 258; Humboldt Middle School, USD 258; Wellsville Elementary School, USD 289; St. Mary’s Junior/Senior High School, USD 321; Anthony Elementary School, USD 361; Harper Elementary School, USD 361; Riley County High School, USD 378; Riley County Grade School, USD 378; and Glenwood Ridge Elementary School, USD 458. Those receiving the Standard of Excellence Award were Cloud Elementary School, USD 259; Sunnyside Elementary School, USD 233; Ross Elementary School, USD 501; Garden City School District USD 457; Rochester Elementary School, USD 345; West Indianola Elementary School, USD 345; and Cottonwood Elementary, USD 385.
For more information on school counseling or the awards program, contact Kent Reed at (785) 296-8109 or visit http://www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1799.
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