For more than a month our nation’s eyes, ears, and hearts have been focused on the survivors, victims, and victims families of the Tucson Tragedy.  Although tragedies unite us, despite our differences, and bring out the best in mankind, the pain and heartache is lasting. One of the most poignant stories of the Tucson Tragedy was the loss of 9-year-old Christina-Taylor Green. With National School Counseling Week drawing to a close, I can’t help my thoughts from turning to the classmates of Christina-Taylor Green.  Even though we can visibly see the affects of this national tragedy in the news, we don’t see the suffering of those in the community who don’t make the front-page news story.

After the tragic shooting, Mesa Verde Elementary School in Tucson immediately implemented measures to help the classmates of Christina-Taylor Green, parents, and teachers. Without hesitation, superintendents performed the necessary measure to have eight counselors on hand at Mesa Verde Elementary to not only prep staff, but to privately help the deeply affected students.  With crisis teams in place and focused support available for students, Mesa Verde Elementary shed light on why school counselors have become an integral part of our school systems.

Although I’ve personally never been directly affected by a tragedy like the Tucson shootings, there were many moments throughout my early education where school counselors played a vital role in assisting students with loss. The work of school counselors goes beyond academics and career development; they are vital members of the education teams and community.

Hopefully you all took a moment to give your school counselor a deserved Thank You!