Students need school counselors

Dear Annie: I am very concerned about the state of education, specifically as it relates to the elimination of services.

I am a high school counselor who is passionate about helping students and their families navigate through some of life’s most difficult obstacles, including drug and alcohol abuse, bullying, teen pregnancy, divorce, peer-pressure, self-esteem issues and academic struggles, to name a few.

Just as you often indicate in your column, sometimes school counselors are the only safe, reliable, resourceful adult with whom students can share their problems. However, in an attempt to save money, some schools are eliminating counselors, and the academic scheduling portion of our job is being delegated to clerical staff.

I am not blaming anyone. I understand the dilemma, but I am heartsick at the thought that students in need of emotional support are being abandoned. I admire our teachers and believe they make every effort to play a supporting role in the healthy development of our students. But with increased class sizes, that option of intervention and support is unrealistic.

It is my hope that this letter will help make our communities aware of the services available through their school counselors, as well as the need to keep these services intact. – J.

Dear J.: Budget cuts in nearly every state affect the public school system in ways that communities don’t always grasp until it’s too late. Kids today are faced with social and academic issues that their parents never contemplated. Often, school counselors are the only thing standing between our children and utter collapse. We hope this letter helps.