It’s timely and appropriate to take some time to recognize Darlene McLaughlin, Vincent Merendino and Jamie Betti during National School Counseling Week. They are the district’s three school counselors working with students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
“The intent of school counseling week is to make people aware of the role of a school counselor,” said McLaughlin, a district school counselor for nine years.
“I think a lot of times people misunderstand the role of a school counselor. Most people refer to us as guidance counselors, which is when we did scheduling and academic work. We still do that but we also work with students on their social and emotional issues.”
Vincent Merendino shared what he has enjoyed over his 22 years in the district.
“It’s diverse, so it’s always something different every day,” he said. “I don’t plan anything for the day because any time I do, it goes to the wayside anyway. There is always something different going on.”
Betti, a district school counselor in her fourth year, added, “I think my favorite thing is working directly with the students, and helping them set goals and working towards those goals.”
The work being done by the school counselors is greatly appreciated by colleagues and administrators.
“We bounce a lot of things off them when we’re making decisions on students and many times they have the answers that we don’t,” said Robert Knuschke, high school principal.
“In a small district, we get to have daily and hourly exchanges with their department. That makes a huge difference when we’re talking about individual students and making decisions that will impact the students. We’re blessed and spoiled to have them.”
Knuschke and the school counselors also highlighted the role of guidance/counseling office secretary Laura Maston for her work with students and staff, and organizing department events and trips.
The school counseling department is planning trips for sophomores to Dutchess BOCES Career & Technical Institute, and will be taking students to SUNY Delhi and a construction fair at Rockland Community College.
“Many unions will be there, so they’ll get to meet people. It’s another pathway to see what else is out there,” said Merendino of the construction fair.
EBIS Principal Jennifer Hengen added another important point regarding the school counselors.
“The doors are always open,” she said. “They’re always there to answer questions. They’re always there to support parents and students.”
