During National Counselor’s Week in February, Kennedy Middle School honored school counselor, Shiva Walker. According to staff and students, Mrs. Walker has been a vital asset in maintaining the accuracy and efficiency of student schedules, grades, and records as it aligns with the expectations of excellence in Atlanta Public Schools. Mrs. Walker has effectively managed a one-woman team as the only counselor for 7th and 8th grade students, totaling a student population of 140 students.
Since the start of the school year Mrs. Walker has been observed enrolling and withdrawing students, and adjusting schedules with accuracy that mirrors excellence in an approach to attaining academic success. Regardless of her workload, Mrs. Walker always ensures that the student body is a first priority by making time to address the individual needs of each student.
Each day during counselor’s week, the school celebrated a theme that reflected appreciation and gratitude for Mrs. Walker. On “Mrs. Walker Knocks Our Socks Off” day everyone wore crazy socks, on “Hat’s Off to Mrs. Walker” day everyone was encouraged to wear their favorite hat, and on “My Heart is Filled with Gratitude” day students wrote messages of appreciation for Mrs. Walker on heart-shaped paper. The hearts were taped to Mrs. Walker’s door to serve as a constant reminder of the student and staff’s appreciation. Congratulations Mrs. Walker for a well deserving honor of service to students and staff!
Young Middle School Counselors, Allen and Wright, recently received the APS 2nd Place Trophy for College and Career Week. Young Middle School celebrated College and Career Readiness Week in grand style. College and Career Readiness Week at YMS consisted of motivational and laudatory activities to inspire students to set and accomplish their goals. Each student completed a college application as they learned about college admission requirements. YMS recognized student achievement during the “Striving for Excellence, but Settling for Perfection” awards ceremony, and hosted a career and college fair to expose students to the various opportunities available to them after graduation.
Hats off to the counselors at YMS for an inspiring College and Career Readiness Week!
