It’s the third week of school, you’ve just gotten used to your teachers. An office aid comes to the door and with a new schedule for you. One that is completely different. Now you have to get used to a new class, new people, and a new teacher.
Only 5 counselors manage the 2600 students we have now, so what would it be like if they weren’t here? Last month, the ESUHSD board of trustees proposed to cut 13.5 counselor jobs. However, on February 26, 2018, the Board voted against the layoffs after outrage from parents and students. Mr. Allan Roberts, Silver Creek’s head counselor, expressed his joy that the board voted against the layoffs, but also showed dismay when he revealed the Board is already threatening once again to cut counselors in the next 2 years.
“I’m very happy that the board decided against the layoffs. It moved me to see so many students and parents come out and support us during the board meetings. However, seeing them already threaten to propose these cuts again makes me upset, because it means we may have to lose our less experienced counselors, but the students are more powerful than they think. They have the ability to change so much. I hope we won’t have to deal with this issue again, but if we do, hopefully the support we got this year expands.” said Roberts.
Only 5 counselors manage the 2600 students we have now, so what would it be like if they weren’t here? Last month, the ESUHSD board of trustees proposed to cut 13.5 counselor jobs. However, on February 26, 2018, the Board voted against the layoffs after outrage from parents and students. Mr. Allan Roberts, Silver Creek’s head counselor, expressed his joy that the board voted against the layoffs, but also showed dismay when he revealed the Board is already threatening once again to cut counselors in the next 2 years.
“I’m very happy that the board decided against the layoffs. It moved me to see so many students and parents come out and support us during the board meetings. However, seeing them already threaten to propose these cuts again makes me upset, because it means we may have to lose our less experienced counselors, but the students are more powerful than they think. They have the ability to change so much. I hope we won’t have to deal with this issue again, but if we do, hopefully the support we got this year expands.” said Roberts.
If the District decides to go through with the layoffs, Silver Creek’s scheduling process would become even more hectic than it already is during the beginning of the school year. Silver Creek’s population already exceeds the number recommended for our school, and each year the number keeps growing. The current student to counselor ratio is already 500 students per counselor. If anything, Silver Creek needs more counselors, not less.
It’s not just scheduling that will become more hectic, but resources for college admissions will also diminish. The counselors are ready to answer any questions about college or the future in general. For example, not many students know what classes they should be taking to get into a certain major, but who’s there for them? The counselors! A lot of students also look at colleges for the name and the prestige, but don’t look at the colleges that actually specialize in what they want to do. I’ve met people who have said they want to go into pharmacy or dental, and they threw out colleges like UC Berkeley or UC Davis, but in reality, these are not the best schools for those majors.
It’s not just scheduling that will become more hectic, but resources for college admissions will also diminish. The counselors are ready to answer any questions about college or the future in general. For example, not many students know what classes they should be taking to get into a certain major, but who’s there for them? The counselors! A lot of students also look at colleges for the name and the prestige, but don’t look at the colleges that actually specialize in what they want to do. I’ve met people who have said they want to go into pharmacy or dental, and they threw out colleges like UC Berkeley or UC Davis, but in reality, these are not the best schools for those majors.
If you want to apply for a private school through the Common App, a recommendation from your counselor is required on your application. If we have fewer counselors, then the chance of you getting a good letter of recommendation is unlikely. With 500 students, counselors have difficulty getting to know a student personally. Imagine the number of counselors at 3. That means each counselor will have almost 900 students to worry about. Mr. Roberts expressed his desire for students to try to get to know their counselors one on one. He wants students to understand that counselors can help with more than just scheduling, college apps, and due dates.
“For the students I know well, writing their letters of rec is a breeze, but for students who I only see once a year during class meetings or scheduling, it’s extremely difficult because I don’t know them well enough. We’re trying our best so that we can get you on the path to graduation and to the future you’re meant for.” said Roberts.
It’s great that the layoffs aren’t happening, but this should be a wakeup call for students who take their counselors for granted. The counselors deserve more recognition. When you see your counselor around campus, make sure that you say hi! Don’t be scared to talk to them about anything regarding college and the future.
“For the students I know well, writing their letters of rec is a breeze, but for students who I only see once a year during class meetings or scheduling, it’s extremely difficult because I don’t know them well enough. We’re trying our best so that we can get you on the path to graduation and to the future you’re meant for.” said Roberts.
It’s great that the layoffs aren’t happening, but this should be a wakeup call for students who take their counselors for granted. The counselors deserve more recognition. When you see your counselor around campus, make sure that you say hi! Don’t be scared to talk to them about anything regarding college and the future.