The hallways of Driscoll Middle School are filled with students shuffling to their next class. Many of them have a lot on their mind and sometimes need someone to talk to, that’s where ‘Student Teacher Assistive Network’ (STAN) counselors come in.
North East ISD is unique because every single middle school and high school campus has a STAN counselor.
Anita Forde works at both Driscoll Middle School and Bradley Middle School. She has also worked as an educator at Camelot Elementary and Ridgeview in the past.
“Sometimes counselors are getting pulled for different responsibilities. All we do is visit with kids. We do group counseling, we can spend an hour with a student if it’s needed; we can spend that extra time,” she said.
Forde said the STAN counselor’s job is to provide support for the counselors but they focus more on the mental health aspects of students.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a priority in NEISD.
“It was really exciting to hear Dr. Maika, when he came in to be our Superintendent, he was just very passionate about mental health. He made us excited because we are doing so many great things for the kids,” she said.
Thirteen-year-old Kelsey Allwood said she’s happy to have Ms. Forde on campus.
“It’s helped a lot because I was going through issues so she would pull me out of some of my classes and talk to me about personal things. Sometimes it didn’t have to be about how I was feeling, we would just start talking and it would be like really, really fun and it would calm me down for the rest of my day,” the eighth-grader said.
“Many students are just trying to find themselves. I think us being here helps them. They find that comfort; they find me office and know that it’s a safe place,” Forde added.
Kelsey said being a student at Driscoll has made her a stronger person and encouraged others to open up to their school counselors too.
“You don’t have to have a problem to go to counseling and it actually helps a lot so if you feel like you can’t talk to your friends or your family, it’s best to talk to someone,” Allwood added.
Ms. Forde said Driscoll is a place where students feel welcomed and safe as soon as they walk in the door.
“Honestly, last year was my first year here and it’s just a family. The teachers, the administrative team, the leadership team, they really just provide that great service to kids,” she said.
The counselors in NEISD are making a difference one child at a time.
Ms. Forde said she’s proud to be part of the pack.
“The kids need us and we are here and we are able to provide services for them. I’m there, I’m that person, I can be that person for somebody.”
To learn more about STAN program and their services, click here:
Discover the NEISD way, where our educators are nurturing and take the lead on addressing the emotional health of every student.
Ashley Speller
aspell@neisd.net
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