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Colorful Restored Bottles
Hope and Healing in Times of Crisis: The Vital Role of School Counselors
School counselors serve as first responders for emotional recovery, offering a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene is no exception. As families return to damaged homes and students face the trauma of disrupted lives, the role of the school counselor is indispensable.
These types of community crises, whether caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, community violence or any other disasters, leave lasting impacts on our students and families. As school counselors, you stand at the forefront of the recovery process, providing the emotional support and hope that are so crucial during these times. Your role is instrumental in helping students regain their footing, providing them with a safe space to process their emotions, and guiding the school community toward healing.
While the immediate aftermath of a crisis can feel overwhelming, it also serves as an important reminder to review your school crisis response plans. Ensuring that these plans are up to date is key to preparing for and responding to future challenges. Take a moment to look through your school's crisis plan and make necessary adjustments. Consider whether your current resources are adequate and update any elements that may need revision. A proactive approach can make all the difference when faced with unexpected emergencies.
It is always recommended to review these plans with your principal and leadership team, as well as with your school-based crisis team if one has been established. Here are some important steps to take when reviewing your school's crisis plan from a counseling perspective:
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Assess the plan for current relevance – Are there new factors in your school or community that may need to be addressed? Have any roles or staff responsibilities shifted?
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Update contact information – Ensure that emergency contact lists are current, including those for local emergency services, mental health professionals and key school staff.
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Refresh your resource list – Identify the mental health and community support resources that students and families can access in times of crisis. Consider whether additional partnerships with local agencies or services should be established.
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Practice your plan – Regular crisis drills and discussions help ensure that staff know how to respond when emergencies arise. Don’t wait until a crisis happens—make sure everyone is well-prepared.
As school counselors, part of your role in crisis response is to act as a bridge between students and the resources they need to heal. Below are some valuable resources that can support your school-based crisis response efforts:
Crisis Response Resources for Schools:
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National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has developed a curated list of resources specifically related to Hurrican Helene, however, it also provides many resources for traumatic experiences in general that are helpful for schools. NCTSN Trauma Resources
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The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) offers a comprehensive guide for school crisis response, including tools for mental health support and trauma recovery. NASP Crisis Resources
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The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) provides resources for crisis planning and response, with guidance on how to support students during and after traumatic events. ASCA Crisis Response Guide
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a wealth of information on school emergency management planning, including resources for natural disasters and school-based response. FEMA School Preparedness
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The Red Cross also provides tools for schools, including preparedness plans, disaster recovery guidance, and mental health support. Red Cross School Resources
By taking the time now to revisit and refine your crisis plans, you help ensure that your school is as prepared as possible for any future events. While crises like Hurricane Helene remind us of the unpredictability of life, they also reveal the profound impact school counselors have in leading their communities through hardship. In every crisis, you provide the steady hand that helps students and families find hope, healing and resilience.
Never doubt the value of your work. I am honored to work with such a remarkable, compassionate and life changing role group like our Kentucky School Counselors.
 The Kentucky Advising Academy will be hosting their monthly webinar on Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. ET, launching the Postsecondary Advising Framework’s implementation guidance. Scan the QR code above to register.
2024-2025 Mental Health Professional Use of Time Survey Due Nov. 1
Per KRS 158.4416(3)(f), the local school district superintendent shall report to the Kentucky Department of Education, no later than Nov. 1 of each year, "the number of school-based mental health service providers, the position held, placement in the district, certification or licensure held, the source of funding for each position, a summary of the job duties and work undertaken by each school-based mental health service provider, and the approximate percent of time devoted to each duty over the course of the year."
Language in the survey has been updated for the 2024-2025 school year to reflect Senate Bill (SB) 2 (2024). To help school-based mental health services professionals align their time tracking with these new requirements, we are releasing the survey earlier this school year.
This School-Based Mental Health Services Provider Professional Use of Time Survey has been created by the Kentucky Department of Education so that each school district's superintendent can fulfill this requirement. In the survey, there is a "Read Me First" tab which gives instructions on how to best complete this process. An instructional video has also been created to assist school districts in completing the Use of Time Survey.
For technical questions or assistance, please contact Leslie.McKinney@education.ky.gov. If you require clarification or have any questions regarding the survey, please contact Michelle.Sircy@education.ky.gov.
REMINDER: Date Change for First School Counselor Summit
There has been a date change for the first School Counselor Summit. The first School Counselor Summit will be held on Oct. 23. The summit will be focused on behavior, trauma and the school counselor.
Advance registration is required to attend the School Counselor Summit. We hope you can join us for learning that is developed specifically with you in mind.
Effective Instructional Leadership Act (EILA) certificates will be provided.
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