Introduction

I am Mrs. Foster and I have been with the Henry County R-1 School District since 2006. I taught in the areas of FACS and Business for 12 years, and this will be my seventh year as the WHS Counselor. I am honored to get the opportunity to serve WHS students and work with the Windsor Community. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with double majors in Accounting and General Management, and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree with an emphasis in Secondary Vocational Business Education from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. I received my Master of Arts in School Counseling from Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis. I hope to be a positive role model and example of the importance of lifelong learning and growth.

I live on a farm outside of Windsor with my husband of 38 years, John. We have a daughter, Morganne, son-in-law, John, and three adorable granddaughters, Andie, Kit, and Wren, that live in Arkansas; and a son, Wyatt, and future daughter-in-law, Sarah, from Windsor. I am blessed beyond words! When I am not working, I like to exercise, hunt, shop, travel, and spend time with friends and family. I am also an avid sports fan of the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and St. Louis Blues. I love supporting WHS students in their activities and sports, too -- Go Greyhounds! 

Making a Difference as a High School Counselor

I welcome the challenge of building a solid, comprehensive school counseling program that provides consistency for students for several years to come. I believe it is easier to build and carry out student individualized career and academic plans (ICAPs) when program goals are flexible, yet uniform, from year to year. My program goals are to guide students in the areas of academics, career planning, and personal/social development and aligning my professional goals with the visions of Missouri Baptist University (MBU) and their Graduate Counseling Program: Collaborating with stakeholders; advocating for improvements in students’ learning; enriching the personal growth of students; and leading efforts for systemic change in the school system based on the diverse needs of students (Missouri Baptist University, n.d.). 

A priority of mine is to ensure all students feel safe and connected to caring adults in a trusted school environment with basic needs being met (“Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program”, 2017). I believe this must be present before students are able to focus on academics and future careers. I treat students with utmost respect and professionalism and hold them to high expectations in their academic performance, character development, and work ethic. It is important to empower students and I strongly urge them to become involved in school activities (co-curricular FBLA, FFA, FCCLA; extra-curricular Sports, Clubs; service learning projects/charity work) that promote peer collaboration, teamwork, community involvement, and leadership skills.

In carrying my professional goals forward as a leader in my community and as a secondary school counselor, I will implement the following: 

• Expand and individualize Windsor High School’s Comprehensive Counseling Program Manual based on student needs, supporting data, and SMART goals; execute and manage the program with the help of a Guidance Advisory Committee with defined action steps and timelines; and promote ongoing evaluation and enhancement of the program (“Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program”, 2017).

• Build meaningful and trusting relationships with students by being present, getting to know them and their families, and really listening to address their educational, physical, social, and emotional needs.  I wish to be a liaison between students and their parents, educators, and surrounding communities. 

• Analyze test information and other evaluation data to identify student abilities, interests, skills, and achievements and help them form short- and long-term goals in reaching career and academic plans they will take ownership in (“Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program”, 2017). 

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to develop counselor curriculum based on counseling standards and deliver to students through structured groups (career fairs), classroom instruction (internal and external resources), and related school assemblies on character education, life-coping skills, decision-making skills, career exploration, etc. (“Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program”, 2017)

Benefits will be student satisfaction with their learning and education; increased MAP/EOC scores; better attendance, higher graduation rates, and decreased discipline problems; as well as increased parent/guardian involvement and improved community relationships (“Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program”, 2017). 

I seek the opportunity to serve my students, their parents/guardians, my school district, and local surrounding communities promoting collaborative efforts to leave positive imprints on students’ lives. I strive to teach and guide students to form high standards of morals and values; to appreciate differences in persons and cultures; to treat everyone just and fair; to embark in a life of service, leadership, and lifelong learning; and to become successful and productive members of society.

References: 

Missouri Baptist University. (n.d.) About MBU. Retrieved from https://www.mobap.edu/about-mbu/

Missouri Baptist University. (n.d.) Graduate Counseling. Retrieved from  

               https://www.mobap.edu/academics/graduate-counseling/

Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program Manual. (2017). Missouri Department of 

                Elementary and Secondary Education. Retrieved from 

  https://dese.mo.gov/sites/default/files/cnsl-missouri-comprehensive-school-counseling-   

  manual-2017_0.pdf

Role of the School Counselor