How CDS School Counselors Amplify Student Success
National School Counselor Week shines a light on work that often happens quietly, but shapes our students in lasting ways. Through reflections tied to this year’s theme, School Counselors Amplify Student Success, you will have the opportunity to see how the CDS school counseling team supports, guides, and walks alongside our students every single day.
National School Counselor Week (February 2nd–6th) shines a light on work that often happens quietly but shapes our students in loud and lasting ways. At Carrollwood Day School, this work is woven into the fabric of every division, where dedicated counselors support the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual well-being of every child. Whether through individual sessions, advisory programs, or partnerships with families, they ensure no student walks alone.
This week, we bring the national theme, "School Counselors Amplify Student Success," to life through the voices of our own team. Led by Department Chair and Middle School Counselor Sara Tullis, our counselors, Molly Villani and Claire Dosher (Lower School) and Pedro Miller and Fay Noil (Upper School), reflect on the intention and expertise behind the moments that help our students feel safe, confident, and ready to learn.
I amplify students’ success by…
Our counselors shared that “School Counselors amplify students’ success by providing a safe space for students to feel comfortable expressing themselves and working through the often new and BIG emotions they are facing every day.” This sense of safety is the foundation of everything else. It is in these moments, sometimes small and sometimes heavy, that students learn they are heard, valued, and never alone as they navigate growing up.
I amplify my success by …
The focus then shifted behind the scenes, reminding us that “School Counselors amplify their own success by staying up to date on the trends of mental health needs for children of all ages.” Our counselors are lifelong learners, committed to understanding the evolving challenges students face so they can provide thoughtful, informed support that meets students where they are today.
School counseling programs amplify student success by…
The next reflection highlighted the intentional framework guiding this work. “School counseling programs amplify student success by committing to a counseling framework that is driven by the CDS vision of building a community prepared to better the world, and the mission to cultivate principled entrepreneurial thinkers.” Rooted in our core values, the IB Learner Profile, and a strong focus on student wellbeing, this framework ensures that counseling at CDS supports the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally.
School systems amplify student success when they…
Reinforcing a belief shared across our community, CDS School Counselors shared that the “school systems amplifies student success when they prioritize social-emotional wellbeing as the foundation for academic achievement, recognizing that a student must feel safe, seen, and supported before they can truly learn and grow.” This understanding shapes how we support students each day and underscores why counseling is not separate from learning, but essential to it.
Families can help amplify their student’s success by…
Finally, they share an important reminder of the partnership between school and home. “Families can help amplify their student’s success by transitioning from the leader of their child’s academics at the ECC to their supportive partner throughout upper LS, MS and US.” By maintaining firm guardrails, encouraging a growth mindset, and viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth, families empower students to face challenges with confidence and resilience.
We are incredibly grateful for our school counseling team and the care, expertise, and heart they bring to our community. Their work amplifies student success in ways both visible and unseen, helping shape students who feel supported, capable, and prepared not only for school, but for life beyond our campus.