Throughout a student’s journey from kindergarten to high school, school counselors provide immense support and guidance to ensure each student achieves personal and academic success. The impact our school counselors leave on our school community is truly irreplaceable, and we’re so thankful for each and every one of our counselors across the Minnetonka Public School District!

From February 7-11, Minnetonka joins districts across the country in celebrating National School Counseling Week. This week, make sure to thank your counselor for all the amazing work they do! 

In honor of National School Counseling Week, we connected one of our very own staff members, Laura Rosati from Minnetonka Middle Schools West (MMW), to learn more about her role as a school counselor.

Describe the functions of your day-to-day job. What does a typical day as a school counselor look like?

Rosati: Every day is different as a school counselor, there is no “typical” day, and that is why I love my job.  I sincerely wouldn’t have it any other way!  Some days we are teaching developmental school counseling lessons in the classroom, other days we are meeting as a team to brainstorm ideas on how to academically support a struggling student, and then out of nowhere we are consoling a student in crisis.

What role do you play in your building as a school counselor?

Rosati: I often tell kids I have the best job in the school; I get to work with ALL of them, just not at the same time like in a classroom.  My role as a school counselor is to be a student advocate, teaching them how to use their voice even if it is hard or uncomfortable.  Each student’s feelings are important and need to be heard, no matter how small or trivial it might feel at the time. To the students their feelings are very big and very real.

What do you do to help students feel welcome and cared for in their meetings with you and at school in general?

Rosati: Middle School is tough, most of our kids are trying to find out who they are and where they fit in. It is a counselor’s job to truly listen to them without judgment. Every kid needs to know someone has their back no matter what. I may not always agree with what a student has said or done, but I will always listen to their side of the story. It’s their job to learn and make mistakes, and it is our job to help them make better choices in the future. Once a relationship and trust has been formed, students are more willing to empathize with others, and make a move towards positive change.

 Is there anything you want students, staff and parents to know about the counseling department at your school? 

Rosati: Being a school counselor can be tough, but it’s our job to stay strong, help problem-solve and be consistent. Our counseling team at MMW has been together supporting students for over 15 years.  We love our jobs, love our school and students, and love each other. We couldn’t do our jobs day in and day out without each other.     

Counselors are integral in the Minnetonka Schools community. Let’s celebrate the expertise and compassion school counselors bring to our community this week. Thank you, counselors!