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WAYNESBORO, VA (Rocktown Now) – Wenonah Elementary has been selected by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) as a Model Comprehensive School Program site, a distinction awarded to schools demonstrating exceptional school counseling practices and a commitment to supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, and career readiness development.
Wenonah will be added to a statewide list of exemplary programs that other school counselors across Virginia may visit to learn from its innovative counseling practices. Visits will allow other educators to see firsthand how comprehensive counseling programs are successfully implemented.
The school has also received a certificate of recognition and a care package from VDOE as a token of appreciation for its contribution to advancing school counseling practices across the state.
School Counseling Program | Photo source: Wenonah Elementary School
“Our counseling team is a dynamic and compassionate group dedicated to meeting the social-emotional needs of students, families, and staff. They work collaboratively with teachers, leadership, community partners, and service providers to ensure a wide variety of needs are addressed,” said Abby Arey, Wenonah Elementary principal in a release. “Through their expertise, flexibility, and commitment, they provide meaningful services that foster growth, connection, and well-being across our entire school community. I am proud and humbled by their exceptional work and dedication to their craft.”
“Megan and I are fortunate to work as a full-time school counseling team, which allows us to do extra proactive programming rather than focusing our time on reactive services,” said Hannah Mills, Wenonah Elementary school counselor. “Additionally, we are part of a strong mental health team, including our school psychologist and social worker, and have tremendous support from our administrator. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve as a model for the state.”