School Counselors Change Lives Beyond Just Scheduling Classes

A simple morning greeting can change a student's entire day, and school counselors know this better than anyone.

Aldine ISD celebrates National School Counseling Week Feb. 2 through 6, 2026, shining a light on the counselors who do far more than help students pick classes. These educators serve as mental health supporters, career guides, crisis responders, and sometimes the only trusted adult a struggling student has.

"School counselors are advocates, collaborators, and problem-solvers," said Dr. Josie Treviño-García, Aldine ISD's director of guidance and counseling. They partner with families to remove barriers and ensure every student gets the support they need to succeed.

At Odom Elementary School, counselor Kimberly Christian starts each day greeting students during morning drop-off. These quick check-ins help her spot when something's wrong and spread encouragement before the school day even begins.

Throughout the day, Christian visits classrooms to support social-emotional learning and meets individually with students. She responds to unexpected needs that pop up, always keeping student well-being at the center.

The work goes beyond feel-good moments. Christian recently helped a student struggling with self-harm by working closely with the family and connecting them to outside therapy resources. The student now has safer ways to cope, and the family feels supported through the journey.

"When I call parents to check on absent students, one parent told me she could really tell that I love her child and go the extra mile," Christian said. "That made my counselor's heart smile."

Why This Inspires

School counselors teach skills textbooks can't capture: time management, conflict resolution, resilience, and self-advocacy. They help students explore career interests and prepare for college or workforce pathways that match their unique strengths.

For students navigating trauma, poverty, language barriers, or uncertainty about the future, counselors ensure doors stay open instead of closing. They speak up for student needs, coordinate services, and help families navigate complex systems.

The early intervention matters because small challenges don't have to become big crises. Counselors build relationships, monitor patterns, and collaborate with teachers and families to catch warning signs early.

Christian wants students to know one important thing: "Students are not in trouble when they see me. I'm not a disciplinarian. If something or someone is hurting them, they know they can trust me."

Districtwide, this counseling support has led to better student engagement, stronger school connectedness, and improved overall school climate. Families can reach out directly to their campus counselor anytime for support or guidance throughout the school year.

Every student deserves a trusted adult in their corner, and Aldine ISD counselors show up for that role every single day.