Last week was National School Counselor Appreciation Week. It was also the first week our Public Schools on Military Installation (PSMIs) did not have a Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC). The Military and Family Life Counseling Program recently underwent a contract change and with that change—along with personal reasons—our MFLC decided to cease her continued work at Minot AFB. As we await the hire of a new MFLC for our three PSMIs, I couldn’t be more appreciative of our current Minot Public School Counselors assigned to Minot AFB: Ms. Thelma Theis (North Plains Elementary School), Ms. Betsy Casey (Dakota Elementary School), and Ms. Kylie Pawluk (Memorial Middle School). Their work is unique and warrants additional assistance with regard to resources to best support our military-connected students. As such, I thanked each school counselor last week and provided them with the following items: “Seasons of my Military Student” book, “Working with Military Children” workbook, Tutor.com bookmarks, Military-Connected Student Support Matching Game, Minot AFB’s list of CDC/YC/Homeschool/Adult MFLCs, MFLC Brochure, Minot AFB School Liaison tumbler, and handwritten note of appreciation. All that I gave—once—cannot compare to all that they give every single day to our students. They deserve our deepest appreciation!
Our Minot AFB counselors have varied experience as school counselors at our PSMIs. This is Ms. Pawluk’s first year at Memorial Middle School and this is Ms. Casey’s fourth year at Dakota Elementary School. In contrast, this is Ms. Theis’s 25th year at North Plains Elementary School, and throughout these years she has split her time between North Plains/Dakota, North Plains/Bell, and North Plains/Longfellow.
I asked each counselor, “Do you think there’s a difference between military-connected students and civilian students with regard to supports needed or behaviors?” Ms. Pawluk responded, “I do believe that military connected students live a unique lifestyle that not everyone can relate to, such as frequent moves and deployments. Many in-town students often have family members nearby and many grow up attending the same schools with the same group [of] peers. In contrast, military connected students may have thousands of miles between them and their family and rarely stay in one place long enough to start and finish their school career with the same school or peer group. This can lead them to constantly adjusting to new environments. At the same time, middle school students are developmentally very similar regardless of military affiliation. All students benefit from constant support and strong relationships. While military connected students may need additional support related to transitions and connections, they are still middle school students first and share many of the same needs as their peers.”
Ms. Casey shared that all the on-base students are in the same boat with their moves and transitions, so all are so supportive of each other. The staff see it, too. In contrast, she said the schools downtown don’t experience the same camaraderie from this shared experience, so they receive different kinds of supports. Ms. Theis responded, “I most definitely believe there is a difference between military-connected students versus civilian [students] and support needed.” Ms. Theis said all students can encounter challenges that arise at any given time, but “Military students will face the challenge of having to PCS, numerous times. Each transition brings its own unique challenges. Leaving friends, classmates behind, maybe moving further away from family. Civilian students face their own daily challenges, but don’t have to worry about a parent deploying for a length of time.”
When asked what the best part of their job is, all counselors agreed it was the students. Ms. Pawluk responded, “The best part of my job as the school counselor is the daily interaction with students. I love being in the hallways, greeting students in the morning, and wishing them a good day. It is those small moments that connections are built. What brings me the most satisfaction is the appreciation I receive from both the students and the staff. It is great knowing that students feel supported and that staff value my role as a school counselor.” Ms. Casey said, “The kids. The community on the base. It’s a great community. This is not anyone’s permanent home, but they try to make the most of it and are very welcoming.” Ms. Theis shared this similar thought, “The best part of my job is the students. Their background, what knowledge and skills they possess and bring each day. Seeing them grow and become role models and leaders in the school and transferring it into the community. I am truly fortunate to be part of a military school, because of the support military parents also bring and willingly share to make sure our schools feel like home.”
I can honestly say, I agree with our counselors’ sentiments! The best part of my job is working with students, families, school staff, community members, and commanders on real-time military-connected student supports within a welcoming, homelike community. We collaborate with great people on behalf of great people who serve and sacrifice!
As the MPS guidance counselors continue providing exemplary care to our military-connected students, I want to thank them for their time and support. Our students—often deemed “at-risk” due to their significant social, emotional, and academic challenges arising from frequent moves and parental deployments—are lucky to learn in these Purple Star schools with professionals dedicated to their success.
The information in this article is provided as a resource and does not constitute endorsement by Minot AFB, the United States Air Force, or the Department of War of the external website, or the information, products, or services contained therein.
The information in this article is provided as a resource and does not constitute endorsement by Minot AFB, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense of the external website, or the information, products, or services contained therein.
