Parent Teacher Magazine Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools March 2014 | Page 9

Thu. MAR. 20
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has more than 300 counselors working
in all elementary, middle and high schools. They help students achieve
school success and plan for a career. National School Counseling Week,
celebrated Feb.
3–7, recognizes
the critical role
school counselors
play in the lives of
students.
Hickory
Grove Elementary
counselor John
Milline is one of
them. He has
worked in education
for seven years
with the goal of
transforming lives.
He has worked in
the classroom as a
substitute teacher,
teacher assistant
and special
education assistant.
He became a school
counselor to impact
students on a more
personal level.
“Growing up,
I tried hard to
remember my
counselor’s name
and I couldn’t. I
went into the profession because I felt it was my duty to give students what I
didn’t have, a caring school counselor,” said Milline.
Milline knows student success begins at an early age. His emphasis
is character development. He says that values such as how to share and
show self-control, focus, empathize with others’ feelings and resolve conflict
effectively are just as important as academics.
“A student’s social and emotional well-being is critical. If a student is
struggling in that area, it will affect their learning and impact the school
community,” said Milline.
Milline consistently provides proactive leadership. He has worked to
develop programs such as College Days, Young Men of Distinction and
Character Trait of the Month which promote career exploration, leadership
and social responsibility.
College Days gives students an opportunity to speak with community
members about careers, goal-setting and college. It also includes a career
fair. Young Men of Distinction provides fourth- and fifth-grade boys with
lessons focused on respect, responsibility, honesty, perseverance and good
citizenship. The Character Trait of the Month program recognizes and rewards
students who display an act of good character.
“Being a school counselor means that every day is different,” said Milline.
“Last week, I was planning activities for no-name calling week. This week,
I’m preparing students for our Young Men of Distinction tie ceremony.”
Milline also runs social groups, conducts peer mediation, provides
individual counseling and assists in classrooms. Despite his busy schedule,
Milline can be seen in the hallways speaking with students.
“I want the students to know who I am,” said Milline. “I don’t want them
to think I am here only when there is a problem. I am here to help them
pursue their dreams and reach their goals.”
His reach goes beyond the students. He also works in partnership with
parents, teachers and school administrators.
“I am often the bridge between school and home,” said Milline. “A
parent’s experience is important. When they know they are valued they
become our strongest partners.”

© Disney

Counseling with character

National School Counseling Wee