Meet+the+Counselor

My name is Ms. Heinrichs and I am beginning my 15th year as the Middle School Counselor at West Delaware Middle School. I'm really looking forward to meeting all the 6th graders, seeing the 7th and 8th grade students again, and helping all new students transition to middle school. Getting to know students and parents is an extremely exciting part of my job so I'm looking forward to meeting each of you!
 * ​Meet the Middle School Counselor**

I'd like to tell you a little bit about myself so that you will learn about me and feel comfortable getting to know me. I'm originally from Garnavillo, IA and attended Luther College in Decorah. I majored in Physical Education, Health and coaching. I had a one year temporary position at UNI teaching physical education activity classes and assisting with the women's basketball program. I then taught and coached at Sibley-Ocheyedan Schools in northwest Iowa for sixteen years. I completed my master's degree in school counseling (K-12) from Wayne State College and then accepted my current position here at West Delaware.

My hobbies include walking, biking, reading, and scrapbooking. My son graduated from West Delaware and he is attending college to major in sports management/business.

I became a middle school counselor because the preteen/tween/teen years are full of changes and I want to assist students in their transition from "being kids" to becoming responsible adolescents. Throughout the middle school years, each student will benefit from various opportunities aimed at assisting them in their Academic, Personal, Social, and Career Development. As a solution-focused counselor, I actively seek to focus on pointing out student strengths (rather than weaknesses), to focus on the future (rather than the past), and to help students brainstorm appropriate ways to handle situations, and then encourage them to commit to what they are willing to to do to make a positive choice. The middle school experience is full of changes for students and parents, but don't fear! Students and parents can get through the transition smoothly with open communication, respectful relationships, expanding boundaries, and open minds. Even though students may start to "push away", a part of them still wants and needs structure, clear expectations, follow-through, consequences, regular communication, and time with their parents (even if they don't act like it or tell you, they still need your support!). If you're interested in learning more about the parent/child relationship during these transitional years, check out some of the great resources on the **Parents & Guardians** page (on the left side of the screen).

So, thank you in advance for the positive interactions we'll have together in middle school! I look forward to meeting each of you and working together to make middle school a great learning experience!

Thank you, Ms. Heinrichs Middle School Counselor

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 * If you're interested in learning more about the role of the School Counselor, check out this link:**

Please keep in mind that the role of the School Counselor is very diverse and varies by setting (different school districts) and level (elementary, middle & high school). This link provides a quick overview for your information but is in no way meant to be a specific outline of the role because it varies so much!