WARRENTON, N.C. — Students across the U.S., including in North Carolina, continue to deal with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, from playing catch-up in the classroom to coping with loss.
As we mark National School Counseling Week, we want to highlight the role of the school counselor, who is so vital to a child’s success in the school system.
What You Need To Know
Melvetta Taylor of Mariam Boyd Elementary School has been a school counselor for 35 years
Taylor says COVID-19 has had a direct impact on many of her students who have experienced death in the family or parents having lost their jobs
The school serves a predominately Black community where students’ needs are greater now because of the pandemic, according to Taylor
Melvetta Taylor, who comes from a family of educators, has been a school counselor for 35 years. She works at Mariam Boyd Elementary School, which is in a predominately Black community of low-income households.
Taylor is dedicated to helping her students. She gains their trust by developing relationships with them, whether it’s in her office during one-on-one student counseling sessions or in the classroom when she teaches lessons on emotions.
Taylor has seen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her students.
“They’re dealing with a lot of loss,” Taylor said. “They’re dealing with a lot of uncertainty. They’re dealing with having to keep it pushing, you know, when it’s real hard. Their parents aren’t working. They’ve lost jobs. I’ve got several students that have lost parents in the pandemic. And they come to school every day and I know it’s hard.”
Part of Taylor’s work in the classroom includes getting students to open up about their mental health. She also takes this time to check in on them, including any changes to their sleeping routine or eating habits.
During a recent visit to a third grade classroom, she handed out an assignment about sharing one’s feelings.
“Think of a recent situation when you did not share your feelings, but wish you had,” Taylor said.
While the students worked on the assignment, she picked up on how some of her students aren’t doing too well.
One student opened up about how she was feeling last week.
“Depression and sadness. And now this week I’m feeling a little bit better,” the student said. “And I feel like I still need to talk to somebody a little bit more.”
Taylor comforts another student whose family member is very ill.
“Makes you sad?” Taylor asked. “You know we are going to support you in here, don’t you? No matter what happens, it’s going to be OK.”
Taylor also gives them ways to handle their emotions when they’re feeling them.
“I could take 10 deep breaths. I could listen to some music,” Taylor said. “I can go outside and play with my pet. I can talk to my mom. I can talk to my parents about how I’m feeling.”
Taylor loves her job as a school counselor, and has hope for the students.
“I am seeing my students deal with more depression and anxiety,” Taylor said. “I am having to do more referrals out for more outside help, like clinical help for my students, because I can only go so far. And I feel like I want to see them thrive. I don’t just want to see them survive, I want to see them thrive.”
Taylor is the only school counselor at the school so it’s hard for her to spend time with each and every student. She says if she had her wish she’d want at least three more counselors at that school alone to help with her massive caseload.