WISE COUNSEL

Estelle M., 2nd Grade

Minnesota Secondary Counselor of the Year: “The mental health needs of students do not shut off like a light switch when summer hits.”

By Bruce Lombard, MSBA Associate Director of Communications and Marketing

Amanda Bomstad This past spring, Amanda Bomstad was named the Minnesota Secondary Counselor of the Year by the Minnesota School Counselors Association. Bomstad — a counselor at Mankato West High School — said she was surprised and honored when she heard the news.

“The acknowledgement is a testament to the work I do as an advocate for the students and families I serve as a school counselor,” Bomstad said. “I enjoy all elements of school counseling: academic selections, college and career planning, and the social-emotional development of students throughout their educational journey.” Bomstad graduated from Atwater-CosmosGrove City (ACGC) High school before earning Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Minnesota, Morris — with majors in psychology and human services, and a sociology minor. She later completed her master’s degree in professional school counseling from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has been a high school counselor for 15 years — her first seven with Owatonna High School and the last eight with Mankato West. She also is licensed as a K-12 principal, a position she has yet to pursue. In addition to her state award, Bomstad was selected for consideration for national recognition through the American School Counselors Association (ASCA). Bomstad said she is currently working on completing her ASCA nomination and will head to Washington D.C., this winter for the ceremony and professional development opportunities.

MSBA: As a school counselor, what are the social-emotional needs that students will have to deal with over the summer and to prepare for fall classes?

AMANDA BOMSTAD: The mental health needs of students do not shut off like a light switch when summer hits. We have many community resources that are available to students and families. As a school counselor I am accessible to students and families via email when questions or concerns arise.

MSBA: What can school boards do to not only help students prepare academically, but socially, especially if co-curriculars and sports may be canceled again in the fall?

Leo L., Kindergarten

BOMSTAD: I believe that allowing for a balanced approach to the academic requirements for students is key. We want all students to be as prepared as possible for ANY path they choose after high school, whether that is a two-year or four-year college, employment, military, trade or apprenticeship programs, and so on. Students find joy and connection with others via co-curriculars and athletic opportunities. If these programs are not able to operate on a “normal” basis, I think that educators, coaches, and mentors can think creatively to still provide that connection for students. I am one of two advisors for our SHINE (Seeking Harmony In Neighborhoods Everyday) club at Mankato West High School. The purpose for this group is to appreciate and honor the diverse perspectives, cultures, and traditions of all students. During distance learning, we still ran virtual meetings with our student members and have already discussed options for increased connections and guest speakers if we are in a virtual setting for the fall.

MSBA: With school counselors’ plates being very full, what can counselors expect to deal with as school begins in the fall?

BOMSTAD: It is clear that we are all living in an unprecedented situation and are being affected in one way or another due to COVID-19. Many students and families are experiencing the effects of trauma living through these difficult times of the unknown and unrest. Students will be coming to school with feelings of stress, anxiety, grief, and loss, among so many other thoughts and emotions. As a school counselor, one way I can impact a large number of students at one time is through small counseling groups. This is hands down the part of my job that I enjoy most and have for my entire career. The power of a small group of individuals who share a common bond or thread of need is an impactful experience. As a facilitator, learning and growth happens best through the group experience and thoughtful input of the students involved. I plan to continue to run a variety of groups and will plan to add the opportunity for many others to be involved if interested.

MSBA: What have you heard from your students about their thoughts/feelings about school abruptly going to distance learning — and not being able to connect with friends?

BOMSTAD: This was an abrupt change for everyone. One day we were in session as normal, and literally the next everything was different. Many of my students have stayed connected with others through social media, Google Meets, Zoom sessions, and FaceTime. What I encourage all students to do is to reach out to at least one person outside of their immediate family each day, whether that is a friend, cousin, grandparent, or co-worker. The need to stay connected is a valued experience that one needs to harness more during this time. I also encourage students to send thank you notes to those people who have made a positive impact in their life. The student support team at Mankato West High School created West Wellness Wednesdays during this time and each week a member of our support team created a short video with tips and strategies to stay mentally healthy at this time. We also had a “Let’s Connect” session each Wednesday at noon that was open to any student who wanted to connect with other students and support staff. I have linked two of my videos below. https://bit.ly/BomstadVideo1 https://bit.ly/BomstadVideo2

Bruce Lombard is MSBA’s Associate Director of Communications. Director questions to him at blombard@mnsmba.org.