Each month, we take a moment to highlight a counselor in Pitt County Schools, and talk with them about a particular issue. This month, we’d like to highlight the accomplishments of one counselor, Mrs. Kathi Smith, at South Greenville Elementary School. Mrs. Smith has been attending the same school counselor conference for over 20 years, gathering as much information as she could to share with students and families as she helps them navigate life challenges. This year, Mrs. Smith was selected as a presenter at the conference, and was happy to share her skills and resources with others! We talked to her recently about the experience.
PPS-PC: You were selected to present at a conference recently. What was the conference, and what was the topic of your presentation?
Kathi Smith: The name of the conference where I presented was the NC School Counseling Association State Fall Conference in Charlotte, NC. The title of my presentation was “Embracing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to Increase Achievement.” My daughter Caramia Landis was my co-presenter. She discussed how her organization she founded, “Digging for Diversity, ” brought different opportunities to our students such as planting a community garden with one of our classes, teaching a water-testing STEM lesson to 5th graders (they take the 5th grade EOG), and volunteering at our “Welcome to the First Day of School, ” and “Pearls and Paint” events.
PPS-PC: What were some key takeaways that you shared at the conference that families in our community might also benefit from?
Kathi Smith: As educators, we need to address the needs of the whole child we are seeking to educate. Education goes beyond academics. When seeking to increase student achievement, you need to invest in the child by providing opportunities to let them know how important they are. You must provide opportunities that celebrate the diversity in their families, backgrounds, and culture, and include their families and the community as much as possible. The community is the extended family of the school.
PPS-PC: As a conference participant, what was something you learned that you could bring back to Pitt County and use to help students and families here?
Kathi Smith: A format to implement small group counseling supports for minority male students. It will empower them academically, socially, and emotionally, and close the graduation gap that statistically grows among minority male students as grade levels increase. I plan to implement it next week.
PPS-PC:You obviously model a mindset of constantly improving your own skills and abilities as a counselor. What words of advice might you have for parents about how to improve their skills and abilities as collaborators with their child’s teachers and school?
Kathi Smith: Talk to us! Ask us questions! Email us! Call us! Come see us! We want to get to know you, and we welcome your presence in the building, and in your child’s education. It is an honor and a privilege to partner with you on your child’s educational journey, and we can’t do it without you! You’re the REAL MVP!
