Cloverleaf High School counseling program receives national recognition

WESTFIELD TWP. — Cloverleaf High School is the only school in Ohio this year to receive national recognition from the American School Counselor Association for its school counseling program. The Recognized ASCA Model Program designation is given to schools in which data shows students are positively impacted in the areas of achievement, behavior and attendance. This year's recognition was given to 101 schools in 21 states, and every five years schools must reapply to keep its designation status. Cloverleaf High School Counselor Catherine Conrad said RAMP recognizes school counselors for doing their job the way it is supposed to be done. Cloverleaf High School has a comprehensive counseling program that seeks to meet students' academic, social, emotional and college and career readiness needs. Counselors meet with students in groups and individually. "What I like about the award is that it shows that us as school counselors are doing what school counselors are supposed to be doing and that it's proven that what we're doing is working," she said. Cloverleaf High School tracks data to see what parts of the counseling program are working and what needs to be reevaluated, Conrad said. Twice a year there is an advisory council, which is made up of students, staff and community members who review the data and provide feedback. "We put this plan in place of the things that we're doing with the students," she said. "At the end of each year, we evaluate to see if it's working, and we make changes where necessary." Since Cloverleaf is a smaller district, counselors are able to give students more one-on-one attention to make sure they're on track, Conrad said. Students having an individual experience is important because Cloverleaf wants them to feel like they belong in the school and the community. "We hope that they would come to us if they need something," she said. "We hope that we could help, or they would have someone to ask a question to. We would also want to ensure that no one leaves here without some kind of plan. Our overall goal from students coming in from ninth grade and then exiting senior year is to make sure that they're comfortable in their shoes and on their path." In July, schools across the country given the RAMP designation will be recognized at the ASCA's annual conference in Atlanta. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.