Simpsonville Elementary, Wade Hampton High, and Welcome Elementary Earn RAMP Designation for School Counseling
Simpsonville Elementary, Wade Hampton High, and Welcome Elementary Schools have earned the Recognized American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Model Program (RAMP) designation for their outstanding school counseling programs.
The RAMP designation, awarded to schools whose counseling programs align with the criteria set in the ASCA National Model, recognizes schools that are committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program and creating an exemplary educational environment. This year 104 schools from 27 states will receive this designation. They join Woodland Elementary, Bell’s Crossing Elementary, Paris Elementary, and Sevier Middle in receiving the prestigious RAMP designation.
Simpsonville Elementary
Counselors at Simpsonville Elementary provide a wide-ranging school counseling program. They begin each school year by analyzing data to identify gaps and areas of concern then work with stakeholders to develop data-driven program goals that will benefit everyone in the school. These stakeholders include the principal, assistant principal, instructional coach, classroom teachers, special education teachers, the ESOL teacher, related arts teachers, our site- based mental health counselor, school psychologist, parents, in addition to community members. Their efforts have allowed them to address the individual needs of students and to “Build Better Graduates.”
Wade Hampton High
Counselors at Wade Hampton High provide social and emotional education, career education, and academic support. These efforts line up with Building a Better Graduate because they are reinforcing and teaching real-life skills. Through the Freshman Academy, counselors assist ninth graders with navigating a path to the future. Director of School Counseling Angela Massingille says her job is to help students understand that when they leave high school and move on to a new environment, it’s their ‘first thing’ and not their ‘life thing.’ “I think they feel overwhelmed because they say they don’t know what they’re going to do for the rest of their lives,” she said. “I tell them it’s okay, this is your first thing. Now find something you’re excited about, and that path will take you to great places.”
Welcome Elementary
The school counseling program at Welcome Elementary School helps students not only grow and develop, but also to thrive and bloom through rich nourishment which can take on many different forms such as leadership, advocacy, and collaboration. Leadership helps to promote student achievement and systemic change to ensure that all students have access to a rigorous education, which ultimately leads to lifelong success. Advocacy is a catalyst for change in young children by helping to remove barriers and struggles that Title 1 students often face. Collaboration with other stakeholders ensures a strong support system for academic, social/emotional, and behavioral growth.