Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School and its counselors were honored with the prestigious Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program (RAMP) Award at the Association’s annual conference June 27 in Seattle.  Pictured at the event were (left to right):  Sherwood Middle School counselors Missy Frye and Ellen DeCuir, ASCA President Brian Law, Sherwood Middle School counselor Mary Ann Robbins and Louisiana School Counseling Association President Brenda Eccles.

The RAMP designation is awarded to schools whose counseling programs align with the criteria set forth in the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model. Schools that receive the RAMP designation are committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program and an exemplary educational environment. Only 98 schools were selected nationwide to receive this award in 2011, and Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School is the only Louisiana school awarded the RAMP designation this year.

Phyllis Crawford, principal of Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School, has been active and supportive in making it possible for her counselors to develop a comprehensive program over the past 14 years. She knows the impact that a program like this has on the overall academic school climate and is supportive of counselors addressing students’ academic, personal/social and career needs in middle school. She also sees the importance of counselors utilizing a data-driven program to meet the academic needs of students.  DeCuir, Frye and Robbins used a team approach and tapped into their individual skills to develop a comprehensive counseling program. Using their training in counseling techniques and educational knowledge, these counselors share a vision to establish an effective program for all students at Sherwood Middle School.

The American School Counselor Association is a non-profit organization based in Alexandria, Va., that supports school counselors’ efforts to help students achieve success in school and helps prepare students to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. The Association provides professional development, publications, research and advocacy to more than 28,000 professional school counselors around the globe.

ASCAs Law said this year’s recipients are to be commended for their dedication to serving all students and demonstrating how effective school counseling programs can make a difference in students’ lives. “This year’s RAMP honorees have shown their commitment to students and the school counseling profession,” Law said. “This designation distinguishes these schools and encourages school counselors nationwide to continue to strive for success.”