Wawasee Community School Corp. recently entered into an agreement that will give its students and school counselors an added tool to ensure a healthy learning environment.

Through a student assistance program with the Bowen Center, the school corporation ensures at least two free counseling sessions per student per year, but will also reap the benefits of having a Bowen representative on campus for three hours each week. The corporation approved the program Dec. 1.

“This program is a great opportunity for the Bowen Center to work with Wawasee Community Schools and show students that we care about them,” said Kelsey Myers, Bowen Center public relations and marketing specialist. “This SAP is a great tool that adds an additional resource for students in addition to the many wonderful steps the schools have already taken. By partnering with the schools, Bowen Center can provide services for students in the local Bowen offices, in the classroom and in the home.”

“I met with Kelsey Myers to discuss whether there would be a way for us to have her here at WHS in order to assist us in counseling students who may need more direct service than we are able to give here with our guidance department,” said Wawasee High School Principal Mike Schmidt. “It becomes more and more difficult to counsel students with the array of responsibilities that our guidance counselors have to perform.”

According to Myers, the flexibility of the SAP gives students options to choose from. “Students can take advantage of whatever services fit their needs the best, which ensures they can get the most out of the experience,” said Myers. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the schools, and growing the program to help meet student needs, whatever they may be.”

Aside from each student in the corporation being allotted two free counseling sessions per year through the program, Myers is available via an on site visit each Monday in the high school guidance office.