Letter: More counselors could aid students

What is Nevada doing to prevent school tragedies like the one in Colorado? Sadly it is taking a step backwards, by freezing the number of elementary school counselors who work every day to make schools safer.

Currently there is one elementary counselor for about 1,000 students, and next year it will get even higher, since new schools will open, but the number of counselors will stay the same. With these high numbers, it is impossible for us to address all the needs in a school.

Our days are packed with talking to kids in classes, groups, and individually about solving problems peacefully, managing anger, getting along with others, developing confidence, and setting goals, but there is never enough time to talk to all the kids who want to see me.

Elementary guidance counselors teach kids by example that they can make a difference in the world. We believe we are providing an important service for our children by listening to their concerns and helping them set goals to make the world a better place.

Nothing is more important to the future of our state than the education of Nevada's children, and we need to be proactive in providing every opportunity for them to be successful. Funding more counselors would cost a pittance compared to the economic and social costs of law enforcement and juvenile detention centers after the crises have already gone tragically awry. Prevention is key.

WENDY CALAWAY

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