**[00:00:02] Announcer:**
It’s time to get in the loop with LPS…

**[00:00:24] Announcer:**
Let’s send you to longtime Director of Communications and your host, Dallas Ackerman.

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## **INTRODUCTION**

**[00:00:35] Dallas:**
We are back for another week of *In the Loop*. I’m your host, Dallas Ackerman, Director of Communications for Liberty Public Schools. This is a special week — not just Super Bowl week — it is **National School Counseling Week**.

I am honored to be joined by the counselor at Shoal Creek Elementary, **Shannon Fletcher**. Shannon, you’ve done many great things over your career. How does it feel to be invited into the *In the Loop* studio, which also serves as my office?

**[00:01:29] Shannon:**
What a great studio and office you have, Dallas. It is such an honor to be here and represent the counselors in the district.

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## **SUPER BOWL SPIRIT & TAYLOR SWIFT ERA**

**[00:01:37] Dallas:**
You’re dressed for the occasion — you’re wearing a Patrick Mahomes jersey.

**[00:02:04] Shannon:**
It’s Spirit Week! Today is “favorite sports team day,” so of course I’m wearing my Mahomes jersey.

**[00:02:12] Dallas:**
Speaking of “Era”… are you a Taylor Swift fan?

**[00:02:18] Shannon:**
I was more of a Travis Kelce fan at first! I knew Taylor Swift, but didn’t quite realize her *worldwide* popularity until Taylor + Kelce became a thing. I enjoy her music — and I love them together.

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## **SHANNON’S JOURNEY INTO COUNSELING**

**[00:02:56] Dallas:**
Let’s get to know you — you’ve been with the district for many years.

**[00:02:56] Shannon:**
Yes, completing my 14th year.

**[00:03:01] Dallas:**
Tell us about your journey — even pre-LPS.

**[00:03:04] Shannon:**
School counseling is my **second career**. After college, I worked in **community mental health** in Leavenworth and then in **substance abuse treatment** at a methadone clinic.

When I had my kids, I took time off. Later, I returned to school to become a **school counselor** — because I missed working with kids.

**[00:03:55] Shannon:**
I did my practicum with Rob Fischer at Manor Hill, subbed as a counselor/social worker for about a year and a half, and then I was hired into a split position at Ridgeview + Shoal Creek. That was 14 years ago — and here I am.

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## **FAMILY**

**[00:04:48] Dallas:**
Tell us about your family.

**[00:04:48] Shannon:**
I have two boys at Liberty North — a sophomore and a junior. I also have a stepdaughter… and I’m *so proud* of her. She flies **Blackhawk helicopters** for the National Guard.

One time she even flew through Missouri airspace so we could see her fly over our neighborhood.

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## **WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE A SCHOOL COUNSELOR**

**[00:06:56] Dallas:**
What’s it like to be a school counselor?

**[00:06:56] Shannon:**
Every day is different. The only *guarantee* is that you don’t know how the day will go.

Feelings pop up unexpectedly. Kids need support. Plans change. And honestly — that’s what I love about the job.

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## **THE EMOTIONAL WEIGHT OF THE WORK**

**[00:07:22] Dallas:**
There must be days when the emotional load is heavy.

**[00:07:35] Shannon:**
Yes. I cry easily — sometimes tears from hearing what kids are going through, sometimes tears of celebration when they grow.

But the work can absolutely be heavy. I’m fortunate to have my family and my boys’ activities as an emotional reset. Sometimes I’m still making calls on weekends to help families. The counselor hat never really comes off.

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## **QUALITIES OF A GREAT SCHOOL COUNSELOR**

**[00:08:59] Dallas:**
What traits does someone need to be an effective school counselor?

**[00:09:00] Shannon:**

* **Patience**
* **Calm presence**
* **Being a great listener**
* **Kindness & empathy**

Kids need someone who can stay steady, especially when they’re experiencing big feelings. We can’t add to their anxiety — we have to be the calm in the storm.

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## **THE DISTRICT COUNSELING TEAM**

**[00:09:58] Dallas:**
You have a strong team across the district.

**[00:09:58] Shannon:**
Absolutely. We support each other constantly — especially during crises. Counselors jump in to help at any school when needed. It’s a team of compassion.

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## **CELEBRATING NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK**

**[00:11:11] Dallas:**
Have you felt the love during School Counseling Week?

**[00:11:11] Shannon:**
Yes! Our principals are treating us to lunch. We also take the week to celebrate our teachers — we couldn’t do our jobs without them.

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## **WHAT PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT SCHOOL COUNSELORS**

**[00:11:50] Dallas:**
What’s something people may not realize about counselors?

**[00:11:50] Shannon:**
Years ago, some parents didn’t want their children to “see the counselor.” Now? Parents reach out and partner. It’s wonderful.

Counselors don’t just do one thing — we:

* Teach lessons
* Lead small groups
* Do individual counseling
* Support behavior plans
* Work closely with social workers
* Help families with food, clothing, bills
* Respond to crises

We wear many, many hats.

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## **THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA & MODERN STRESSORS**

**[00:16:19] Dallas:**
What has changed the most over your 14 years?

**[00:16:50] Shannon:**
**Anxiety is higher than ever.**
Social media pressures start at younger ages. Kids compare themselves constantly.

Sports + activities + school + online life = a LOT.

Bullying isn’t as big an issue as “mean behavior,” much of which happens online — outside of school — but affects their day at school.

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## **ADVICE FOR PARENTS**

**[00:17:57] Dallas:**
What advice do you have for parents?

**[00:18:25] Shannon:**

* **Take time to be with your kids.**
* Slow down. Play games.
* **Let them have their feelings** — don’t dismiss them.
* Acknowledge the feeling (“This is hard”)
* Then encourage: “You’ll get through this.”

That combination is powerful.

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## **WHAT SHANNON HAS LEARNED ABOUT HERSELF**

**[00:19:49] Dallas:**
What have you learned about yourself over 14 years?

**[00:19:49] Shannon:**
I used to take on the stress and heaviness of every situation. I had to learn to pause, breathe, see the whole picture, and remain calm. Kids need adults who are steady.

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## **MENTORS**

**[00:21:19] Dallas:**
Who have been your biggest mentors?

**[00:21:37] Shannon:**

* My high school coach, **Coach Bodine**
* **Rob Fischer**
* **Becky Starnes**
* And honestly — our entire counseling department.

I learn from all of them. We lean on each other.

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## **SUPER BOWL PREDICTION**

**[00:22:57] Dallas:**
One more question — your Super Bowl prediction?

**[00:23:15] Shannon:**
**Chiefs**, of course.
**Score: 34–21.**

No idea where that came from, but let’s go with it!

**[00:23:37] Dallas:**
We’ll hold you to that! Hopefully a non-stressful Super Bowl for once.

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**[00:24:22] Shannon:**
Thank you for inviting me — I hope I represented our counselors well.

**[00:24:29] Announcer:**
Thanks for listening… visit lps53.org for more information.