Education Support Professionals Week in GF Nation rolls on with today’s honoree, Mrs. Kathy Holser, Secretary in the School Counseling Office at the Middle School! Mrs. Holser works with the school counselors, social workers, and school psychologists in guiding students to success through positive communication and interaction. She’s been part of Glens Falls Nation for 18 years.
“Students come to the counseling office for help with scheduling, assistance with academics, advice on peer conflict, and navigating new challenges and nuances that only middle school can bring,” Kathy says. “I also help students with obtaining work permits for their first jobs, and troubleshooting school lockers.” A typical day can include everything from maintaining students’ permanent files and eSchool data, to facilitating the registration process and student transfers to processing, mailing, and posting interim reports and report cards. Mrs. Holser also serves as liaison for several community programs such as the Warren County Campership and the Summer Youth Employment Program, by organizing eligibility lists and submitting applications. “I am the first point of contact with parents, outside agencies, community members and other school districts when contacting the school counseling office, so customer service is key,” she notes.
Middle school is a time of big changes and transitions in a student’s school career, and Mrs. Holser helps maintain and foster a calm, welcoming, and supportive environment in the school counseling office. “Students need to feel safe, and that their voice is being heard, when they enter the office seeking help with any issue,” she explains. “I strive to greet each student with patience, respect, and a friendly smile.”
“You can always find a smile on her face,” confirms Interim Middle School Principal Doug Silvernell. “Kathy is outstanding. She approaches problems with a solution in mind. She is highly organized, and helps all the offices in the middle school run more smoothly.”
“Kathy is organized, willing to help out, and willing to learn new things and take on new responsibilities,” echoes School Counselor Kristen Conway. And when it comes to evolving systems, Mrs. Holser jumps right in. “As anyone from my generation will tell you, technology does not always come easy to us! Becoming comfortable, and confident, in this area has been my biggest challenge,” Mrs. Holser says. “Working in education, I believe that every moment is a teachable moment for adults, as well as students.”
“The most rewarding aspect for me is watching the individual growth of each student,” she continues. “Students enter middle school as young, somewhat nervous fifth graders, and leave four years later as more mature, confident eighth graders. The transformation is so rewarding, watching them grow up right before your eyes!”
Mrs. Holser is originally from Pittsburgh, and attended Penn State. She has lived in Queensbury for 25 years and enjoys traveling, home improvement projects, reading and being with family, friends and her two Labrador Retrievers, Tioga and Ruby. She’s also a big football fan; the Steelers and Penn State are her favorites!