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ISD 166 School Counselor Kelly Kostowicz has a very challenging job. She and the students she works with have to navigate around the global pandemic to stay in close contact. Photo courtesy of Anna Sandstrom
Early February marked National School Counseling Week. The week was designed to honor the individuals who fulfill a special purpose in schools across the country. School counselors play a unique role in educational settings as they work alongside students, teachers, parents and administrators. Counselors serve their students by supporting the academic growth and social skills necessary for success in school, as well as the emotional needs of their pupils. Furthermore, they oftentimes help plan goals and aide in the exploration of potential college and career options.
Ms. Kelly Kostowicz, an East Bethel native, filled the full-time position of ISD 166 School Counselor in September of 2020. Kelly received degrees from the University of Central Missouri (BS) and St. Cloud State University (MA) before starting her school counselor career. A Grand Marais resident, Kelly is highly committed to fulfilling her philosophy within her school community as, “an advocate for our students to help them reach their full potential in not just academics, but also in their personal and social life. I want to help students become strong and confident in their abilities and help them find their way around this ever- changing world.” Inspired by her mother at an early age to help others and to pursue her professional path, Ms. Kostowicz plays a very meaningful role within the school.
Due to current restrictions, she has been primarily working via distance learning with 6th to 12th graders, completing monthly lessons and giving assistance to those maneuvering through the challenges of remote learning during the pandemic. Kelly explained her responsibilities are, “to assist the students at every level from elementary to college. I am here to listen to their concerns on any issues they may have including their academic performance, social troubles with friends or at home, and emotional issues like self- esteem or bullying. I am also here to help mediate potential conflicts between students, teachers or parents to improve those relationships.” In addition, Ms. Kotowicz can be reached by phone, email or in person to, “go over students’ academics, strengths, and interests and help set realistic career goals and assist with college applications, scholarships or jobs after high school. I can also help refer students to other mental health resources.”
When asked about her favorite aspects of her new position, Kelly described how she loves meeting new faces and staying connected to her students. She enjoys hearing what they do for fun in Grand Marais and makes sure that she is always available and helpful when needed. Cook County High School and Ms. Kotowicz have been working hard to remind everyone, “that even though we don’t see you every day, we know you are still there”. Some recent events she has been a part of have included a Winter Spirit Week, Random Acts of Kindness month, making holiday goodie bags with hot chocolate and candy canes, class sledding day, live streaming of high school sporting events, writing postcards to students after the quarter, and creating a community mentor/tutor program.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys playing hockey, snowboarding, and knitting with her cat, Little Cat. Her office is a happy, positive space decorated with lights and she can often be found sporting her fun collection of socks! If you have not yet had the opportunity to meet her, drop her an email to say hello and introduce yourself. Ms. Kostowicz is both a helpful resource, as well as a warm, welcome addition to the Cook County public education system. Kelly’s email is kkotowicz@isd166.org.
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