School Counseling
Williamson County Schools Student Support Services provides an array of support services and resources to students, general educators, special educators, administrators and families throughout the district.
Not only do school counselors support the social emotional need of the student, they also help students with their academic achievement and career development.
The department works with educators and families to foster high expectations of all students and provides comprehensive services to help meet the academic, social, behavioral, adaptive and physical needs of the child.
WCS Therapy Dog Program
Williamson County Schools is proud to announce the WCS Therapy Dog Program and partnership with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Research shows that interaction with certified therapy dogs helps to reduce student anxiety, increase motivation, and improve emotional well-being. This new program is part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a compassionate school community and positive learning environment for both staff and students.
According to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, the benefits of having therapy dogs in the school/classroom include:
- Physical benefits - Interaction with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce blood pressure, provide physical stimulation and assist with pain management.
- Social benefits - A visiting therapy dog promotes greater self-esteem and focused interaction with other students and teachers.
- Cognitive benefits - It has been empirically proven that therapy dogs stimulate memory and problem-solving skills.
- Emotional and mental health benefits - A recent national survey of adolescent mental health found that about 8 to 10 percent of teens ages 13 to 18 have an anxiety disorder. A therapy dog can lift moods in the classroom, often provoking laughter. The therapy dog is also there to offer friendship and a shoulder to lean on for students.
A Fairview Elementary school counselor is encouraging her students to "Stop and Think", and the district is encouraging others to embrace the concept as well.
WCS, in collaboration with the City of Franklin, acknowledges and supports the many needs of students, parents, and families as they navigate life.
The Find Hope Franklin website provides quick and easy access to many of the expert resources available in our community.
In addition to the resources provided, each WCS school is assigned a social worker to help ensure families are connected to the resources they need. Please communicate with your child’s school if support is needed. We are here to help.