Since the flooding on June 22, an extraordinary amount of work has taken place across the Oneida City School District. While some of that work has been visible, much of it has occurred quietly behind the scenes, outside the public eye. That unseen effort has been critical to our ability to move forward, and it is important for our community to understand the coordination, problem-solving, and dedication it took to reach this point.

One of the departments most significantly impacted by the flooding and subsequent facility disruptions was the Counseling Department. The role of the Counseling Department is to support the academic, social-emotional, and career development needs of students through a collaborative, team-based approach focused on student success.

The flooding caused significant disruption for the department and created anxiety for students, staff, and families. As Mr. Grossmann noted, "It was reminiscent of the pandemic to many."

The transition to a half-day schedule at the middle school was not easy. It required an earlier start and, for some, relearning a building they had not been in for three years. Despite these challenges, Mr. Grossmann shared that the transition went smoothly and that everyone adapted extremely well.

With such a major disruption, new and increased student needs were anticipated. Mr. Grossmann explained that students felt rushed. "Oftentimes, students want a break from the classroom or the school day. But I heard a lot of them wanted more time with their peers both in the classroom and in their free time." He noted this as a significant shift from what is typically expressed by students.

Another challenge for the Counseling Department was the limited time available to meet with students during the school day. Counselors were mindful not to pull students from classroom instruction that was already shortened due to the schedule change.

Throughout the transition, the department’s top priority was maintaining a sense of normalcy for students. Counselors focused on providing safe spaces and emphasized the importance of recognizing what was within students’ control and what was not. They encouraged starting small and reflected on lessons learned during the pandemic—acknowledging uncertainty while reminding students that they were able to get through that difficult time, just as they could navigate this challenge as well.

The Counseling Department met frequently with administrators to plan and adjust supports to best meet student needs. During the school year, counselors continue to meet weekly with administrators and a department chair representative to ensure alignment and ongoing communication.

Adjustments were necessary to maintain consistent services. "There was a lot of traveling and alternate locations for meetings. The Oneida Public Library was a huge support for us. We spent hours there after our morning sessions collaborating with each other and with teachers."

The team also had to balance addressing immediate concerns while maintaining long-term student support. "While we are used to pivoting, this year required extra prioritization, addressing the immediate anxiety of the flooding while ensuring the schedule of the school day was set up and providing students the support they need within the school year."

While caring for students, staff, and families, the counselors were also intentional about supporting one another. "Many of us have been working together for a long time now. We can tell when someone needs a check-in, a laugh, or be forced to take a break. We also try to practice what we preach and focus on our own self-care. Finding time to engage in something that is important to us or brings us joy."

A typical day during the split schedule looked very different for the team. With only half the usual in-person time with students, counselors often found themselves surprised by how quickly the day moved.

When asked what he was most proud of, Mr. Grossmann shared, "I am most proud of all the hard work that the counselors put in to making sure the start of the school year went as smoothly as possible, as well as the transition back to the high school. All went above and beyond, working late nights and early mornings to ensure everything went smoothly."

Reflecting on the experience, he added, "This experience is just another example of how all of us can do difficult things for a short amount of time. We just have to believe in ourselves and each other."

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Counseling Department for their extraordinary efforts during this challenging time and for their unwavering support of our students, staff, and families.

#OneidaStrong