Wapsie Valley Community School District

Welcome To The Wapsie Valley Jr/Sr High School Counseling Page!

About Me:

My name is Kate Nitz. I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and currently reside in Shell Rock. My husband, Taylor Nitz, is a radio/sports host at KWAY Radio. You might have heard him calling games for Wapsie on the radio! I have three children, Emma (15), Carter (13), and Addie (3).

I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from The University of Northern Iowa, where I studied both
Criminology and Psychology. After graduating, I began my career working in the Human Services field in residential and community treatment programs for teenagers. My experiences working in this setting made me realize I wanted to spend my life working for both children and families. I went back to school and earned a Master of Arts degree in School Counseling. I have eight years of experience as a School Counselor, which includes working with students in 6th through 12th grade.

My primary responsibility as a school counselor is to promote the academic, personal, and social development of all students. I look forward to offering support to the students, staff, families and Wapsie Valley community. I will be meeting with students individually and in small groups, conducting classroom lessons, meeting with parents, collaborating with teachers and staff, and consulting with community organizations to benefit and meet the needs of all Wapsie Valley students and families.

Any student can request to meet with me or they can be referred by a teacher, administrator, or parent. I
encourage you to reach out if you have concerns regarding your child. If you would like for me to meet with
your child please do not hesitate to contact me.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOPICS THAT CAN BE DISCUSSED DURING COUNSELING

I Can Help Students With:

* Promoting positive attitudes among students towards self, family, peers, and community.

* Assisting students in learning how school performance relates to future opportunities.

* Developing and delivering classroom guidance lessons that teach skills such as decision-making, resolving conflict, and respecting others.

* Working with students, parents, and school staff to identify learning needs and to design interventions to enhance student success.

* Helping students to recognize and make the best of their abilities.

* Providing support during a personal crisis.

* Working with students on attendance issues.

* Coordinating referrals to outside agencies.

* Developing student career awareness.

* Helping to create a safe and positive learning experience.
GROWING UP ISN'T EASY!

HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOPICS THAT CAN BE DISCUSSED DURING COUNSELING:

* Selecting classes/ career options

* Selecting college/universities.

* Making friends

* Liking myself

* Getting along with others

* Parents' divorce

* Being a "new kid"

* Studying

* Bullying

* Learning and responsibility

* Death and dying

* Moving away

* Being honest

* Organization

* Drug and alcohol abuse

* College/Career Readiness
Academic Resources
Acquaint you with your school.

Help you understand yourself and others better.

Provide counseling to discuss things that concern you and others.

Help you develop better study skills.

Help you make decisions, not make decisions for you.

Assist in scheduling for classes and further educational planning.

Interpret your test results.

Provide current career information.

Provide college catalogs and vocational and business school information.
Common Concerns
Do see your counselor if you have a problem or a concern of any kind. Some of these common concerns are:

I just can't seem to get better grades.

Should I take algebra or general math next year?

The Counseling Office is open all day. Ms. Kate is also available for consultation with parents and for arranging parent-teacher meetings.
Helpful Tutoring Websites
Kaplan Test Prep

Huntington Learning

Sylvan Learning

Club Z Tutoring

Khan Academy

Varsity Learning Tools