Our Guiding Lights

At Messmer High School a guidance counselor typically follows a student throughout their high school career. This year, the 9th grade counselor is Mr. Phillip Stollenwerk, 10th grade is Mr. Ken Klatkiewicz, 11th grade Ms. Lora DeFranco, and 12th grade Ms. Amy Gibson. 

All four counselors have great expectations for their students. Mr Stollenwork said, "I want to see students on time for every class, paying attention, and doing their homework for every class. I also would tell them not to be a procrastinator, make sure you did your work and did it right." Mr. Klatkiewicz stated, "I expect students to be here, give effort, ask for help, and be honest with themselves. I advise students to make sure they are in extra curricular activities in and out of school, because it will make their high school career more fun." 

Ms. DeFranco said, "I expect students to make investments in themselves and make good choices. I also expect them to think about their future plans. You should find your strengths and use them to your advantage. Also, remember motivation doesn’t kick in until you start the task." Ms. Gibson stated her expectations by saying, "I expect students to do the best they can on their work and complete it on time. Students should communicate their problems and see teachers with concerns. They also should be positive and helpful to classmates. Try and do your best, do your homework every night, and keep your goals in mind."

Freshman Counselor Mr. Phil Stollenwerk

The counselors also have great advice for teachers. Mr. Stollenwerk said, "Make sure you’re doing your best to educate every student." Mr. Klatkiewicz wants teachers to, "Be thankful for the challenges you face every day in the classroom." Ms. DeFranco advises, "Never take a student’s negative behavior personally." Ms. Gibson said, "Try to listen to a student’s concerns and also try and put yourself in their shoes by remembering what it feels like to be a high school student."

Sophomore Counselor "Mr. K."

To go along with the advice they had for students and teachers, the counselors also have guidelines for parents. Mr. Stollenwerk said, "Make sure you’re spending quality time with your kids, and be a part of their lives so you really know what’s going on." Mr. Klatkiewicz made a great point by saying, "There’s a difference between supporting your child and excusing them. You should support them in their goals and be aware when they need help." Ms. DeFranco believes, "Kids have enough friends, they need parents to be parents not friends." Ms. Gibson’s advice to parents is, "Talk openly with your child about how school is going, ask to see their homework, check PowerSchool, and try to be understanding."

Junior Counselor Ms. Lora DeFranco

The counselors also have many words of wisdom and encouragement for the students of Messmer. Mr. Stollenwerk said, "Don’t be afraid to try your best at everything you do. If you fail that means you learned something, so you only really failed if you didn’t learn from the situation." Mr. Klatkiewicz said, "Enjoy your high school experience, be honest with your strengths and weaknesses, and use your teachers to help reach your goals." Ms. DeFranco wants students to, "Make good choices and take responsibility for them. Also remember common sense is a lot less common than you think it is." Ms. Gibson advises students to, "Always do the best you can in everything you do and don’t be afraid to ask for help."

Senior Counselor Ms. Amy Gibson

The counselors days are filled with many supportive responsibilities. According to Mr. Stollenwerk,  "I most often help students with academics and school work." Mr. Klatkiewicz says, "I help students with daily challenges and helping them get through those challenges. Although they may think they’re grown they aren’t prepared to make tough decisions." Ms. DeFranco describes her day, "I usually help students with academics, home life, and social stressors are huge." Finally Ms. Gibson, the Senior Counselor says, "I most often help students with academics and college planning."
 

The counselors here at Messmer may follow somewhere between one hundred to two hundred students through their four years of high school, but they still find time to be a support system for each student directly, indirectly, in a classroom setting, or one-on-one. The Guidance Department is chaired by Latino Coordinator Ms. Suzy Welsh, and Math Teacher/Registrar Ms. Aleda Kitzman. We are lucky to have all this great guidance!  

--Contributed by Sophomore Tanira Hamilton-Ford