LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile
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Kelly Tarr
Position: School Counselor
School: Running Creek Elementary School
School District: Elizabeth School District
City, State: Elizabeth, CO
Kelly Tarr was nominated anonymously.
It has been said that school counselors are the heart of the school building. Mrs. Tarr has been an elementary school counselor in the same building for 14 years, and her students mean the world to her. She is committed to being a consistent factor in this role. She knows her students’ families, as well as who needs food for the weekend each Friday. Mrs. Tarr knows which families struggle to make rent or provide holiday gifts for their children. She knows which families are homeless, living in a domestic violence situation, or can't afford school supplies. She knows which students need a snack each day to prevent an emotional meltdown, and she knows who could benefit from a hug or high-five each day. Longitudinally, Mrs. Tarr has known these students since preschool. Her relationships with them and their caregivers mean she comes into the school year already aware of many of the needs of the students and their families.
Since beginning this career, Mrs. Tarr has made so many changes and adaptations to benefit students and their families. She has implemented the “Watch DOGS” program in her school, which gets dads or father figures to volunteer one day a year. Students love it, and it helps with having extra eyes and help in the building. Mrs. Tarr has also created a strong PBIS program to support students in a positive way and assist with behavior prevention.
Running Creek Elementary is becoming a “Leader in Me” school, where Mrs. Tarr helps all students find their leadership potential. For the students, it might look like helping the janitor turn on the lights each morning, or greeting visitors who enter the building. Each student has leadership potential, and it's up to the staff to help foster these qualities in the students.
"School counselors are multifunctional and cultivate home/school relationships with the families. They are a necessary element to student success. Mrs. Tarr is a great model for the students and families in her school," said her nominator.