Professional Partner of the Month: September 2007
Carol Campbell
"Carol possesses a genuine love for all children. Her unyielding commitment to our parents and students yields immeasurable benefits over time."
- Brad Mangle, Dean, Fulton Elementary School
"Carol utilizes many of The Second Mile’s programs, from Nittany Lion Tips and PEAK to The Summer Challenge Camp Program. However, she’s most instrumental in connecting many children from her school to the Lancaster Friend Program, at Millersville University, where they enjoy activities with college mentors."
- Melissa Mogle, Program Director, The Second Mile
"First and foremost, Carol’s there for the children. She not only devotes time during the school day to students and families, but also after school and on weekends."
- Matthew Stem, Principal, Fulton Elementary School
No matter who you talk to about Carol Campbell, two strands always emerge: first, she’s incredibly committed to children and families; and second, she stays current with a myriad of local resources to which she connects her families. In essence, she is a community builder who strives to improve the lives of all those around her. For her outstanding work, The Second Mile is proud to recognize Carol Campbell as its September Professional Partner of the Month.
A school counselor at Fulton Elementary (K-5, with over 450 students) in the School District of Lancaster, Carol has some core beliefs that clearly seem to speak to her work with children and families:
- Every human being is a worthwhile individual, and has a special contribution to make in this world
- It is always easier to be kind than to be unkind
- When we talk respectfully and in a kind manner to children, they learn respect and kindness
- Seek to understand others first
- Believe in yourself
Armed with these ideals, Carol approaches each day looking forward to interacting with people of all ages and cultures, especially the children. She describes her job as both challenging and rewarding, and never knows what each day will bring. Additionally, Carol enjoys the varied responsibilities she has, from enrolling students in after school programs and working with parents and families, to helping with the cafeteria and playground, and serving as a liaison to many community agencies.
While Carol modestly depicts her own duties, Fulton’s Principal, Matthew Stem, adds a little more flavor: “Carol learned that lead was found in a family’s home, and she was instrumental in finding alternative living arrangements. She’s heavily involved in the PTO, and she spends time with families on weekends, sometimes attending games with them.” Fulton’s Dean, Brad Mangle, adds that she “is tireless in her efforts to get as many students as possible involved in the Second Mile and other extracurricular activities that include both social and academic skills. She volunteers her weekend time, and time in the summer, to provide social experiences that students otherwise would not receive. She has taken students and parents to music festivals, multicultural events, as well as recreational activities.” It’s obvious that Carol does not shy away from jumping in to go the extra mile and provide extra support.
When asked about the challenges that counselors currently face, Carol responded, “No Child Left Behind affects every educator in America. We are faced with increasing benchmarks that must be met in order to make adequate yearly progress, but there are so many factors that are out of our immediate control. We must work as hard as we can to overcome the barriers.” Carol has certainly partnered with The Second Mile as one way to provide enrichment, mentoring, and recreation to some of her Fulton children. Speaking more specifically about the Friend Program, Carol said, “For many of our students, The Second Mile may be one of a few opportunities they have to engage in extracurricular activities. Because there is no fee and transportation is provided, we are able to serve many children and families through this wonderful program.”
While Carol enjoys the children, families, and staff at Fulton Elementary, she also appreciates returning home to spend time with her own sons - Kurtis, a high school junior, and Kyle, a college junior. Don’t forget about special family member Lyla, their dog, who Carol takes on jogs alongside the creek so that Lyla can swim. Carol also enjoys reading, gardening, biking, volunteering, watching movies, cooking, and . . . . eating!
Carol Campbell has focused her efforts on helping others both within and outside her school, whether that is during the school day, or beyond. The Second Mile salutes her for her dedication and skill, making a positive impact on the lives of Lancaster children and their families!
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