Middle School Counselor

Hello!

My name is Jenna Vsetecka and I am the school counselor at Anamosa Middle School.  I’ve been at AMS since 2013 and love all of the learning and student growth I’ve gotten to be a part of since then!

I have my Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Drake University, my Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in School Counseling from University of Northern Iowa; however, I received my bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and will always claim the Cyclones as my favorite team!

Please check out my Virtual Office for more information and resources!
(https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Uur8gkrfWjeLfxq2jLERw0cfkLng_Pi-KDsqrBWJcwA/edit?usp=sharing)

When I am not working as a counselor I enjoy coaching volleyball, reading, riding and showing horses, and spending time with friends and family. I love watching Iowa State athletics and cheering on the Green Bay Packers!  I also love to travel and have made several trips to Europe.

I truly enjoy coming to work every day and love what I do.  I especially love being here among the people of AMS. It is a great experience to get to work with students, teachers, administrators, and parents whom I highly regard. There are many wonderful parts of my job, but I can say that my favorite is getting to know each and every student that comes through Anamosa Middle School. I make an effort to get to know all of my student’s and hope that we can build a trusting relationship so they can come to me with any issue, no matter how big or small.

I visit 5th and 6th grade classrooms on a regular weekly basis, and 7th and 8th grade classrooms semi-regularly throughout the year to do classroom counseling lessons and activities. Lessons are based on the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model and focus on academic, career & personal/social development of all students. I also run several small groups for helping selected students with specific concerns; most students will participate in a small group at some point during their time at AMS. Getting chosen for a small group does not necessarily mean that a student has a concern, but may be identified to bring leadership, insight, particular skills, or a variety of other things to help the group to be successful!

If I can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to call. I can be reached at 319-462-3553 ext. 2115 or by e-mail jvsetecka@anamosa.k12.ia.us.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Middle School Counselors?
See the American School Counselor Association website for more information!

What are the school office hours?
Office Hours are 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

What time should my child arrive at school so they won’t be marked late?
The bell rings for students to enter the building at 7:45 a.m. if they are eating breakfast.  All students must be in their classroom by 8:10 a.m., when instruction starts, or they will be marked tardy.

Do I need to let the school know when my child is absent?
Yes, please call the school office when your child is or will be absent.  You can call the school at 319-462-3553 to report the absence or you can send an excuse note if your child need to leave early or will be gone in the future.
If you do not notify the school of your child’s absence by 8:10 a.m. that day, you will receive a call asking why your child is absent and an excuse is required.

What do I need to do to pick up my child early from school?
If you know you will be picking your child up early, please send a note to school that morning.  Letting teachers know in advance will help to have your child ready when you come in.  If an emergency arises and you need to pick up your child, please call first and let us know.  You must sign your child out in the office.

Can my child ride a bus to his friend’s house? 
Yes, but you must notify the office and the bus garage so your child get a bus pass before the school day is over.

My child is having learning issues at school, what do I do first? 
Please do not wait until report card time if you have a question or concern about your child.  Contact your child’s teacher first!

Become a Watch D.O.G.S

We need more Dads that want to be involved!  Watch D.O.G.S., Dad’s of Great Students, is a nationally recognized program that is in over 2400 schools across the nation.  It is an important time in a middle school student’s life to have a positive male role model around.  If you would like to volunteer for a half a day or all day, please just contact the school and we can get you a registration form.

What would you do all day?  We try to have you in only one of your student’s classes.  The rest of the time we have you floating from teacher to teacher helping out in all types of classrooms.  From reading, to math, to lunch supervision, to art and even computers we could use your support.  It is okay if you do not know our curriculum.  You will not be asked to teach, just support.

What if I don’t have a middle school student but still want to volunteer?  You can!  It does not have to be a dad.  It can be any positive adult male role model.  You can fill out a registration form, we will do the background check, and then we will get you signed up!

Contact Jenna Vsetecka, School Counselor, for more information at (319)462-3553 ext.2115 or email at jvsetecka@anamosa.k12.ia.us.