Angela Hutchins Willow Creek Middle School 2425 11" Avenue SE Rochester, Minnesota 55904 anhutchins@rochester.k12.mn.us 507-328-5908 Rochester Public Schools April 25, 2017 To Whom it Concerns: |.am writing this letter of reference for Amanda Andrews who | have had the pleasure of working with for the past ‘semester, during her school counseling internship, | appreciated her work ethic and willingness to work independently as needed. | could count on her to be motivated and to be prepared for the day. ‘She is a hard worker and willing to face challenges that come up often in the educational setting, She had to work fast to observe and then deliver a variety of counseling components including classroom, individual, and ‘support groups. | appreciated the way she was able to take on learning the Suicide Prevention Curticulum; coleading, and eventually taking the lead on lesson delivery for 6” grade. She was also very helpful in following up with students that needed individual support after the lessons. ‘She is very knowledgeable and experienced in providing a variety of social support groups and also with working, with students individually on issues. She did the planning and facilitation of two groups during her semester at Willow Creek. She participated in parent-student meetings and also made phone contact with parents and outside providers, as needed. ‘Amanda is a counselor that really helps to build and maintain a safe, healthy, and welcoming milieu. She assisted in welcoming students in the morning, assisting with hall monitoring and lunch duty. Some of these duties are not in the counselor job description, but provide a great time to build relationships and connect with students. They sense that she is genuine and compassionate and ask about her when she is not at school ‘She is very knowledgeable with technology. It did not take her long to become comfortable with Skyward Student Management System, She was quickly able to pull up student information regarding guardian contacts, grades, attendance, discipline, and adjust student schedules as needed. She was able to utilize data when meeting with students to assist with planning and goal setting, Amanda will be able to support Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) and is understanding of the framework and 3tiers. She has been most involved in supporting universal expectations and assisting with Tier 2 supports like Check in Check Out and Social and Academic Support Interventions. She was able to use SWIS data to aid in student goal setting. | highly recommend Amanda for a counseling position in any school. She has a wealth of experience and is willing to share that in such a positive manner. Please contact me if | can be of further assistance, Sincerely, Angle acting Qin yelactlu tans ‘School Counselor