Seattle Public Schools

B.F. Day Elementary is Recognized by the American School Counselor Association

Summary: B.F. Day’s counseling program was bestowed with the Recognized ASCA Model Program designation – the first in the district to achieve the honor.

B.F. Day Earns Prestigious Counseling Recognition 

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) announced B.F. Day as a Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP). The school is the first in the district to achieve the designation. 

The RAMP designation recognizes schools that are committed to delivering an exemplary school counseling program. Honorees are awarded for aligning their program with the criteria in the ASCA National Model, a framework for a data-informed school counseling program.  

B.F. Day Principal Natalie Zisko expressed her admiration for the school’s counselor, John Taylor. 

BF Day Counselor John Taylor smiles at camera while sitting on his desk in his office.

“Our mission is to educate all students to become responsible and courageous problem solvers, who attain their highest levels of academic achievement and civic engagement,” Principal Zisko said. “We know that strong school counseling is essential for us to achieve our mission. Mr. Taylor … is an integral member of our school community and an instructional leader in supporting our students’ emotional growth and academic readiness.” 

Taylor, who’s been with the school for eight years, said his role is to support all students in their academic, social/emotional and career development. In addition to his student-centered work, Taylor also oversees the school’s family support program where he coordinates with struggling families to get them what they need.   

“Being able to support a student in various ways provides me the opportunity to be a strong advocate for our kids,” he said. “I work to be the bridge between all the stakeholders who play a role within our children’s educational experience.”   

Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program Logo

Since the program’s inception, more than 1,000 schools have earned the RAMP designation. Research findings indicate fully implemented school counseling programs are associated with a range of positive student educational and behavioral outcomes. 

B.F. Day will be honored at a recognition ceremony at ASCA’s annual conference in Kansas City, Mo., on July 1. 

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