Turner Today
Before Christmas break, beloved R.L. Turner CHAMP counselor Kimberly Berner announced that she would be leaving for Amarillo, ending her work with the school, and CHAMPS students are feeling her absence.
“If you were in trouble she’d set that aside and ask you how you were feeling. She cared about everything and made sure everybody was ok,” said Anais Rodriguez, junior.
Many students aren’t sure whom to consult after discovering Ms. Berner no longer works at Turner, but the CHAMP office wants to reassure those students that they are prepared. Mrs. Decker, the CHAMP secretary, will direct any inquiring student appropriately as she did me.
“Students can go to Ms. Ripple. She’s subbing until the new counselor comes,” Mrs. Decker said.
Ms. Ripple is located in the old CHAMP counselor office (do not be fooled by a name tag labeled “Counselor Kay”), and is nothing short of Ms. Berner except being Ms. Berner herself, she reassured me. Students should sign in just as they would have with Ms. Berner on the clipboard outside the office, and can hold similar expectations to Ms. Ripple as they would have with their previous counselor.
“I’ve been a counselor before, I can do anything they (the students) need me to. This isn’t my first rodeo,” Ms. Ripple said.
Seeking Council
By Rachel Johnson
Before Ms. Ripple arrived however, things were slightly more hectic. For a little over a week, counseling troubles were given to the college and admissions office, or students were even directed to Mrs. Decker if they had questions. Ms. Berner visited advisory classes to make sure students knew who they could approach before she left, but as a CHAMP office aide, I still see students set-back by the prospect of not having Ms. Berner around anymore.
“She was just always cool, if you needed something she’d make sure you got what you needed,” said Anais Rodriguez.
As Mrs. Decker suggested, CHAMP is to receive a new, more permanent counselor from Coppell soon, Counselor Kay. Students should know that for now Ms. Ripple is prepared for any student’s questions and concerns.