From February 2–6, Minnetonka Schools joined districts and organizations across the country in celebrating National School Counseling Week, a time to recognize the essential role school counselors play in supporting students’ academic success, social-emotional well-being and future readiness.

Across our schools, counselors build trusted relationships, guide students through challenges, and help them navigate both the school experience and life beyond the classroom. Two of our newest counselors—Emily Jacobson at Scenic Heights Elementary and Kenneth Zimmerman at Minnetonka High School—exemplify this important work.

Building Trust and Belonging at Scenic Heights
This school year, Emily Jacobson joined the Minnetonka Schools community as the school counselor at Scenic Heights Elementary. She was drawn to the district by its strong focus on student well-being and relationships.
“I joined Minnetonka because I was looking for a place where I could focus deeply on student well-being and build meaningful, consistent relationships with kids,” Emily shared. “Even though I’m new to the district, the heart of my work has remained the same: supporting students socially, emotionally, and academically, and making sure they have a trusted adult they can come to.”

Emily’s role includes individual, small-group, and classroom counseling, as well as close collaboration with teachers and families. She also contributes to schoolwide systems that help students feel grounded, supported, and ready to learn.

For Emily, school counseling closely aligns with her personal values of connection, community, and growth. Her favorite moments often happen quietly.

“Some of the most meaningful moments are the small ones—when a student comes back to share a success, when we work through something that’s been weighing on them, or when a student discovers a new sense of confidence,” she said. “Those everyday connections are the core of what I love about this work.”

Supporting Students Through Systems and Transitions at MHS
At Minnetonka High School, Kenneth Zimmerman brings 18 years of school counseling experience to his new role in the district. Kenneth is also a longtime Minnetonka resident and parent, having lived in the community for more than a decade. “Becoming a district staff member gave me an opportunity to grow professionally while also feeling more connected to my community,” Kenneth said.

Kenneth thrives in the fast-paced, dynamic environment of high school counseling, where each day brings new challenges and opportunities to support students.

“My favorite part of this work is helping others,” he shared. “I’m deeply committed to helping students understand and solve problems. The pace keeps the job interesting and allows me to learn something new almost every day.” He also highlighted an often unseen aspect of school counseling: helping students navigate complex systems. “We combine our knowledge of how schools work with how kids work,” Kenneth explained. “That allows us to make sure students’ needs are met, they’re being appropriately challenged, and they graduate prepared for whatever comes next.”

Thank You to Our School Counselors!
During National School Counseling Week—and throughout the year—Minnetonka Schools celebrates and thanks our counselors for the compassion, expertise, and dedication they bring to their work every day. Their impact is felt in big moments and small ones alike: in quiet conversations, problem-solving sessions, classroom lessons, and the steady presence of a trusted adult who believes in every student.

Families and students are encouraged to join the celebration by sharing a note of gratitude with the school counselors who have made a difference in their lives.