New Caney ISD is proud to announce that the counseling departments at Brookwood Forest Elementary School, Dogwood Elementary School, Keefer Crossing Middle School, Kings Manor Elementary School, New Caney Elementary School, Pine Valley Middle School, Porter High School, Valley Ranch Elementary School, West Fork High School, and White Oak Middle School earned the Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award, setting the district record for the most campuses recognized in a single year. The CREST Award is sponsored by the Texas Counseling Association and honors school counseling programs for their dedication to continuous improvement and student support. 

“The CREST award recognizes outstanding school counseling programs that demonstrate a strong, data-driven commitment to improving students’ academic, career, and social-emotional success,” said Counseling Director Janet Graczyk. “It highlights the impact counselors have on students, families, and the community through intentional, meaningful counseling programs.”

On a daily basis, school counselors play a vital role in supporting student success through comprehensive, intentional counseling programs that address academic achievement, social-emotional development, and college, career, and military readiness. Through classroom guidance, small groups, individual support, and responsive services, counselors ensure that our students feel known and supported. 

According to Valley Ranch Elementary Principal, Terri Trout, our counselors are CREST winners because of their compassion, professionalism, and deep commitment to student success.  

“Our counselors at the Ranch make a tremendous impact on our students every day,” Ms. Trout said. “They don’t just respond to needs, they anticipate them through proactive planning, purposeful programming, and collaboration with teachers and families. From SEL lessons to campus-wide culture and behavior systems, our counselors lead with heart and play a vital role in creating a safe, supportive, and thriving environment for every Wrangler.” 

White Oak Middle School Principal Crystal Mayes echoes this sentiment, explaining that by knowing each student by name and building meaningful relationships, counselors are able to form strong, trusting partnerships with families to ensure every student receives the support they need. 

As a whole, our counselors exemplify excellence through their student-centered approach and data-driven practices that guaranteeing every student is supported academically, socially, and emotionally.

“I am incredibly proud of [our counselors’] commitment to their school counseling programs and their dedication to providing the highest level of service to our students and families in New Caney ISD,” said Janet Graczyk. 

The CREST Award recipients will be formally recognized at the TCA Conference in Fort Worth from February 1-3, 2026. New Caney ISD congratulates our counselors for this outstanding achievement.