Rollie Sampson - Counselor & Advocate

Below is my emailed letter to the MCS Board of Education and MCS Senior Leadership concerning the proposed "Parents Bill of Rights". I have included links to referenced information in the comments.

All,

As a school counselor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and Nationally Certified Counselor, I am deeply concerned about the proposed "Parents Bill of Rights" and its explicit focus on transgender children. Moore County Schools has less than 100 transgender and non-binary students, the vast majority being at the middle and high school levels. Many of our transgender students have not disclosed this information to their teachers, peers, or family nor do they use preferred names or pronouns. Yet, MCS has a large percentage of cisgender and LGBQ students that use preferred names or nicknames without prior parental consent yet they are not included in this policy making it discriminatory by focusing on less than .7% of the student population.

LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt su***de than their peers (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020). A 2020 peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health also found that transgender and nonbinary youth were 2 to 2.5 times as likely to experience depressive symptoms, seriously consider su***de, and attempt su***de compared to their cisgender and LGBQ peers. Policies like the proposed "Parents Bill of Rights" will only increase behavioral health risks for transgender and non-binary students since they will be reluctant to seek support from school personnel for fear of being outed.

Mr. Hensley made the following public Facebook Post concerning the proposed policy and student behavioral health, "The fact of the matter is, MCS employs no medical doctors and we have no clinical licensed psychologists. MCS is not in the medical or mental health business, nor should we pretend we are qualified to practice either of those crafts."

These comments show an apparent disconnect and lack of understanding of the roles and responsibilities of school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers and the impact student behavioral health has on academic outcomes. Our school behavioral health staff are often the first to intervene with student mental health concerns and refer youth to outside clinicians, often saving the lives of students experiencing suicidal ideations and major depression. Their clinical skills also play a significant role in keeping our LGBTQ youth feeling safe and supported while at school.

First and foremost, MCS has multiple school counseling personnel that hold dual licenses including clinical mental health counselors and clinical social workers. MCS also has a Behavioral Health Intervention Team (BHIT) that provides one-on-one clinical mental health counseling to students on all campuses during the school day. The program is tied to health insurance and our providers are all licensed to provide therapy. So, yes, MCS is in the business of mental health care and management.

School counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists all receive mental health training as part of their education and are qualified to provide behavioral health support per their professional standards and ethics. As a school counselor, I can assure you that our behavioral health staff does not encourage students to transition nor intentionally keep information from parents. Our goal as counselors, per our ethics, is to encourage students to self-disclose personal information to their parents or help facilitate that disclosure. However, our legal and ethical guidelines are clear about student confidentiality and we cannot disclose information shared by the student without their consent to other staff, administration, or parents unless it falls within the duty to warn or duty to report criteria.

NCGS § 115C316.1 Duties of school counselors clearly states in Section (a)(4) that school counselors will "perform(ing) other student services listed in the Department of Public Instruction school counselor job description that has been approved by the State Board of Education."

According to the NCDPI School Counselor Job Description section 2.15, school counselors "adhere(s) to laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards of the school counseling profession" and references the American School Counselor Association.

The American School Counselor Association oversees school counseling standards using the ASCA National Model and sets ethical standards for school counselors across the United States. The ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors covers Confidentiality in Section A.2. According to Section A.2. g and Section A.2.h, school counselors:

g. Recognize their primary ethical obligation for confidentiality is to the students but balance that obligation with an understanding of parents’/guardians’ legal and inherent rights to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives. School counselors understand the need to balance students’ ethical rights to make choices, their capacity to give consent or assent, and parental or familial legal rights and responsibilities to make decisions on their child’s behalf.

h. Collaborate with and involve students to the extent possible and use the most appropriate and least intrusive method to breach confidentiality if such action is warranted. The child’s developmental age and the circumstances requiring the breach are considered and, as appropriate, students are engaged in a discussion about the method and timing of the breach. Consultation with professional peers and/or supervision is recommended.

This means, that a student's right to confidentiality is our primary ethical obligation, and forcing school counselors to disclose privately shared information, including outing LGBTQ students, would be a clear violation of confidentiality unless it falls within appropriate reasons for disclosure. Additionally, several lawsuits have upheld students' rights to privacy specifically for LGBTQ youth.

- Federal Judge Rules That High Schools Cannot Out Le***an and Gay Students
- Wisconsin Judge Dismisses Case Aiming to Out Transgender and Nonbinary Students Without Their Consent
- For additional case studies and legislation, reference School Counseling Principles: Ethics and Law, fifth edition by Carolyn Stone, Ed. D.

I would encourage the Board of Education to table this policy and do its due diligence in reviewing the legal and ethical ramifications enforcing this policy will have on staff and students. It is quite apparent, that the policy committee did not include any of our BHIT members or experienced school counselors, school social workers, or school psychologists in creating this policy nor consult with the NC DPI about the rights of LGBTQ students.

Both our students and our staff deserve better. If the Board chooses to approve this policy and force staff to out transgender students, there will be dire consequences for our transgender youth beyond legal implications. I hope each of you is prepared to be responsible for the potential loss of life that may accompany this policy because it will be solely in your hands since these students will no longer feel safe in our schools.

Please reconsider your position.

Kind Regards,
Rollie Sampson, MA, LCMHCA, NCC

For the past 11 months, my family has supported my candidacy. It often required sacrifices on their part as I missed family events and found my time pulled away from our home. Yet, they encouraged me to stay the course.

Although all three of my kids have graduated from high school, my niece and nephew are still part of Moore County Schools so I am deeply invested in ensuring that they have the same opportunities my children enjoyed.

I am grateful for the outpouring of community support I’ve received, especially from our MCS teachers, support staff, parents, and retired educators. You’ve made everyday worthwhile.

Much thanks, Rollie

This is what non-partisanship looks like. Robin, Pam, and I have been endorsed by Republicans, Democrats and Unaffiliated voters as well as MCS teachers, parents, grandparents, retired educators and concerned citizens. Each of these individuals understands the importance of representing ALL families and providing ALL children with the tools they need to learn.

They are not “dubious characters” but concerned neighbors and community leaders who believe in electing qualified candidates. For that, I am eternally grateful and humbled by their public support.

Todays discussion in the Republican tent by two board of education members and a Republican endorsed candidate includes their plan to push the Moore County Commissioners to make the Board of Education a partisan board. They don’t believe it should be non-partisan.

Where does this leave unaffiliated voters who they call communists? Consider this when your cast you vote.

One week until Election Day! Early voting ends of Saturday. If you’re not registered yet, you can register at early voting. I’ve always been an unaffiliated voter and plan to stay that way.

Thank you to everyone who has endorsed us and for putting students first. This is what non-partisanship looks like!

It was an amazing afternoon filled with costumes and candy! Wonderful to see so many local families enjoy the day. Special thanks to our volunteers whose creative cars brought so many smiles!

Tonight is the last meeting of the Community Engagement Series.

Join us this evening from 6:30-8 p.m. at Southern Middle School for our Area III Community Engagement Series. Childcare will be provided and everyone is welcomed to attend, regardless of where you reside. https://www.ncmcs.org/community/community_engagement_series

When one of your closest friends, army wife extraordinarye, and absolute rock star stops by to tell you that they cast their vote for you, ya gotta get a selfie. If you have the pleasure of knowing Beth MacDonald and are fortunate enough to call her a friend, consider yourself lucky!

One of my favorite endorsements yet! Nothing better than a MCS student voting for the first time and telling you they cast their vote for you. Our schools are filled with amazing young people. This made my day!

North Moore High School - Go Mustangs!
Pinecrest Performs at 4:05 pm!

The Viking Classic kicks off 12:30! If you’ve never seen a marching band competition, it’s an amazing experience! Plus, they’ll have FRESH CUT FRIES!!! All of our marching bands rely on events like this to pay for the program. Each school has to raise about $25,000 minimum to cover costs EACH YEAR! If you can’t attend the event, consider making a donation to one or all of our bands. The Union Pines Marching Vikings, Pinecrest High School Marching Patriots, and NMHS Marching Mustangs need your support!

I’m was a member of the planning group with my fellow Military Liaisons and School Liaison Officers in North Carolina that laid the ground work for the Purple Star Program. Moore County Schools has been an awardee since the program launched three years ago. For the past two years the school system has been recognized as a Purple Star District because all campuses are Purple Star Schools.

Ensuring the district meets the requirements of the program and continues to support the needs of military-connected children is a major part of the District Military Liaison duties.

Early Voting starts tomorrow, October 20th. If you are not registered to vote, you can register during On-Stop Early Voting until November 5th. If you would like to help out and can volunteer for a few hours to staff our campaign booth at early voting or on election day (Nov 8th), please let me know. It's time to take back our public schools!

Had a wonderful time volunteering at In Kind, Inc. first community event. Can’t wait to help with their spring event! It was great to see student volunteers and Moore County Schools staff giving back to the community. And shout out to my new friend Michelle (UPHS parent) who can rock a cowboy hat and makes a mean sausage loaded with peppers and onions!

This is where I’ll be tomorrow, not for the photo ops but as an opportunity to support my amazing friend Cathy Brady! I look forward to being put to work and helping her non-profit that gives back to so many in our community. Bring your children, it will be amazing time for all!

What a wonderful way to honor the history of both Southern Pines schools! My youngest attended Southern Pines Primary & Southern Pines Elementary. I have fond memories of both campuses and I'm glad to see their legacy live on through their new mascot.

The Board of Education Candidate Forum is this Thursday, October 13th at 7 pm. Please come out and learn about each candidate! It's important to make an informed decision, our children depend on it!

There was no better place to end my day then where my journey with Moore County Schools began and reconnect with the amazing history of that little school. This is where my children started school and I joined my first PTA. It’s also a place of profound history that reflects the ever changing landscape of our community and country and we should never forget it’s story. Thank you to the West Southern Pines Civic Club for hosting this wonderful event.

I had no idea when I stepped into Ms Marion’s kindergarten classroom as a parent volunteer in 2006 that I would become a teacher, school counselor, and now Board of Education Candidate. There is a special place in my heart for the teachers and staff of Southern Pines Primary School because they inspired me to serve all children. ❤️

Community Matters!

Don’t assume I’m a city girl! I’m a HUGE fan and supporter of Pinecrest High School FFA! And when I heard they had ”vintage” FFA t-shirts, I had to swing by and get one! The PHS FFA program does not have a barn and the chapter is actively raising the funds for one. If you want to help build Tater & Tot a new home, contact Ms. Manies, Ag Teacher Extraordinare to make a donation.

There is still time to get some of the world’s best barbecue! Westmoore Elementary School is hosting their annual Fall Fest and Auction. You can only get this BBQ once a year and I enjoyed getting the backstage tour of how the magic happens. There is still time to catch the festivities. They’ll be serving BBQ until they run out (and they will!) and the live auction will kick off after 6 pm. Shout out to the parents behind the Westmoore PTA who’ve been working around the clock to make this happen and are working hard serving up hundreds of pounds of BBQ! This is what community looks like!

Shout Out to Nicole Matthews, PHS Cheer Coach and Social Studies Teacher, and this spirited group of young women who are raising money to attend Cheerleading Nationals in Dallas, TX in January. They need $25,300 to get there and are about 1/3 of the way to their goal. They still have another $17,000 to raise! Consider making a donation or sponsoring a team member! It was great to see them this morning at their yard sale!

Grabbed breakfast this morning at the Moore Philharmonic Orchestra’s Pancake Breakfast. I was not surprised to see multiple MCS teachers, including Ms. Cunningham and Mr. Kopecky who were volunteering. Both are passionate about our local and school Orchastra programs. It was even better to spend time talking to Mr. Kopecky’s past students who shared their love of music, passion for orchestra and a few of his stories. GREAT TEACHERS INSPIRE STUDENTS!

Both of theses educators give hundreds of volunteer hours each year outside of our classroom supporting the arts and our students.

We are fortunate to have them and we need to invest in keeping them! Please put our schools, students and staff first in November and vote for me, Robin Calcutt and Pam Thompson for Moore County Board of Education.

Five years ago, I became MCS’s first District Military Liaison. This week, I have the opportunity to collaborate with Erica Funk, my replacement who is also a military spouse, educator and parent of three military children. She brings a wealth of knowledge and I’m thrilled to pass the torch to her. She’ll do great things for our military-connected students and Moore County Schools!

Thank you to John Bouldry for his support and recognizing the importance of having experienced leadership on our Board of Education. If you value your public schools, please vote.

Sunday’s are usually a day of reflection for me. I take time to regroup and spend time with my family and friends. Today, my Facebook memory reminded me of my husband’s last deployment and less than a year later he would retire. It was a bittersweet time.

My husband spent a large part of our children’s lives gone while serving his county. Although we were glad he was home (and safe) one final time, we were also reminded of 17 years of loss.

We have spent the last 6 years working to reconnect as a family and to never take a moment for granted. We are stronger today because of this journey ❤️

Thank you to Special Forces Chapter 62 & VFW Post 7318 for sponsoring last evenings Board of Education Candidate Forum and Vic Allen for organizing the event. It was a honor to be included and I appreciated seeing former colleagues and friends in the audience.

When I worked for Communities In Schools, we often partnered with Moore Buddies to provide mentoring support for students. It was wonderful to attend The CARE Group, Inc. - Moore Buddies Mentoring Ribbon Cutting and visit their expanded facilities. They currently have 30 students waiting for mentors if you are interested in volunteering! All you need is one hour a week to make the difference in the life of a child!

I have heard several candidates claim we need to return God to our schools. I counter with God never left. Everyday He is on our campuses through student groups like Fellowship of Christian Athletes, our Acts of Kindness Clubs and student led Bible studies. He is in the actions of our teachers who provide supplies and snacks to children in need or volunteer to stay longer hours to tutor struggling students. He is with our school counselors, social workers, and psychologist who support our students through some of life's most challenging moments. And He can be seen in the actions of every staff member that sets foot on a public school campus and believes that all children have potential to grow into amazing people.

If you aren't seeing God, you are not looking hard enough.