National School Counseling Week focuses public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who “implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century,” according to Julie Pratt, Advanced Academics and Counseling Coordinator for Frenship ISD.
Pratt cited school counselors for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, post-secondary and social/emotional development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. School counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in school counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.
Frenship's counselors who are being celebrated this week are:
- Bennett - Lisa Ribaudo
- Crestview - Piper Seawright
- Legacy - Tonya Canchola
- North Ridge - Holly McDonald
- Oak Ridge - Melissa Mann
- Upland Heights - Misty Speck
- Westwind - Qualimetra Chapman
- Willow Bend - Jessica Neitsch
- Heritage Middle School - Chelsey Cook
- Frenship Middle School - Chelsea Click
- Terra Vista Middle School - Courtney Miller
- 9th Grade Center - Kristen Hudgens
- Reese Education Center - Elizabeth Rogers
- Frenship High School - Amy Smallwood (lead), Craig Thomson, Nicki Morrison, Sara King, Deanna Schulte
“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, post-secondary options and social/emotional skills,” said Kwok-Sze Wong, Ed.D., ASCA executive director. “School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.”
More than 100,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week’s festivities. Many schools will be hosting special events and activities to call attention to the countless benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.
Parents or community members with specific questions or concerns about school counseling programs should contact the school counselors at their local schools. More general information can also be found on ASCA’s website, www.schoolcounselor.org.
About the American School Counselor Association
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) promotes student success by expanding the image and influence of school counseling through leadership, advocacy, collaboration and systemic change. ASCA helps school counselors guide their students toward academic achievement, career planning and social/emotional development to help today’s students become tomorrow’s productive, contributing members of society. Founded in 1952, ASCA has a network of 50 state and territory associations and a membership of approximately 36,000 school counseling professionals. For additional information on the American School Counselor Association, visit www.schoolcounselor.org.