Fayette County school counselors will join about 32,000 of their colleagues around the nation for an observance of “National School Counseling Week” from Feb. 2 through Feb. 6.
The event is sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and is designed to spotlight the contribution of professional school counselors and the tremendous impact they can have on student success.
Joseph Barrow, Fayette schools superintendent, called counselors “a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century.”
In a proclamation supporting the observance, Barrow 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’ social/personal, educational and career 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.
Professional school counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in guidance and counseling.
Many school counselors will be hosting special events and activities to call attention to the myriad benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.
As part of the celebration for National School Counseling Week, many Fayette County schools will participate in “Reach Higher” day on Friday, Feb. 9. The Reach Higher initiative is First Lady Michelle Obama’s effort to inspire all students to take charge of their future by continuing their education past high school. School counselors are an integral part of the plan as they help students to set goals for the future.
