SMITHFIELD – National School Counseling Week 2024, “School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused,” sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 5–9, 2024, to focus 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 Kim Lewter, Lead Counselor for JCPS.
The week of celebration provides the district an opportunity to recognize school counselors for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents and caregivers as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career 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.
“School counselors work with all of our students to remove barriers to learning by addressing academic concerns, career options and social emotional skills,” said Amanda Allen, Executive Director of Student Services. “School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, caregivers, teachers and administrators. School counselors are without a doubt integral to student success.”
Nearly 100 Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) counselors will join more than 100,000 school counselors nationwide to participate 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.
As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, JCPS will highlight school counseling specific data and information on the JCPS Student Services social media page and celebrate school counselors with a special event on Friday, February 9. Parents or community members with specific questions about school counseling programs should contact the school counselors at their local schools.
