School Counselors Celebrate National School Counseling Week, Feb. 4-8, 2008

National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American
School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 4-8,
2008, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of
professional school counselors within U.S. school systems. National
School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact that 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 Dr. Oliver
Johnson, Director of Student Services for the Johnston County Schools.
School counselors are 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. The combination of their training and
experience makes them an integral part of the total educational
program.

"Every day, school counselors work with school counseling programs that
address the personal/social, academic and career needs of all students,"
said Eric Sparks, ASCA 2008-2009 president. "Their ultimate goal is to
enable all students to achieve success in school and to become
responsible and productive members of our society."
More than 21,000 school counselors nationwide work as counselors to
provide a comprehensive school counseling program.
Any parent or other community member with specific questions or
concerns about school counseling programs should contact the individual
counselor at his/her school. More general information can also be found
on ASCA's Web site, www.schoolcounselor.org

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is a worldwide
nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Va. Founded in 1952, ASCA
supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic,
personal/social and career development so they not only achieve success
in school but are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible
members of society. The association provides professional development,
publications and other resources, research and advocacy to more
professional school counselors around the globe.