Duneland Schools are pleased to celebrate National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) from Feb. 3–7, 2020. This week brings 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. All Duneland Schools employ at least one school counselor and each school counseling program is a recipient of the Indiana Department of Education Gold Star Counseling Award as well as the A.S.C.A. Recognized Model Program (R.A.M.P.) award.
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. “Today's school counselors are vital members of the education team” says Elizabeth Martin, the school counselor at Jackson Elementary School. “They help all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/social development and career development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow.”
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. More information can also be found on ASCA’s website, www.schoolcounselor.org.