Sunday, February 3, 2019 3:39 am
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WOODBURY - National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from February 4-8, 2019, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional 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 Director of Cannon County Schools, Mr. William F. Curtis.
Director Curtis 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. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.
"School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students' academic concerns, career awareness in post-secondary options and social/emotional skills," said Kwok-Sze Wong, Ed.D., ASCA executive director. "Comprehensive 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 school counselors 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, Cannon County will be honoring our school counselors in multiple ways. 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.
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is a worldwide nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Va. Founded in 1952, 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. ASCA has a network of 50 state associations, plus the District of Columbia and Guam and a membership of more than 34,000 school counseling professionals.
Cannon County Director of Schools - Mr. William F. Curtis stated, "Our five School Counselors in Cannon County do a tremendous job. Our six (6) Elementary schools are served by three Counselors: Mrs. Jessica Stephens at Woodbury Grammar School; Ms. Suzette Sanderfer at West Side School, Auburn School, and East Side School; and Mr. Cory Steffes at Woodland School and Short Mountain School. We are so very fortunate that the Cannon County Board of Education granted funding for an additional counselor that addresses the great needs of our Elementary Schools in Cannon County this school year. Cannon County High School is served by two outstanding High School Counselors: Mrs. Kasey McGee and Mrs. Angela Hale. All of these quality individuals do outstanding work with all of our students addressing mental health counseling, grief counseling, and all the way to college placement counseling. We are so appreciative of our School Counselors going the extra mile demonstrating our MISSION - "Preparing ALL Students for Their Future" through our VISION - "The New E3 - Engaged in Excellence Every Day!"