As school districts across the nation prepare to celebrate National School Counseling Week, Lancaster ISD is on board to recognize the special group of educators.
Throughout the week of February 7-11, National School Counseling Week will highlight the work of school counselors nationwide. This year’s theme, School Counseling: Better Together, is dedicated to focusing public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students can be affected by the work of school counselors. The week will highlight the tremendous impact counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and plan for a career.
“The Lancaster ISD counselors are being celebrated this week for their continuous efforts in helping our students succeed,” said Patonia Bell, Lancaster ISD Chief of Data and Accountability. “Our counselors do the heart work in taking care of students and staff throughout the year. They ensure that students are developing their social-emotional skills and successfully navigating the challenges of daily life. The ultimate goal is for our counselors to provide a safe haven for students.”
The special week 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.
School counselors actively engage in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents. They work in partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world and focus on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career, and social/emotional development. School counselors also work 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. They are certified, experienced educators and 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 options, and social/emotional skills,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “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.”
As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, Lancaster ISD will be featuring the district’s counselors on social media and surprising them with special gifts.
