Happy National School Counseling Week

National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 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.

This week we are honoring our school counselors, Rita Silva-Ponds at College Place High School, Shari Widmer at Sager Middle School and Blake Limburg at Davis Elementary School. Our counselors implement comprehensive school counseling programs, and are a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century. 

The school counselors at College Place Public Schools are actively engaged and help students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; work in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today's world; focus on positive ways to enhance students' social/personal, educational and career development; 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. 

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 our educational system here at College Place Public Schools. 

"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."

Be sure to thank your student's school counselor this week! Thank you Mrs. Ponds, Mrs. Widmer and Mr. Limburg for all that you do for our kids here at College Place Public Schools!