AUGUSTA — National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), runs through Friday.
The week-long observance aims “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,” according to a release from the association. “ National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.”
In Maine, the Maine School Counseling Association (MESCA) is the state chapter that supports and advocates for school counselors.
In a proclamation, Gov. Paul LePage 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,” the release states.
Professional school counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in guidance and counseling, according to the release.
“ School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, personal/social skills and career awareness in post-secondary options,” Kwok- Sze Wong, executive director of the ASCA, said in the release. “Comprehensive school counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much- needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators.”
More than 29,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week’s festivities.
Parents or community members with specific questions or concerns about school counseling programs can contact the school counselors at their local schools. More information can be found at www.meschoolcounselor.org or www.maineca.org.
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