School counselors play important roles in school districts, allowing students to resolve issues they face at home or in the classroom. Given the challenges students may encounter in a remote or hybrid learning environment, their role may even more essential this year. Counselors can play an important role in enhancing equity and access in districts, according to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
National School Counseling Week, sponsored by ASCA, focuses on how counselors contribute to and impact U.S. school systems. Below, you can learn more about this day, including ways to celebrate and show appreciation with your students.
When Is National School Counseling Week?
National School Counseling Week is typically celebrated each year during the first full week of February.
What Is National School Counseling Week, and Why Do We Celebrate It?
The ASCA website explains that National School Counseling Week “highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.”
Why Should We Show Appreciation for School Counselors?
School counselors play a vital role in helping students face various challenges. In Pasadena Now, Alvin Nash, president of United Teachers of Pasadena, said counselors allow K-12 students to better understand their own strengths; work with parents to help them overcome obstacles in raising their children; and encourage educators to have their students set healthy, positive goals.
What Does a School Counselor Do?
Counselors are licensed educators who address students’ academic, career, and social/emotional development needs by implementing and executing a counseling program aiming for student success, according to ASCA. They can work in elementary, middle, or high schools or in district supervisory roles.
In particular, school counselors can benefit students of color and low-income students. Research links high student-to-counselor ratios in low-income schools with better outcomes, including improved attendance, fewer disciplinary incidents, and higher graduation rates. Per ASCA:
Students of color and students from low-income families have been overlooked and underserved for far too long. If anything, they deserve more access to school counselors than their peers — not the same, and certainly not less. And yet, the schools serving the most students of color or the most students from low-income families are shortchanged when it comes to school counselors.
According to ASCA, a 250-to-1 student-to-counselor ratio is ideal, though the average in many states is currently significantly higher.
What Are Some Counselor Appreciation Week Ideas for School?
On its website, ASCA offers a wide range of resources to celebrate National School Counseling Week with your students. There, you can find certificates of appreciation that students can give to school counselors, sample morning announcements to acknowledge this week, posters for students, and more. Here are more ways you can show your school counselor appreciation:
- Encourage your students to thank their school counselors, whether it’s upon seeing them in the hallway, visiting their office, or just sending them a nice email.
- Decorate their doors with signs expressing gratitude for the work school counselors do and the difference they make in students’ lives.
- Have your class create a poster where each student shares something they appreciate about their school counselor.
- Bring them a special gift or treat.
- In the announcements, acknowledge and thank your school counselor for the work they do.
- In the weekly email to parents, let them know about National School Counseling Week and the wonderful work that your school counselor does for their children.
- Hang posters around the school celebrating National School Counseling Week.
- Buy them a book they can use in their school counseling program.
Here are some products school counselors love!
15-Minute Counseling Techniques that Work by Allison Edwards
A MUST-HAVE THERAPY TOOL! The counselor is not the strategy. The counselor teaches strategies. This quick read is full of tools to use in group or individual counseling sessions. The techniques shared will help kids feel empowered to handle everyday challenges and able to deal with their feelings and stress. Also available on Amazon.
15-Minute Focus: Regulation and Co-Regulation by Ginger Healy
A great resource for courselor, educators, and parents! Packed with clear definitions, facts, stories, and talking points, this book is rooted in the understanding that relationships are the priority – it only takes one committed grown up to help a kid heal and build grit through co-regulation. Also available on Amazon.
Bubble Gum Brain by Julia Cook
Brick Brain and Bubble Gum Brain are two children with VERY different mindsets. This delightful picture book teaches children (and adults) the important lesson that becoming is better than being. Having a growth mindset can open the doors to a world of possibilities! Also available on Amazon.
My Mouth Is A Volcano by Julia Cook
Louis is always interrupting! When he wants to say something, his words jiggle and wiggle, grumble and rumble, right before he ERUPTS (or interrupts). This picutre book takes an gentle approach to the habit of interrupting. Kids will learn a witty technique to help them better control their words and thoughts. Also available on Amazon.
Your Amazing Brain by Jessica Sinarski
Ready to harness the power of your brain? Discover the surprising role of our eight senses, differences between the two brain “teams”, and more! Using a diverse group of characters, Jessica Sinarski takes complex neuroscience and turns it into fun illustrations, helpful metaphors, and practical strategies. Also available on Amazon.
Find more resources HERE!
