ARLINGTON, VA — February 3, 2012 — Schools throughout the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) will celebrate National School Counseling Week, Feb. 6-10, 2012. National School Counseling Week is sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. This year's theme is "School Counselors: Helping Students Be Brilliant."

"This special week honors school counselors for the important role they play in helping students examine their talents, strengths, abilities, and interests," said Peggy Bullion, Chief of Curriculum, DoDEA. "Counselors work with teachers and support personnel to provide an educational system where students can realize their true potential."

DoDEA school counselors serve in schools located around the world. School counseling services vary greatly from grade level to grade level. For example, an elementary school counselor offers different kinds of support than a high school counselor.

"Parents and students are not always aware of the wealth of resources a counselor can offer," Bullion said. "This week offers us a great chance to recognize school counselors for all they do to reduce and remove barriers to learning and to provide the support necessary for all students to achieve at the highest level."

Schools throughout DoDEA will be honoring their school counselors for their efforts to meet the personal, social, academic, and career needs of students.

DoDEA consists of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools located overseas, and the Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools located in the U.S. and its territories and possessions. DoDEA provides education to eligible DoD military and civilian dependents from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. DoDEA also provides support and resources to Local Education Activities throughout the U.S. that serve children of military families.