ALEXANDRIA, VA — National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 4–8, 2013, 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.

The special week honoring school counselors 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. Many Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools around the world will take the opportunity during the week to highlight counseling services available and to showcase the work of school counselors.

DoDEA school counselors are actively engaged 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. School counselors focus on positive ways to enhance students' social/personal, educational and career development; and 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.

“School Counselors are integral to student success and provide much needed resources for students, parents, teachers and school leadership,” said Marilee Fitzgerald, DoDEA Director. “Our children will achieve their full promise through their advocacy and collaboration with parents and all members of our school communities.”

More than 30,000 school counselors nationwide will participate in the week's festivities. Many school counselors will host special events and activities to call attention to the myriad benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program. Parents or community members with specific questions or concerns about school counseling programs should contact their local schools.

General information about the celebration can also be found on the DoDEA website at www.dodea.edu or on ASCA's Website at: www.schoolcounselor.org.