We are writing letters to many of the community and regional newspapers in West Central Minnesota this month to remind the citizens of these communities about a wonderful resource they have in their schools. We are talking about your school counselors. The week of Feb. 6-10 is National School Counseling Week. This week has been designated by the American School Counseling Association and recognized by federal, state, and local governments, as well as school boards and school administrations, as a time to recognize school counselors from kindergarten through college for the important work they do to help ensure the academic success of students at all grade levels.
The licensed counselors in your schools work with all students in three major areas to assist with their academic progress. Counselors work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers and administrators to help identify and remove barriers to learning. They work with students in the social-emotional area to promote positive attitudes toward themselves, their families, their peers, and the communities in which they live. Counselors assist students by providing support during personal crises, at times when, often, these crises may have a negative impact on the student's academic progress if not properly resolved. Counselors work with students in the academic area to help them recognize and make the best of their abilities. Many times they advocate for the student when the student needs support in difficult situations. Counselors also promote positive decision-making skills with large groups, small groups and individual students. Counselors also work with students in the career area by providing them with career and post-secondary information, providing information to their parents and helping to link them with college admissions personnel (so they can) to help them achieve the training necessary to move into the career areas they have chosen. Counselors also assist students in becoming invested in their school success by showing them how school performance relates to career opportunities.
In recent years, school counselors have encountered the same difficulties as other school staff. They often fall victim to staff cuts, as school districts in the area have to make tough decisions about staff reductions due to budget cuts and lack of funding for a variety of reasons. Currently, the American School Counseling Association recommends a student-to-counselor ratio of 250:1. Many area school counselors are working with ratios that far exceed this ratio. This reduces access to counseling services for many students. In spite of these discouraging statistics, your school counselors continue to work hard to see that all students have access to school counseling services at all levels.
We would ask that everyone take some time to let your school districts know that you value and appreciate the services that your school counselors provide to the students in your communities. Give them a call, stop and visit, or just jot down a short note to them and let them know you're thinking of them. The 2006 national theme for school counseling is "School Counselors... Changing Lives... Building Futures." We ask for your support in recognizing your licensed school counselors during this week and throughout the year. Thank you. -- David Thorpe and Angela Paulson, Licensed School Counselors and Public Relations Co-Chairs, West Central Minnesota School Counselors' Association
