Let’s Celebrate National School Counseling Week!

National School Counseling Week is February 7th through February 11th. The aim of this campaign is to raise awareness of the unique contribution school counselors bring to children in this country. This recognition has become even more important as children continue to face the stress and challenges brought on by the Covid 19 pandemic.

Stats at a Glance

It has been reported that one in six children in this country between the ages of 6 and 17 experience a mental health disorder each year. Yet despite the demand for treatment, about half of youths with a mental health issue will not receive needed treatment.

Undiagnosed and untreated mental health illnesses negatively impact a child’s ability to learn, grow and develop. Since youths spend a majority of their time in schools, counselors are in the perfect position to help. School-based mental health services remove the barriers to treatment and give students the help they need.

As children continue to struggle with the disruption to their regular rhythms of childhood, caused by lockdowns and mandates, school counselors are there to help them get the relief they need to thrive and succeed.

How Can We All Celebrate School Counselors?

School counselors act as the first line of defense in identifying and addressing the mental and emotional needs of children in the school setting. This year, let’s give these local heroes the attention and gratitude they deserve.

There are a few different ways you can take part in this year’s National School Counseling Week:

You can participate in the weeklong photo challenge.

By heading to the campaign’s website, you can also have access to numerous download templates, like samples for press releases and certificates of appreciation. The website also has a selection of posters, door hangers, and stickers to help your kids/students promote school counseling.

SOURCES:

• https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Events-Professional-Development/Events/National-School-Counseling-Week
• https://www.nami.org/Advocacy/Policy-Priorities/Improving-Health/Mental-Health-in-Schools
• https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-Social-Emotional-Developm