Celebrating Our APS Counselors During National School Counseling Week

Every year during the first full week in February, our education community comes together to celebrate National School Counseling Week by focusing public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within the U.S. school system.

This year is no exception, as I encourage all of us to recognize the wonderful work that our Atlanta Public Schools counselors do each and every day. That’s why National School Counseling Week, which is celebrated Feb. 5-9, is the perfect opportunity to share how much I appreciate our counselors’ service and valuable contributions to the students in our school district, ensuring that they achieve academic success and graduate ready for college and career.

For their part, APS counselors have encountered unique challenges as they help our students navigate their way through a confusing and sometimes awkward time. Nevertheless, they have done so with dignity and pride. Through our district’s Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives, counselors have provided encouragement and practical assistance for students who struggle with social problems and have trouble making friends.

This brings to mind this year’s theme: “School Counselors: Helping Students Reach for the Stars.” Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. The role of an APS counselor is extremely valuable, and I celebrate the work these professionals do in our schools, both day in and day out. Each of them model excellence in Core Values, and for that, I am extremely grateful.

So, as we work across the district to empower all students to meet the academic and career preparation demands of today’s workforce, the role of a school counselor has never been more important. Each counselor serves as the vital link between students’ aspirations for the future and tangible opportunities for post-secondary success. They also provide support for our neediest students who require expert and accessible guidance as they navigate the college admissions and career preparation landscape.

Because our school counselors are highly effective and supportive professionals, this is the ideal time to highlight the importance of  every counselor’s impact and role in our students’ academic success, social-emotional well-being, and college and career readiness.

This week, please be sure to thank an APS school counselor for their exemplary work. I certainly salute each of them for their unwavering commitment and dedication to our students!