National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), was celebrated from Feb. 59, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact that 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," according to Tina Kissell, administrator of student services for Moore County Public Schools. "The 34 counselors in our system work a range of roles that may include direct classroom instruction, small group sessions, facilitating school-wide teams, tardy check-ins, home visitation, or providing a "chill-out" space for angry students. These professionals wear many hats and are pulled in a myriad of directions daily. They work very hard in order to support Moore County's children."

The range of school counselor responsibilities is broad-based, but an integral part of any learning community. Counselor roles focus on being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today's world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students' social/personal, educational and career development; and working 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. Professional school counselors are certified, experienced educators with master's degrees in guidance and counseling. The combination of their training and experience make them an integral part of the total educational program.

As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, Moore County Schools hosted a celebration breakfast for the school counselors in order to show appreciation for their role in the school system.

Any parent or other community member with questions about school counseling programs should contact the individual counselor at his/her school or Tina Kissell at 947-2342.