Dear Parents, Families and Guardians:
During the first full week of February, schools throughout the country will celebrate National School Counseling Week (NSCW) 2023 (Feb 6-10). On February 6th, Superintendent of Schools, Paul S. Haughey, signed a proclamation recognizing that the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District will be joining this national celebration to honor our school counselors. The 2023 NSCW theme in Massachusetts is School Counselors: Helping Students Dream Big.
In Massachusetts, school counselors must be certified/licensed educators with a minimum of master’s degree in counseling. They must pass the state examination and obtain a passing score on the Massachusetts Communication and Literacy Skills Test in addition to complete 450 hours of practicum. Professional school counselors abide by the professional and service delivery standards and competencies established by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). They implement counseling programs through data driven strategies and develop their curriculum according to state frameworks.
During NSCW we invite students, parents, faculty and administrators to learn more about the comprehensive nature of the services provided by school counselors in our schools. These are some of the activities prepared for this week and few suggestions for acknowledging counselors are your school.
The Massachusetts School Counseling Association (MASCA) encourages you to use National School Counseling Week as not only an opportunity to offer your school counselors appreciation, but to also advocate and support their roles in your school and district. Below are informational weblinks that provide detailed explanations of the roles of school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and school nurses.
- An infographic that tells you more about the role of a school counselor
- A flier that explains the difference between school counselors, social workers, school psychologists and school nurses.
National School Counseling Week is a great way to promote awareness, appreciate faculty and staff, and recognize the school counselors. Throughout the week, we invite you to let your schools counselors know that you appreciate your work by sending them a message showing your appreciation.
Thank you for your support of our school counselors and for participating in NSCW activities.
Sincerely,
Paul S. Haughey, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District