National School Counseling Week Feb. 3 to 7 highlights the impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career, according to Mary Ann Ashley, president of the Northern Zone for Counselors and Development.

“The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for those implementing comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century,” Ashley said.

“Our organization recognizes the valuable work of guidance counselors, special education counselors, college admission counselors, human service providers, and private therapists who support students and families unconditionally on a daily basis. There has been a tremendous increase in family needs over the past 10 years that have forced schools to try to address them when other social service systems are not able to assist,” she said.

“Members should be proud of their service and are to be commended for working on the front line providing educational and therapeutic support to assure an increase in student’s academic, social and emotional performance.”

More info: www.schoolcounselor.org.