The week of Feb. 5-9 kicks off National School Counseling Week, celebrated every year during the first full week in February. This week brings awareness to the contributions that school counselors make. 

Started in 2011 by the American School Counselor Association, National School Counseling Week is a week-long celebration that highlights the important role of school counselors in helping students achieve academic and career success. A theme is decided upon each year, and this year’s theme is “School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused.” 

We sat down with Dr. Kladis, the director of counseling and student services to discuss the week and the importance of counseling.

When asked why school counseling was so important, she responded: “The big piece is that mental health, that social-emotional component that we’re here to celebrate with students when they’re having successes but also be there to provide support and what that looks like when they are struggling.” 

According to the American School Counselor Association, there are almost 34,000 school counselors in the United States. But school counseling requires a special person.

“[One] of the most important attributes to being a counselor is the ability to listen to young people and meet them where they’re at,” Kladis said. She went on to say that counselors also have to know what resources are available to help their students get the help they need and desire. 

The Judge Counseling team is located on the third floor, and offers six counselors, three of which are college counselors. You can follow the celebration of National School Counseling Week all over the country with #NSCW24 and you can follow the events in Judge Counseling on Instagram at @judgecollegecounseling and @judgecounseling.