DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION ACTNITY

4800 MARK CENTER DRIVE A LEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22350 - 1400

JAN 1 8 ,013

MEMORANDUM FOR DODEA AREA DIRECTORS DODEA AREA DEPUTY DIRECTORS, CIA DODEA AREA DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENTS, CIA DODEA DISTRlCT SUPERINTENDENTS DODEA STUDENT SERVICES, ISSs DODEA SCHOOL PRINCIPALS DODEASCHOOLCOUNSELORS

SUBJECT: National School Counseling Week, February 4-8, 2013

As we approach the National School Counseling Week, February 4-8,2013 , let us take the opportunity to recognize our school counselors and the many services offered at your school through the Competency Based Counseling Program. The National School Counseling Week is sponsored by the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) and held annually during the first full week of February.

This year's theme, "School Counseling: Liberty and Learning for All," provides an opportunity to focus public attention on the important role and impact school counselors have in helping students achieve success. The week will highlight the counseling program as an integral part of the educational process and a continuum of services provided to all students.

During the week of February 4-8, 2013 , the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) will join this celebration and proudly display features and a message of appreciation on the DoDEA Web site. Please join the more than 30,000 school counselors nationwide who will participate in the week-long celebration. Many schools will take the opportunity to promote their counseling programs and host special events and activities that highlight the myriad of benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.

Below are some suggested steps that you can take to launch your own school and community celebration:

• Review and utilize the National School Counseling Week resource materials found on the ASCA Web site at www.schoolcoUDseloLorg

• Display the National School Counseling Week poster in your school • Promote the week by having your school counselor(s) read a daily announcement

from the National School Counseling Week sample morning announcements • Highlight the celebration and school counseling services in your school newsletter • Host a special event or activity about counseling services • Present a Certificate of Appreciation to your school counselor(s)

Thank you for your continued efforts to recognize and support DoDEA school counselors and their work with students to foster academic, career and personal/social development through the Competency Based Counseling Program.

~L,;g .~ ~ian B. Talley

Principal Deputy Director and Associate Director for Education

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