Board approves resolution recognizing National School Counseling Week

The Poudre School District R-1 Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution recognizing National School Counseling Week, Feb. 3–7, 2025, at its Jan. 28 meeting.

Beth Green, the district counselor coordinator, said the theme for the week is "school counselors helping students thrive" and told the board counselors promote equitable access and support students’ academic and social-emotional development. "National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact our school counselors can have at all levels and helping students have equitable access to achieve school success," Green said.

Mary Anne Spence, a lead elementary counselor at Bowder Elementary School, described the continuity counselors provide students across years and quoted a former student to illustrate impact: one fifth grader said, "Having a counselor helps give me someone to talk to because my mom works a lot and I don't have a lot of people to talk to. When I'm feeling frustrated, going to your office helps me calm down and feel better. You also help me think of ways to problem solve." Spence said counselors teach coping skills, foster belonging and support students’ transitions from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Board members praised counselors and noted the growing complexity of mental-health needs in schools. The board’s motion to approve the resolution was made by Connor Duffy and seconded by Jessica Zamora. The vote was 6-0 in favor.

Board members and district leaders encouraged counselors to raise any needs to leadership, and staff said they will continue to provide training and resources to support school counselors.