FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 5, 2024

CONTACT: Kimberly Aguilar, (805) 341-4689

THOUSAND OAKS – Compass Charter Schools invites you to celebrate National School Counseling Week, Monday, February 5, through Friday, February 9, to focus public attention on school counselors’ unique contributions, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). This year’s theme, “School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused,” focuses public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how scholars are different due to what school counselors do. This week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping scholars achieve school success and plan for a career.

“Our counseling team supports our scholars to meet their academic and social-emotional needs,” shares Elizabeth Brenner, Compass Charter Schools Superintendent & CEO. “In a virtual setting, making connections with scholars can be challenging. Our counselors find ways to connect with our scholars in meaningful ways. They are always looking for new strategies to engage scholars and to support them in graduating from Compass. They are dedicated to ensuring that every Compass scholar feels safe and welcome at our school.”

The special week provides recognition for school counselors who implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all scholars as they meet the challenges of the 21st century. School counselors are actively engaged in helping scholars examine their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents; for working in partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where scholars can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. School counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in school counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.

The Counseling Services Department comprises six credentialed counselors passionate about supporting scholars’ academic growth, mental and emotional well-being, and college and career planning. Compass conducts ongoing webinars for scholars and learning coaches (parents or guardians) centered around academics, social-emotional intelligence, and college and career readiness.

“Our team of school counselors are committed each day to serving our scholars and families by fostering strong partnerships to achieve equitable scholar outcomes,” shares Debra Stephan, Director of Counseling Services. “I am proud of the comprehensive school counseling program we have implemented and the team of professional school counselors that provide daily supports to our scholars.”

Our Counseling Department introduced the podcast, The Firebird Chat, which recently received an award recognition from CalSPRA. Counseling hosts weekly middle school and high school learning labs. Each counselor hosts small groups with scholars in their caseloads. These small group sessions allow scholars to connect with their counselors and peers in a no-stress, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Compass Counseling Department provides another way to communicate with our scholars and families with the Virtual Counseling Offices and a Calming Corner, where counselors share resources related to Coping Strategies.

“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career options, and social/emotional skills,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers, and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.”

About the American School Counselor Association

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) promotes student success by expanding the image and influence of school counseling through leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and systemic change. ASCA helps school counselors guide their students toward academic achievement, career planning, and social/emotional development to help today’s students become tomorrow’s productive, contributing members of society. Founded in 1952, ASCA has a network of 51 state and territory associations and a membership of approximately 43,000 school counseling professionals. For additional information on the American School Counselor Association, visit schoolcounselor.org.

About Compass Charter Schools

Compass Charter Schools is a WASC-accredited virtual personalized learning public charter school serving thousands of scholars throughout California. Catering to TK-12 grade scholars, Compass offers two personalized learning programs. Compass is committed to creating a collaborative virtual learning community, inspiring scholars to appreciate the ways in which arts and sciences nurture a curiosity for lifelong learning, and preparing scholars to take responsibility for their future successes.

For more information, visit About Compass and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.