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RCPS celebrates National School Counseling Week
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This week marks National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association from Feb. 7 through Feb. 11.

The week focuses public attention on the contribution made by professional school counselors. This week has highlighted the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve school success and assisting with career planning.

Rockdale County Public Schools' professional school counselors provide classroom guidance, individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, parent workshops, transition activities, advisement and post secondary planning.

RCPS professional school counselors focus on planning for high school, college, and career as early as the 5th grade, and increase students' exposure as they move through middle and high school.

"RCPS wants to provide as many opportunities as possible for students to think about their futures," said April Fallon, director of community and student support in a press release. "Some of this requires backwards planning, meaning that early on students are encouraged to explore possible career interests; once a few career options are explored, this allows for the student and parent to have discussions with the school counselor about choosing the appropriate high school coursework and examine secondary options,"
In Oct. 2010, RCPS professional school counselors facilitated College Night, an event that provided post secondary information and allowed for district students and their parents to meet with representatives from local colleges, universities, and technical schools. On Feb. 27 RCPS will hold College Goal Sunday at Rockdale Career Academy for RCPS seniors who want to apply for financial aid. Federal Student Aid experts will be on hand to assist families with filling out the FAFSA and other appropriate forms.

RCPS employs 36 professional school counselors, serving in all schools from elementary to high school. RCPS also employs additional professional school counselors who serve in other roles, such as graduation coaches.