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File #: 190073    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 1/31/2019 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action: 1/31/2019
Title: Declaring February 4-8, 2019 as "National School Counseling Week" in the City of Philadelphia; recognizing the critical role that school counselors play in meeting students' academic, social/emotional, and postsecondary planning needs; and calling on the School District of Philadelphia to institute the American School Counselor Association's recommended student-counselor ratio of 250 to 1.
Sponsors: Councilmember Gym, Councilmember Blackwell, Councilmember Parker, Councilmember Green, Councilmember Reynolds Brown, Councilmember Taubenberger, Councilmember Domb, Councilmember Squilla
Attachments: 1. Signature19007300
Title
Declaring February 4-8, 2019 as "National School Counseling Week" in the City of Philadelphia; recognizing the critical role that school counselors play in meeting students' academic, social/emotional, and postsecondary planning needs; and calling on the School District of Philadelphia to institute the American School Counselor Association's recommended student-counselor ratio of 250 to 1.
Body
WHEREAS, School counselors assist students in reaching their fullest potential by helping young people explore their abilities, interests, strengths and talents both in school and as related to career awareness and development; and

WHEREAS, School counselors are vital to every school community, supporting students in the areas of academic achievement, personal and social development, and career development, and bringing an important perspective to school staff in order to resolve issues small and large; and

WHEREAS, School counselors play a unique role in working with parents, teachers and other educators to develop and support the educational, personal, and social growth of young people; and

WHEREAS, Comprehensive school counseling programs are considered an integral part of the educational process that enable all students to achieve success in school and in their social and emotional lives; and

WHEREAS, School counselors are valued as essential members of safe and successful school environments. They are particularly crucial in school communities that face poverty, high rates of housing insecurity, and trauma; and

WHEREAS, School counselors work with families, staff, and young people dealing with violence, illness, death and other traumas that might otherwise go unaddressed and unsupported. They are critically important caregivers and hubs for community services in schools; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia school counselors in particular have resiliently served young people each and every day, many of them in spite of inadequate resources and growing caseloads;...

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