Sample Press Release
Following is a sample press release you can use for distribution to your local newspaper. Generally, the most
effective use of the press release is to add a number of paragraphs on what your school and counseling
department are planning as celebration week activities. Therefore, you will note that several paragraphs have
been included where you can insert more personalized information if appropriate/available.
Contact:
Phone:
Address:
School Counselors Celebrate During National School Counseling Week, Feb. 2–6, 2009
National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be
celebrated from Feb. 2-6, 2009, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school
counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact that
counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who "implement
comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet
the challenges of the 21st century," according to [Insert name, title of local person who signed the proclamation
designating Feb. 2-6 as National School Counseling Week].
In a proclamation, [Insert name of signer again] cited school counselors for being actively engaged in helping
students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they
encounter the challenges of raising children in today's world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students'
social/personal, educational and career development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide
an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic
aspirations for themselves. Professional school counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master's
degree in guidance and counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral
part of the total educational program.
"Every day, school counselors work with school counseling programs that address the personal/social, academic
and career needs of all students," said Jim Bierma, ASCA 2009–2010 president. "Their ultimate goal is to enable
all students to achieve success in school and to become responsible and productive members of our society."
More than 24,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week's festivities. Many school
counselors will be hosting special events and activities to call attention to the myriad benefits of a
comprehensive school counseling program.
As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, [name of school district or individual school] will
be [list some activities]. Any parent or other community member with specific questions or concerns about school
counseling programs should contact the individual counselor at his/her school. More general information can
also be found on ASCA's Web site, www.schoolcounselor.org
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is a worldwide nonprofit organization based in Alexandria,
Va. Founded in 1952, ASCA supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic,
personal/social and career development so they not only achieve success in school but are prepared to lead
fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. The association provides professional development,
publications and other resources, research and advocacy to more professional school counselors around the
globe.