This week, we join schools nationwide in recognizing National School Counseling Week . Across our district, buildings have taken time to thank and celebrate the school counselors who support students every day. From classroom lessons and small groups to one-on-one conversations and behind-the-scenes problem solving, our counselors play an essential role in helping students navigate school and plan for what comes next.
School counselors work with the whole student, supporting academic growth, future planning, and social-emotional needs. Much of that work happens quietly through collaboration with teachers, families, and support teams. Whether helping a student stay on track academically, explore postsecondary options, or work through a challenging situation, counselors help ensure students feel seen, supported, and prepared.
At Pleasant Valley High School, counselors are extending that impact beyond their own building in an exciting way. Counselors Leslie Spiller, Ellie Curtis, Scott Rice, Nicole Shea, and Ellie Thomas are in the process of publishing a book focused on adolescent career development. The project grew out of the team’s work with the high school’s Career and College Readiness program and their shared belief that students need meaningful opportunities to learn about themselves before making decisions about life after high school.
The book, The Career Compass: Guiding Adolescents to Their Futures, is designed to help counselors and educators support career exploration even in schools with limited resources. Rather than promoting a single pathway, the curriculum emphasizes self-awareness, reflection, and skill-building so students can continue to adapt as their interests and opportunities change over time. The counselors hope the book will help educators and families support students as they learn how to evaluate options, make informed choices, and adjust their plans along the way.
As we recognize National School Counseling Week, we celebrate all of our Pleasant Valley counselors for all they bring to their schools. We are proud to highlight the work happening at PVHS and grateful for the ways our counselors across the district continue to support students and families every day.