On February 3, 2003 we celebrate National School Counseling Week. It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I extend to our counselors my appreciation for the many services they provide our students throughout the year. I urge all of you in DoDDS Pacific to take time during this week to acknowledge school counselors for the tremendous impact they have had in helping our students achieve academic success and become responsible and productive citizens.

     School counselors are the premier student advocate. They are the ones who work most closely with school personnel, parents, and helping services agencies to ensure our students are successful academically, vocationally and personally. Together with psychologists and nurses, school counselors are an integral part of the school support team--ready to provide assistance to students and staff on a moment’s notice.

     The contributions of school counselors have been an essential part of the DoDDS Pacific educational mission and the Community Strategic Plan. Their efforts have been paramount to our ability to accomplish our mission of preparing all students for success in a global environment.

     National School Counseling Week provides all of us an opportunity to recognize our school counselors. No matter what the need—transition planning, college research, career exploration, financial aid, course selection, personal management, decision making, or crisis prevention and intervention--counselors stand ready to help.

     On behalf of all employees in DoD Pacific schools, I want to thank our school counselors for their daily efforts. Their steadfast contributions are appreciated today and every day throughout the school year.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS Pacific