H.J.Res. 148

119 HJ 148 IH: Expressing support for designation of the week of February 2, 2026, through February 6, 2026, as “National School Counseling Week”.
 U.S. House of Representatives
 2026-02-02
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 IA  119th CONGRESS  2d Session  H. J. RES. 148  IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   February 2, 2026   Ms. Sánchez  (for herself,  Mr. Davis of Illinois ,  Ms. Lofgren ,  Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania ,  Ms. Elfreth , and  Mr. Smith of Washington ) submitted the following joint resolution; which was referred to the  Committee on Education and Workforce    JOINT RESOLUTION
Expressing support for designation of the week of February 2, 2026, through February 6, 2026, as  National School Counseling Week .
Whereas the American School Counselor Association has designated the week of February 2, 2026, through February 6, 2026, as  National School Counseling Week ;
Whereas school counselors have long advocated that the education system of the United States must provide equitable opportunities for all students;
Whereas school counselors have long emphasized the importance of personal and social development in contributing to academic achievement;
Whereas school counselors help develop well-rounded students by guiding them through their academic, social-emotional, and career development;
Whereas school counselors play a vital role in ensuring that students are college and career ready and aware of financial aid and college opportunities;
Whereas school counselors may encourage students to pursue challenging academic courses to prepare them for college majors and careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields;
Whereas school counselors provide support for students whose family members have been deployed to conflicts overseas;
Whereas school counselors help students cope with serious and common challenges of growing up, including peer pressure, bullying, mental health issues, school violence, disciplinary problems, and problems in the home;
Whereas school counselors are also instrumental in helping students, teachers, and parents cope with trauma and community and national tragedies;
Whereas school counselors are among the few professionals in a school building that are trained in both education and social and emotional development;
Whereas, despite the important contributions of school counselors to student success, counseling positions are not always protected when local budgets are cut, especially in tough economic times;
Whereas the average student-to-counselor ratio in the Nation’s public schools, 376-to-1, far exceeds the 250-to-1 ratio recommended by the American School Counselor Association, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and other organizations;
Whereas the celebration of  National School Counseling Week  would increase awareness of the important and necessary role school counselors play in the lives of students in the United States; and
Whereas the week of February 2, 2026, through February 6, 2026, would be an appropriate week to designate as  National School Counseling Week : Now, therefore, be it
That Congress—
(1)
honors and recognizes the contributions of school counselors to the success of students in the Nation’s elementary and secondary schools; and
(2)
encourages the people of the United States to observe  National School Counseling Week  with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the crucial role school counselors play in preparing students for fulfilling lives as contributing members of society.