District Counselors Amplify Student Success During National School Counseling Week

Aldine ISD celebrates National School Counseling Week (#NSCW26), Feb. 2–6, 2026, recognizing the crucial impact counselors have on student achievement, well-being, and future readiness.

The national theme, Counselors Amplify Student Success, highlights how Aldine ISD counselors drive powerful results through simple acts, like a morning greeting, that inspire life-changing outcomes for students.

“Aldine ISD school counselors drive student success by championing access, offering academic and social-emotional support, and guiding all students toward future goals that match their strengths and aspirations,” said Dr. Josie Treviño-García, Aldine ISD director of guidance and counseling.

More Than Scheduling Classes

School counselors are often seen as helping with schedules and course selection, but their role extends far beyond the classroom. In Aldine ISD, counselors provide academic guidance and career and college planning. They offer mental health support and crisis intervention, while serving as trusted advocates for students and families.

“I want families to know that school counselors are advocates, collaborators, and problem-solvers,” Treviño-García said. “They partner with families and staff to remove barriers and ensure students receive the support they need to succeed.”

Counselors help students select courses that match graduation goals and explore career interests. They prepare students for college or workforce pathways. Counselors also teach important skills like time management, conflict resolution, resilience, and self-advocacy. These skills are essential for success beyond test scores.

A Trusted Adult, Every Day

For many students, school counselors are the first line of support when challenges arise.

Without counselors on campus every day, Treviño-García noted, students could lose access to a trusted adult. That support helps them navigate academic struggles, social-emotional concerns, and future uncertainty. Early help prevents small challenges from becoming larger crises.

That early intervention is critical. Counselors build relationships and monitor patterns. They collaborate with teachers and families, and respond quickly to warning signs to ensure students receive timely support.

The Impact You Can Feel

On campuses across the district, counselors describe days that rarely go as planned — but always center on students.

At Odom Elementary School, school counselor Kimberly Christian greets students each morning during car rider drop-off. These moments help her check in and spread encouragement. Throughout the day, she visits classrooms to support social-emotional learning and meets individually with students, with parent permission. She responds to unexpected needs as they arise.

Those connections matter.

“When I call parents to check on students who are absent, one parent told me she could really tell that I love her child and go the extra mile,” Christian said. “That made my counselor’s heart smile.”

In more serious moments, counselors help change trajectories. Christian recalled supporting a student who struggled with self-harm. She worked closely with the student and family, connecting them with outside resources.

“Now that the student is receiving therapy and has found safer ways to cope,” she said. “Working together with the family made all the difference. The work school counselors do is one important part of the #AldineStory.”

Advocates for Access

School counselors are also advocates. They ensure students who are navigating trauma, poverty, language differences, or uncertainty about the future have access to needed resources and opportunities..

“Advocacy looks like speaking up for students’ needs, coordinating services, and helping families navigate systems,” Treviño-García said. “Our counselors work to ensure every student has an opportunity to succeed.”

Districtwide, counseling support has contributed to better student engagement, stronger school connectedness, and improved overall school climate. This reinforces the importance of a unified, student-centered support system.

A Message to Students and Families

Counselors want students to know one thing: asking for help is encouraged.

“Students are not in trouble when they see me,” said Christian. “I’m not a disciplinarian. If something or someone is hurting them, they know they can trust me.”

As Aldine ISD celebrates National School Counseling Week, the message is clear: school counselors help students grow, overcome challenges, and build a successful future — every day.

Families are encouraged to reach out directly to their campus counselor for support or guidance, and to explore the range of available counseling resources offered throughout the school year. Your involvement helps ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed.