A SPECIAL THANK YOU

This group of website development volunteers’ ambitiously set-aside time for this project while they were also addressing local issues. We hope this website provides readers the information needed to better navigate issues facing school-age children and youth during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Within a matter of days, a group of 50 school counselors and administrators joined forces to create the COVID-19 School Counseling Emergency Task Force and spearhead an ambitious project to cohesively create a resource to support the various needs of the school counseling community during this unprecedented time.

This website would not be possible without the leadership, passion and dedication of the COVID-19 School Counseling Emergency Task Force. I am grateful to the following individuals for their unwavering support, enthusiasm, and commitment: Alexis Goddard, Alma Lopez, Amy Dauble-Madigan, Andrea Donegan, Andres Castro, Ashley Kruger, Beatrice Nguyen, Becky Love, Brittney Pacini, Carrie King, Chris Foreman, David Kopperud, Gina Spector, Gregg Curtis, Jami Parsons, Jasmine Arellano-Najera, Jeff Ream, Jen Betters-Bubon, Jenny Holle, Joanna Aragon, John Merris-Coots, Jose Cardenas, Josh Godinez, Kathy Boyd, Kierstin Webb, Kirsten Barnes, Leia Eckstein, Linda Hudson, Loren Dittmar, Lori Narahara, Lucia Alfaro, Luz Arellano, Mindy Willard, Miriam Green, Molly Strear, Pamela Mitropoulos, Patty Taylor, Rachel Andrews, Rachel Zaragoza, Randee Kirkemo, Salvador Becerra, Sarah Slemmons, Sunnie Morrison, Tanya Bulette, Tanya Gillick, Tara Vargas, Tawny Chestnut, Tiffany Le, Tracy Wilson, Tricia Norby, Trish Hatch, Vanessa Gomez, and Whitney Triplett.

A special thank you to the leadership of Loretta Whitson, Stacy Eslick, Rebecca Pianta, and Nicole Lanfranco for their tireless efforts in supporting the COVID-19 School Counseling Emergency Task Force and transforming our vision into reality.

To our team, this is more than just a website. It is a labor love to support our students, families, colleagues, and the school counseling profession.

With gratitude,

Lezya Weglarz

Chair, COVID-19 School Counseling Emergency Task Force

lezya.weglarz@schoolcounselor-ca.org

The American Civil Liberties Union

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California defends the fundamental rights outlined in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Our Education Equity team supports and defends equal rights and opportunities for all students.

The California Association of School Counselors

The California Association of School Counselors Inc. (CASC) is a nonprofit membership organization representing over 10,000 school counselors working in California schools. It is the largest state school counseling association in the nation, providing leadership in advancing the work of school counselors and in guiding school counseling professionals in providing quality service for ALL Pre-K-12th grade pupils.

The California Association of School Psychologists

The California Association of School Psychologists is a nonprofit on a mission to foster the wellbeing of the children we serve and ensure schools support equity, access, and respect for all. Our 2,000 member school psychologists work throughout the state and provide many services to students, including mental health counseling.

California School Nurses Organization

California School Nurses Organization is the only Statewide organization supporting professional school nurses and school health team members. Their organizational objectives are to ensure school nurses have the skills and resources needed to provide exceptional care; every student will have access to a credentialed school nurse; and students will have optimal health and attend class ready to learn.

Orange County Department of Education

The mission of the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) is to ensure that all students are equipped with the competencies they need to thrive in the 21st century.

OCDE is a public education organization offering support to 27 school districts and more than 600 schools and 20,000 educators serving more than 500,000 students in Orange County.

OCDE's personnel offer support, professional development, and student programs through its divisions and departments: Administrative Services; Alternative Education; Business Services; Educational Services; Governance, Leadership and Community Partnerships; Information Technology; Legal Services; and Special Education.

The Western Association for College Admission Counseling

The Western Association for College Admission Counseling supports and advances the work of counseling and enrollment professionals from California and Nevada as they help all students realize their full potential, with emphasis on freshman and transfer transitions to higher education and attention to access and equity for all students.

Wisconsin Association for College Admission Counseling

The Wisconsin Association for College Admission Counseling [WACAC] is an organization of College Admissions Counselors, School Counselors, and Community Based Organizations in Wisconsin who are dedicated to college access and knowledge. We work together to share best practices across all sides of the college counseling desk.

Wisconsin Association of School Councils

The Wisconsin Association of School Councils is a state-wide organization of public, private, and parochial elementary, middle, junior and senior high school student councils and/or student leadership groups dedicated to the continuation and expansion of leadership development and student responsibilities in Wisconsin. They are dedicated to educating, empowering and engaging the student leaders of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance

The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance (WiRSA) formed to help rural school districts address the unique issues impacting rural schools as they strive to achieve quality education for every student. Our members include educators, school board members, rural community members, business leaders and other concerned individuals who want strong rural schools.

Wisconsin School Counselor Association

WSCA’s membership of 1200+ represents well over 50% of the professional school counselors in Wisconsin. Focused on providing quality professional development opportunities, supporting comprehensive school counseling programs, and giving one voice to professional school counselors, WSCA is dedicated to empowering school counselors throughout the state. Our vision is for Wisconsin to be the model for excellence in school counseling practice, exemplified by the advocacy, leadership, and expertise of the members of the WSCA.

Wisconsin School Social Workers Association

The purpose of the Wisconsin School Social Workers Association is to promote the total growth and development of all school-aged children and their families through the application of social work knowledge and skills. The functions of WSSWA are to: Promote sound professional practice among social workers in Wisconsin; Stimulate the development and more effective use of school social work services; Encourage and enable the educational and professional growth of social workers in Wisconsin schools; Study, recommend and/or support legislation pertinent to the needs of children and the profession of school social work; Provide input where appropriate in the formation of public school policies and standards; Maintain liaison relationships with state and national associations, organizations and educational institutions whose purpose includes the education and development of children.