Teaching kids how to advocate for themselves, make good decisions, set goals, and prioritize mental health can empower them to say YES to a healthy lifestyle and NO to underage drinking.

Not only do school counselors support students in achieving academic and career success, but they also play a critical role in prevention education and in helping students socially and emotionally.

Prevention education is a collective effort during Red Ribbon Week and beyond. Continued conversations with parents, educators, and counselors help kids say “YES” to a healthy lifestyle and “NO” to underage drinking.

Teachers, as you’re settling into classroom routines and building relationships with your students and families, keep in mind that the school year is a marathon, not a sprint. Sustaining that first day of school energy for the rest of the year means working smarter, not harder and we’re here to help!

It’s time to welcome students back to school! These are exciting times! A new school year is a FRESH START for everyone, but especially kids—a blank slate to define who they are and to set goals for this new chapter. Some kids may be making the transition from elementary to middle, which can be a big step. All kids will be making new friends and connecting with peers they haven’t seen all summer, allowing for new experiences, opportunities, and choices.

April is Alcohol Responsibility Month, which is the perfect time to talk with kids about saying “NO” to underage drinking. As we settle into spring, these conversations have never been more important—and they are working! Underage drinking rates are at historically low levels. And together, we hope to keep them moving in the right direction.

This week is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, and next Friday marks the beginning of Alcohol Responsibility Month. Now is the perfect time to start and continue conversations with kids about alcohol and the negative effects of underage drinking on their developing brains using Ask, Listen, Learn resources, of course!

In response to requests from educators, these new online assessments enable you to measure your students’ knowledge before and after engaging with the Ask, Listen, Learn program by having students complete a pre-test and a post-test.

One essential partner in schools that can tie these efforts together is school administrators. These educators are such an important part of establishing a school culture that fosters development. So from all of us to you: THANK YOU, PRINCIPALS.

Each year, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recognizes National School Counseling Week to celebrate the unique and important work of school counselors across the country. Not only do school counselors support students in achieving academic and career success, but they play a critical role in helping students stay safe and healthy.