HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING "NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK" ON FEBRUARY 3-7, 2025, IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Ackerman and 9 co-sponsors

Proclaims Feb 3–7, 2025 as National School Counseling Week in Rhode Island to honor counselors for guiding student development and linking families with resources.

02/04/2025 House read and passed

Summary of HR 5288 (Rhode Island)

What it is

Type: House Resolution (non-binding ceremonial measure)

Title: Commemorating “National School Counseling Week” on February 3–7, 2025, in the State of Rhode Island

Status: House read and passed on February 4, 2025

Introduced: February 4, 2025 (note: records also show a conflicting date of September 10, 2025 in some entries)

Sponsors: Representative James C. Moylan (cosponsor), Representative Brian K. Fitzpatrick (cosponsor)

Purpose and intent

The resolution recognizes the essential role of school counselors in both public and private schools.

It honors how school counselors assist students with career awareness and development, personal and social growth, and goal setting in collaboration with teachers and families.

It emphasizes the counselors’ role in identifying and leveraging community resources to enhance school counseling programs and help students become productive members of society.

The resolution proclaims February 3–7, 2025 as “National School Counseling Week” in Rhode Island.

Key provisions

Acknowledges that comprehensive developmental school counseling programs are integral to the educational process and contribute to student success.

Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Anne-Marie Flaherty, President of the Rhode Island School Counselor Association.

Who is affected

Primary: School counselors and the Rhode Island School Counselor Association

Secondary: Students, parents, teachers, and school communities that benefit from counseling services

The resolution also signals statewide appreciation for counseling professionals and their work

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and quickly advanced in February 2025, with the House subsequently passing the measure on February 4, 2025.

Referred during introduction to multiple committees for consideration of provisions falling within their jurisdiction (Foreign Affairs; Energy and Commerce; Science, Space, and Technology). Given its ceremonial nature, committee action likely centers on formal acknowledgment rather than policy change.

As a resolution, it does not enact new laws or allocate funds; its impact is commemorative and educational.

Additional notes

The record contains an inconsistency in the introduced date (February 4, 2025 vs. September 10, 2025). The most contemporary legislative action shown indicates passage by the Rhode Island House on February 4, 2025.

This measure serves to raise awareness and publicly affirm the value of school counseling within Rhode Island’s educational system.