This week marks National School Counseling Week. Teresa Thompson, School Counselor at Pella High School says one of the most important aspects of her job is giving students the information they need to make serious decisions about what career paths to pursue, or what course of study to choose in college, and to help make those decisions. Thompson says one of the challenges she faces is simply having enough time to reach out to every student to make sure they have all the tools necessary to be successful after graduation. She says her goal for students is that they be advocates for themselves, and learn to determine what’s best for them. Thompson is one of four counselors serving the district along with Anne Pentico at Jefferson Intermediate, Jessica Manning at the Middle School, and Liz Epperly, who works with the elementary students. Dan Van Kooten serves the needs of students at Pella Christian High School and Sheryl Hanthorn works with students at Pella Christian Grade School.