East High School Earns National Counseling Program Recognition

East High School Receives National Counseling Recognition

East High School in Des Moines, Iowa, has been awarded the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation by the American School Counselor Association, recognizing its commitment to a high-quality, comprehensive school counseling program. The announcement, made on February 16, 2026, highlights the school’s dedication to student support and exemplary educational environments.

The RAMP designation is awarded to schools that align with the criteria set in the ASCA National Model. Achieving this recognition requires a rigorous, year-long evaluation process conducted by a national review panel. It signifies a school’s commitment to delivering a data-driven counseling program.

Currently, East High School is one of only six schools in Iowa to hold the RAMP designation. Notably, four other schools within the Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) district have also earned this distinction: Hoover High School, Goodrell Middle School, and Madison and Wright elementary schools. Nationwide, more than 600 schools have achieved RAMP status since the program’s inception.

“Our school counselors make a difference in the lives of countless students because of the commitment they bring to their important work each and every day,” said Matt Smith, interim superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. “The counseling team at East High exemplifies this commitment.”

Jill Versteeg, principal of East High School, echoed this sentiment, stating, “A good counseling team is vital to academic growth and the well-being of students. I am so fortunate to have a skilled and dedicated team here at East who are very deserving of this national recognition.”

Erin Cavazos, K-12 School Counseling Coordinator at Des Moines Public Schools, emphasized the district-wide dedication to student success. “This latest milestone earned by East High reflects our district’s unwavering dedication to creating supportive educational environments and promoting student success through exceptional counseling services across our school district,” she noted.

The RAMP designation underscores the importance of comprehensive school counseling programs in fostering a positive and supportive learning environment. Schools pursuing this recognition must collect data and document how their programs align with the ASCA National Model, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and student well-being.

East High School is scheduled to be formally recognized at the ASCA Annual Conference in July. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the school and the Des Moines Public Schools, reinforcing their dedication to providing students with the resources and support they need to thrive.