School Counselor Connection
April 2022
From your School Counselor Specialist & Director of Post-Secondary & Community Engagement
There are a lot of great PD offerings happening this summer! We hope to see you at one or more of them!
Please reach out if you need anything. We are here to support you. Our contact information is located at the end of this newsletter.
ECAP
2022 School Counselors' Institute
June 6-7, 2022
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa Tucson, Arizona
We are pleased to announce the 2nd annual School Counselors’ Institute being held on Monday, June 6 through Tuesday, June 7, 2022. This two-day training is specifically designed to meet the needs of school counselors in implementing a comprehensive school counseling program. We are very excited to bring the expertise of Hatching Results to lead school counselors for another year in this interactive and engaging professional development opportunity. School counselors will leave with the tools they need to promote and support the development and implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program that is data driven to meet the needs of all students.
The School Counselors’ Institute will offer two tracks – K-5 or 6-12 focus.
Please note: There is only one registration link regardless of which track participants choose to attend.
TARGET AUDIENCE: School Counselors, Social Workers, Interventionists, and School and District Leadership
REGISTRATION FEE: $450
This is an in person event. There is not a virtual option.
My Future AZ - Monthly Virtual Demo Trainings
Every month ADE will host virtual trainings that will demo the My Future AZ platform, review the types of accounts available, and show how a district/charter/school can easily set up to start using the program. All trainings will take place on the last Tuesday of each month from 9:00 am – 10:00 am. We are currently accepting registrations for trainings from April – July.
If your school or district is looking to onboard with My Future AZ, please email Amanda at amanda.nolasco@azed.gov for next steps.
AdvanceCTE Webinar - FREE
Learner-Centered Models for Building Integrated State Career Advising Systems
April 27, 2022 2:00 p.m. ET
The continued impacts of the pandemic on learner engagement and postsecondary enrollment have heightened the importance of integrated career advising systems. Those systems can ensure each learner has the supports to explore careers and navigate educational pathways. States should take steps to enhance equity and alignment among systems that deliver college and career advising, academic experiences, career exploration and skill building.
This webinar will feature state models from Massachusetts and Iowa of integrated PreK-20 advising systems. Through panel and breakout discussions, attendees will learn how to leverage Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAPs) and non-traditional career counseling programs to connect wraparound supports and elevate high-quality, equitable experience for learners.
Advance CTE’s recent resource on ICAPs provides foundational information on scaling at the state level for more seamless, integrated advising experiences.
Speakers:
- Stacy Whitehouse, Senior Associate, Communications & State Engagement
- Katy Blatnick-Gagne, Education Consultant, Iowa Department of Education
- Kristy Volesky, Education Consultant, Iowa Department of Education
- Lisa Harney, Dropout Prevention and Reengagement Specialist, Massachusetts Department of Education
- Marsha Inniss-Mitchell, Director of Postsecondary Initiatives and Partnerships, Boston Public Schools
CAP Training
College and Career Advising for Special Populations April 25 – June 3
College, Career & Academic Planning May 23 – June 27
Financial Aid and College Applications June 6 – July 15
Advancing College and Career Readiness through a Comprehensive School Counseling Program Sept. 12 – Oct. 21
Registration Opens: 6/1/2022
Advanced Skills in Postsecondary Education and Career Advising Nov. 7 – Dec. 16
Registration Opens: 9/1/2022
Solution-Focused Summer Series - Hosted by AzSCA
This model uses a systematic, five-step approach in which students/parents focus on solutions rather than problems. Participants learn how to help others discover exceptions to problems and explore future behavior that is more “on track.” The focus is on the student’s/parent’s strengths and abilities rather than their weaknesses or deficits. Students/Parents derive solutions for themselves and, therefore, are more involved in their success and committed to change. Finally, because they find solutions that work, students, parents, and others increase their confidence and motivation to do better. When counselors, teachers, parents, or others use this approach on solutions rather than problems, the overall process becomes briefer and more inspiring. This workshop is also well-received by teachers who want a new way of partnering with parents during conferences.
ACTEAZ Summer Conference
The ACTEAZ 2022 Summer Conference will be held in person July 15-20, 2022 at the Hilton El Conquistador and Westin La Paloma in Tucson, AZ. We have plenty of updates this week, so please read below!
AGENDA
The current Summer Conference agenda is available for viewing here. Session and presenter information are subject to change as the conference draws nearer. A daily agenda of sessions specific for school counselors is below.
SPONSORS
Sponsorships are now open! To apply, click here. The deadline for sponsorship applications is June 1, 2022 at 5 p.m.
ATTENDEES
Attendee registration costs $525 through June 30, 2022. Late registration begins July 1 and costs $575. To register for the conference as an attendee, click here.
EXHIBITORS
Exhibitor registration is now open. On-site and virtual booth options are available. For more information and to reserve a booth, click here.
HOTEL INFORMATION
Program areas: The conference is being hosted at both the Hilton El Conquistador and Westin La Paloma. Some program areas are being hosted at Hilton and others at Westin. For a list of program areas by hotel, click here.
Overflow hotels: Overflow rooms are now available at the Embassy Suites La Paloma Village and the Westward Look. For hotel and reservation information, click here.
To view the sessions by for school counselors, download the attachment below.
Mark Perna @ CTE Summer Conference
At the 2022 ACTEAZ Arizona CTE Summer Conference, Arizona Department of Education Career and Technical Education is sponsoring a full day session with Speaker, Author, and CEO of TFS Results, Mark Perna.
When you register for the ACTEAZ Summer Conference, be sure to register for this full day session being held on Friday, July 15, from 8:00-4:30.
“The world has changed and it’s more challenging than ever to engage and retain students. We must adapt our models for this new landscape—and in this exciting full-day session, performance expert and bestselling author Mark C. Perna will show you how. You’ll experience the latest tools, tactics, and truths to attract and retain more of the right students, in the right programs, for the right reasons.”
Please see flyer below for more information.
CTE Summer Conference - Submit a Poster Session
Do you have a great idea for a presentation, but don’t feel comfortable hosting a long session? This is your opportunity to dip your toes in the water.
ACTEAZ is hosting its 3rd annual Poster Session on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 from 8 - 9 a.m., prior to the Summer Conference Awards Breakfast.
What is a Poster Session?
The poster session is held in a large room where all presenters are gathered so participants can circulate and view the various presentations. Your presentation should be short and informal, but structured and concise.
This year’s presentation categories are:
- Social and Emotional Learning
- Career Explorations
- Marketing Programs
- Student Safety
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Social Media
- Affiliate Information
Poster session proposals are due May 20, 2022. For more information and instructions on how to submit a proposal, click here.
ACTEAZ Fellows Program
Applications are now open for the 2022-2023 ACTEAZ Fellowship Program! The deadline to apply is April 29, 2022. To apply for the Fellows program, click here.
The ACTEAZ Fellowship Program provides members a unique insight into the workings of ACTE, ACTEAZ, and all our affiliate organizations. Those selected to become a Fellow will attend a variety of conferences and professional development events designed to increase their understanding of the policy making processes associated with career and technical education at the local, state, and national levels. Through this specialized training program, candidates develop the leadership skills to become effective members and advocates of Career and Technical Education. Our hope is that with this training, Fellows will advance into positions of leadership within the affiliates, ACTEAZ and ACTE.
The Fellowship Program selection process takes place in spring and consists of a selection committee composed of current ACTEAZ Officers and Fellows which will identify the new Fellows. The most important criteria will be the candidate’s Letter of Application, their Current Issues Statement and their ability to provide the documentation of support from their local administration. Once the selection process is complete, new members will begin their training with an in-service session for the purpose of preparing them for the activities they will participate in as Fellows.
We welcome you to apply to become an ACTEAZ Fellow. This is not just a program designed to make you advocate, but a program designed to assist you in learning the skills it will take to grow with CTE and influence its continued success.
For more information about the Fellows program, click here.
PAX Good Behavior Game
Fully-funded PAX Good Behavior Game training now available in an online self-paced option!
PAXIS Institute is now offering the initial PAX Good Behavior Game training in both scheduled live virtual sessions or as a self-paced online option.
Both fully-funded training options provide Arizona educators with the skills and strategies necessary to implement the PAX Good Behavior Game in their own schools and classrooms.
The PAX Good Behavior Game is an evidence-based universal preventive intervention applied by teachers during regular instruction time. This evidence-based practice consists of a set of research-based strategies that operationalize behavioral science to improve self-regulation, focus and attention, time on task, and interpersonal skills in the classroom.
Please visit www.paxis.org/PAX-Arizona for a list of upcoming trainings or contact paxarizona@paxis.org to schedule a training for your school.
ASCA Webinars
- Address the Rise in Challenging Student Behaviors - 4/25
- Prevent and Interrupt Sexual Violence - 4/28
- Build a Sustainable Civic Engagement Program - 5/4
- Support Challenging Students - 5/10
- Legal and Ethical Considerations of Working with Students with Disabilities - 5/18
- Rising Risk: K-6 Mental Health - 5/25
- LGBTQ+ Legal Rights in Education - 6/1
- Culturally Sustaining Social/Emotional Learning - 6/16
- The School Counselor's Role in State Legislation and DEI Advocacy - 7/21
- College and Career Support for Students with Disabilities - 7/26
- Nurture a Positive Relationship with Administration - 8/9
Countdown to College!
With high school graduation right around the corner, our community and post-secondary partners have come together to host a FREE week-long FAFSA & college application assistance event that will take place at the end of this month.
Arizona high school seniors needing help with completing their FAFSA and college applications are encouraged to attend this FREE event! Students will receive one-on-one and small group assistance with their Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA) and college applications to ensure that they are all set for the fall.
The event will take place from Monday, April 25, 2022, through Friday, April 29, 2022, from 3-6 pm each day. No event registration or sign-up is needed. Students can drop in any time between 3-6 pm to receive assistance from our college and financial aid representatives.
College access partners, as well as university and community college admissions and financial aid representatives, will be available to assist:
- ASU, NAU, UA - University reps will be available on 4/28
- Phoenix College, Glendale Community College, South Mountain Community College, and Gateway Community College
- Pima Community College
Use the flyers below to spread the word in your schools and communities. Links to join the event are on the flyers.
Mesa College Promise - In Person Event
Tempe College Connect
NAU Admissions Support
Counselors, students, and parents can connect with their Admission Officers for any questions, concerns, requests, or for 1:1 appointments at: https://nau.edu/admission/admissions-officers/
Admitted students, their parents, and counselors can also check out how to complete next steps of enrollment at: https://nau.edu/admission/freshmen-next-steps/
Students and families can watch a virtual campus visit presentation and take a virtual tour of campus at: https://nau.edu/virtual-nau/
Students and families are welcome to visit the Flagstaff campus for a campus tour. Students and families can register for on-campus tours here: https://nau.edu/admission/daily-campus-tours/
Change in NAU Admission Requirements for Students Entering in Fall 2023:
https://news.nau.edu/admissions-pilot-program/
Special Events for Prospective Students: Save the Dates
Discover NAU
Discover NAU events include the following or you can view the agenda here.
- Expo highlighting NAU’s student support and resources.
- Need to know admissions information.
- Q&A panel with current students.
- Presentation from your academic area of interest.
- Lunch at one of our on campus All-You-Care-To-Eat facilities.
- Campus tour.
- Details on how to connect with us after the event, including how to schedule an appointment with an admissions team member.
In-person Discover NAU events take place on the following dates:
- Saturday, April 23, 2022
Scholarships
Click on the flyer below for more details.
ADE School Counseling Padlet - Resources Hub
You can access it at https://padlet.com/adeschoolcounseling or by clicking on the button below.
Your Feedback Needed - 5 Minute Survey
School Counselors, School Psychologists, and School Social Workers your feedback is needed!
This survey is part of a Capstone Project for Dr. Hennessey Lustica, School Ambassador Fellow, U.S. Department of Education.
The purpose of this survey is to better understand mental health training for school administrators.
The survey is 25 questions and all responses will be confidential. The survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. The last two questions asks for your email address - only complete these questions if you would like to participate in a one hour focus group or development of materials about this topic.
Email Distribution List
If you no longer want to receive these emails, please email me at amanda.nolasco@azed.gov
Do you have colleagues who didn’t receive this email? Please forward to them. And click here so we can add/update their information in our database.
Amanda Nolasco -School Counselor Specialist
Email: amanda.nolasco@azed.gov
Website: www.azed.gov
Location: Arizona Department of Education
Phone: 602.542.5353
Twitter: @mrs_anolasco
Andrea Glenn - Director of Post-Secondary and Community Engagement
Email: andrea.glenn@azed.gov
Website: www.azed.gov
Location: Arizona Department of Education
Phone: 602-364-4799