Office of School Counseling
Friday Sendoff - March 6, 2020
#SelfCareMatters.
(Adapted from counselorkeri.com)
Burnout can be an all too familiar experience, especially in helping professionals. We give and expend a great deal of emotional energy, and demands of the job are major contributors. Burnout can look like physical pains, sleep disturbances, changes in energy or concentration, plus more symptoms that may be easy to dismiss as something else. If you notice any of these and you’re wondering how to deal with burnout, give these strategies a try (and remember, caring for yourself is not selfish.
1 – Seek Counseling
Helpers need helpers too! Seek out counseling for yourself to deal with the experiences of burnout. The BCPS EAP program is just a phone call away.
2 – Advocate for Yourself
If conditions or demands at work are too much, speak up for yourself. Sit down with your administrator and go over your schedule (or ASCA documents, your contract, etc.) and brainstorm ways to remedy the situation. Reach out to specialist for support. We’re here to support you.
3 – Set Boundaries
Take e-mail off your phone. Don’t answer texts about work at home. Create a system for requesting time with you to cut down on pop-ins and hallway referrals. Set healthy boundaries to protect your space and time! Make it a SMART goal and track your progress to keep yourself focused on your desired outcome.
4 – Set Goals
Get long term goals for yourself to keep a future focus. They can be long term goals relating to work, like a solid organization system, or personal well being, like going to bed before 10:00 or getting ready for a 5k.
5 – Get Enough Sleep
Never underestimate the power of solid sleep! Set alarms to remind you to power down devices and head to bed earlier to make sure you’re getting that restorative sleep you need.
6 – Make Time for Relaxation
Make time for the things you love and things that help you feel calm and relaxed! Schedule it in and make a commitment to yourself.
7 – Exercise
Make time for your preferred type of exercise, even if it’s a daily walk around the block! Getting yourself moving can help your mood and also give your body the healthy boost it needs.
8 – Seek Out Positive Coworkers
Spend worktime with those who lift you up and have a positive focus on the task and avoid the trap of negativity and gossip. Maybe consider putting together a simple Sunshine Committee to spread some cheer and positivity to everyone in your school.
Upcoming Meetings
First Year Counselor Meeting
https://registration.bcps.org/Event.aspx?Event_DetailID=29541
This meeting is being in the Rec Center not in the school itself. There is a door to the left of the school entrance that will be marked. Do not enter thru school main entrance.
Wednesday, Mar 11, 2020, 01:00 PM
Mays Chapel Elementary School, Roundwood Road, Timonium, MD, USA
College Counselor Meeting
https://registration.bcps.org/Event.aspx?Event_DetailID=29540
Thursday, Mar 26, 2020, 09:00 AM
6901 North Charles Street, Towson, MD, USA
Announcements
**NEW**FREE Parent Workshops Spring 2020
**NEW**The Dove Self Esteem Project
Dove Self-Esteem Project Confident Me! curriculum tackles very real issues that our children face every day. Lessons and videos encourage a different way of thinking. They challenge us to re-evaluate stereotypes, body image, and societal roles. Each lesson encourages young people to look beyond what we know, to question what we see, are told, and shown, and in that questioning to re-evaluate our standards as a culture, society, and as a person.
**NEW** Restorative Practices
If you have completed the 2 day or 4 day Restorative Practices training and are interested in becoming a Restorative Practices trainer with the district, please send your name to Jen Abbe along with the specific training you completed.
**NEW** Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Check out this great article about how every parent and educator is a role model. Kids actually learn more about character from how they see the adults around them interact with each other (rather than what the adults say to them). If you’d like to sign up for Character Lab’s weekly tip of the week, you can do so here. Topics include self-efficacy, gratitude, grit, curiosity, and empathy.
**NEW** Last Opportunity to take the Stakeholder's Survey
Dear School Counselors,
Your feedback guides our budget, staffing, and programs!
*Only takes 5 minutes
*Use any computer, device, or phone.
*16 languages available for students, parents, and community
**NEW** National Board Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)
National Board Certification is a standards-based recognition of excellence in instruction and knowledge of practice. Through this rigorous application process, teachers are given the opportunity to demonstrate outstanding, creative, and reflective teaching that leads to student success. This accreditation carries high prestige nationally. Teachers who go through this process state it is the best professional decision they’ve ever made and assert it is the most transformative professional learning experience of their instructional career.
For more information about NBPTS, visit: https://www.nbpts.org/national-board-certification/candidate-center/first-time-and-returning-candidate-resources/ or contact your specialist.
SCHOOL COUNSELING: Early Childhood through Young Adulthood (ages 3-18+)
Component Instructions
Applicable Standards
If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, e-mail Sharon so we can look into creating a work group.
**NEW**Timber Grove Elementary School 5th Annual Parent Fair
Homeless Student List
School counselors are now able to access and view the Homeless Student List report in SIS. Let your specialist know if you are unable to access this report.
Maryland School Counselor Association (MSCA) Annual Conference - March 27, 2020
Register now for the 2020 MSCA Annual Spring Conference in Annapolis
Conference Topics:
- Counseling Children from Substance Abusing Homes
- Building Better Humans Through Collaboration and Consultation
- Surviving Your First Year
- Strategies for Children and Families Who Have Experienced Trauma
- AND MANY MORE…
Spanish Course for School Counselors
2020 SCOTY AWARD
The Baltimore County Association for Counseling and Development (BCACD) would like to recognize school counselors who have made impactful contributions to the school counseling profession with its annual SCOTY award. The SCOTY nominee must be a Baltimore County Public School (BCPS) counselor who has completed a minimum of five consecutive years of counseling service. The nominee should be able to demonstrate evidence of effective leadership, advocacy, and collaboration as part of a comprehensive, data-driven, school counseling program to address students’ academic, social/emotional, and career development.
A counselor from each school level – elementary, middle, and high school will be selected. Any BCPS employee, parent, or student can nominate a school counselor for this recognition. Winners of the SCOTY awards will be nominated for consideration for the Maryland School Counselor Association’s (MSCA) School Counselor of the Year.
To nominate a candidate for this award, please submit the School Counselor of the Year Nomination Form. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 13, 2020.
2020 SCATY AWARD
The Baltimore County Association for Counseling and Development (BCACD) would like to recognize a Baltimore County Public School (BCPS) administrator, teacher, support staff, parent, or community member who consistently advocates for and supports the critical work school counselors do for all students. Any BCPS employee, parent, or student can nominate someone for SCATY award.
To nominate someone for this award, please submit the School Counseling Advocate of the Year Nomination Form. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 13, 2020.
Elementary Counselors
**NEW**
Are you planning to run a session with your 5th graders on how to use a combination lock? If so, don’t forget that we have combination locks in our Lending Library! E-mail Sharon if you’d like to borrow a set.
Pre-K Curriculum Writing
If you’ve developed lessons for pre-K students and are interested in creating district lessons, contact Sharon in the office. Please note, pre-K lessons are being developed as a supplemental resource for those elementary counselors who work with pre-K students. Facilitation of pre-K lessons is not a district expectation at this time.
High School Counselors
**NEW**Counselors for Computing workshop 4/17 at Morgan State in Baltimore free for MD counselors
Counselors for Computing provides information to school counselors about careers and opportunities in cybersecurity and computer science and supports those who advise students to encourage diverse learners into 21st century technology courses. Please pass along this free opportunity for a 1-day workshop at Morgan State on April 17th. Lunch and swag will be provided.
Counselors at schools with military connections are especially encouraged to apply.
Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXxLdQ0ufM3VLFFDDdvJ1ck88zIIBxQ02n9eS_1m5odsPAiA/viewform
**NEW**Health Careers Institute at Dartmouth Summer Opportunities for Students
The Health Careers Institute at Dartmouth is being offered during July for high school students who have expressed an interest in working in health care or want to know more about clinical and non-clinical health careers. Students entering grades 10, 11, and 12 in the fall of 2020 who want to learn about careers and important issues and topics in health care today, are encouraged to apply.
For more information, the website is: https://tdi.dartmouth.edu/health-careers-institute. The online application is now open and can be found on the website. The first round due date for applications of March 15th; applications will be accepted on a space-available, rolling basis after that date.
NCAA Grading Scale
Please be advised that the grading scale was updated for the 2019-2020 school year and beyond. Although BCPS awards additional quality points, 5 is the highest point value they offer. If you have questions about this or courses that should be added, please contact MaatenRe.
COLLEGE FAIR 2020. This event will be held on Tuesday, March 10th at CCBC Essex, 7201 Rossville Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21237 and Wednesday, March 11th at CCBC Catonsville, 800 South Rolling Road, Baltimore, MD 21228. Both events will be held in the Wellness and Athletic Center, 6p.m. – 8p.m.
COLLEGE FAIR 2020 provides an outstanding marketplace for students and parents to talk to over 100 admission recruiters.
Senior Enrollment 2nd Semester
Just a reminder, in accordance with BCPS Policy 5250, IV Enrollment Requirements & in accordance with COMAR, any senior enrolling now must complete one full semester immediately preceding graduation in addition to meeting the other diploma requirements to receive a diploma. These students will have an opportunity to walk across the stage at the Summer Graduation. Any questions pertaining to this can be addressed with your counseling specialist.
General Provisions
A. Length of School Year. Maryland public high schools shall be open for at least 180 school days and a minimum of 1,170 school hours during a 10-month period in each school year.
B. Transfer Students.
(1) Attendance Requirements.
(a) To receive a diploma, a student shall be in attendance at a Maryland public high school one full semester immediately preceding graduation in addition to meeting the other diploma requirements.
Middle School Department Chairs
**NEW** Equity Article from 2/27 meeting
Thank you to Jill Jahries for sharing this article. This was part of our discussion at the recent meeting
Secondary Department Chairs
ASVAB CEP and Careers in the Military Both links from Colonel Michael Bennett's presentations have been added to the list of career links at the bottom of this send-off, as well as the Schoology group (in the curriculum folder).
6 Year Plan Completion - The current district average is 63%. Thank you to our schools who are at or above this number for making these face to face conversations with students a priority.
If you are having challenges in meeting the goal of 100% completion by June, please reach out to your specialist sooner rather than later. We are here to support you!
High School Department Chairs
**NEW**MDCAPS GPA Update
CCR Letters Update
WE HAVE RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT THE CCR LETTERS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AFTER THE MARCH SATs. MORE INFORMATION TO COME SOON.
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE!
College Counselors
**NEW** Dr. Joe A. Hairston Scholarship
Text, Talk, Set to Go.
Federal Student Aid - An Office of the U.S. Department of Education
On Feb. 23, Federal Student Aid will introduce new features on StudentAid.gov:
Aid Summary
Aid Summary eliminates the need for students to log in to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS®) website to see their loan and grant information.
Loan Simulator
Loan Simulator does more than just replace Repayment Estimator. For example, it covers all federal loans in the repayment simulation—even if the user has multiple loan types. It also considers where the borrower is in the repayment journey instead of assuming the borrower is just starting to make payments.
Make a Payment Pilot
Borrowers with loans serviced by Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc., and Nelnet can now make standard monthly payments on StudentAid.gov.
CCBC STEM scholarship opportunity
CCBC has a great opportunity for students interest in the STEM fields to receive scholarship money. Please review the letter below that was shared with secondary math and science department chairs as well.
Prom Closet Giveaway
For free prom dresses and volunteer ops for seniors who still need hours
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/priceless-gown-project-1513750596
MHEC Financial Assistance Programs
State Financial Assistance Programs and Applications
Tuition Waiver for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
Tuition Waiver for Foster Care Recipients
NACAC Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver
Students who have limited financial resources may use the NACAC Request for Application Fee Waiver Form when applying for college. The form — aimed at students planning to enroll in post-secondary education immediately following high school graduation — helps ensure that access to college is possible for all.
College Fly-Ins
Recently Added/Updated Scholarships in Naviance
Terry Newendorp Environmental Scholarship - NOTE...Deadline extended to March 23, 2020
CASE Scholarship - Deadline April 17, 2020
Young Woman Voluntarism Scholarship - Deadline March 31, 2020
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest - Deadline March 31, 2020
Women In Defense (WID) STEM Education Scholarship - Deadline April 12, 2020
Warrior's Legacy Scholarship - Deadline May 1, 2020
Relevant Bulletin Items
March 6, 2020 BCPS News Hub
BCPS News Hub is the new format for all superintendent bulletins.
Some highlights from the past week:
MIND OVER MATTERS – MARCH 2020
SOCIAL STUDIES – MAYOR’S ESSAY CONTEST
Professional Development
**NEW** Changing How We Feel By Changing How We Think 6 CEU's on 4/23/20 in Edgewood, MD. View Flyer for more info.
**NEW** Mixed Emotions: Motivational Interviewing and Resolving Ambivalence (Live Webinar) 4/2/20
**NEW**Introduction to Sand Tray Therapy 5/14/20 in Randallstown
**NEW**Getting to the Point! Methods and Applications of Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy 5/14/20 in Randallstown
**NEW**To Disclose or Not Disclose, That is the Ethical Question! 5/14/20 in Randallstown
Maryland Counseling Association MCSJ 2nd Annual Conference: "Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere" 4/25/20 in Baltimore. 7 CEU's available.
MSCA Conference 3/27/20 in Annapolis. CEU's will be available.
Resource Roundup
Lending Library Items of the Week
#RelationshipMatters in BCPS
Parkville Middle
From Tabatha Luma, Liz Smith, and Amanda MacGregor
Relay Elementary
Inspirational & Good News
Winfield Elementary
Bulletin board & treat cart that Christine Salapata made for her staff members for Self-Care Matters.
Winfield Elementary Treat Cart
Seven Oaks Elementary
Kristen Holster at the 1st Family Wellness Night at Seven Oaks Elementary.
Anyone ready for a Good Giggle?
Websites
Traitify: https://bcps.traitify.com/
Other career-related websites:
https://www.bls.gov/k12/content/students/careers/career-exploration.htm
https://www.careeronestop.org/Videos/CareerVideos/career-videos.aspx?frd=true
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs.html
https://www.cacareerzone.org/budget/
http://www.careersinthemilitary.com/
MD CAPS (MHEC): https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us/MDCAPS/login.aspx?c=-8586295899786270826&ReturnUrl=/MDCAPS/int/FinAid
College Covered resources for school counselors https://www.collegecovered.com/resources-for-counselors/
Schoology Access Codes
Elementary Counseling Curriculum: M4HSN-FCFN4
Secondary Counseling Curriculum: CFBV7-B6PCM
Threat Management: Q6RHK-WHHVC
College and Career Counseling: PFZD6-65N4V
Curriculum Updates: T7BM2-R8JSC
GSA Sponsors (LGBTQ+ resources): ZMBZ-4QXP-DKC89
Contact Information
Naviance Support: 1-866-337-0080 option 2 & support@naviance.com
Signup Genius Support: support@signupgenius.com
CPS email address: dhr.baltimorecountycps@maryland.gov
MHEC FAFSA Completion (MD CAPS): fafsa.mhec@maryland.gov