Counselor Connection
The Descent - July 2020
A Message from Dr. B.
Whether you reach one person or 100 people, YOU are making a difference. Weathering through the uncharted territories of COVID-19 has been a fatiguing experience for many; however, you chose courage over comfort and showed up webinar after webinar to be the best leader you could be. I'd like to believe that if you build deliberate programming and content, people will attend. This summer, we've worked hard to try to ensure that the programming has been what YOU asked for. It pushed me out of my comfort zone a bit, but this is what purposeful programming looks like.
As you review and design your annual programming for next school year, take some time to be intentional and answer the following questions: What do the students and adults need the most? What data do I have to drive my intentional supports? In the absence of data, what can I do to gather data? How can I continuously measure the impact of my program? This task may feel burdensome to begin with, but remember that you ARE equipped to make the change you want to see in your programming. Start small and be realistic. Choose one goal and see it through.
As we approach July, we begin our final descent to the new beginning. The 2020-2021 school year will be here in an instant. In order to be the best YOU, remember the 3 Rs: Rest, Recharge, and Reset. Take some time to enjoy the people you love the most, remember to love yourself, and begin thinking and designing what your post COVID-19 comprehensive guidance program will look like. I've said this often during my webinars, "One of the greatest gifts COVID-19 has given us is the ability to reset and have a fresh start." What are you going to do with your fresh start?
Thank you for allowing me to serve you!
Cosmic Counselor in Action ~ Jennifer Medina
Jennifer's Interview
Elementary Counselor
1. What influenced you to become a school counselor, college advisor, social worker, or counselor leader?
I truly feel that it was a calling. I wanted to minister to students. I wanted to help those who were hurting. I wanted to help kids become their best selves. I wanted to be a part of something bigger than building a relationship with students over one year. I wanted to help students make a difference. Most of these things I was already doing as a classroom teacher, however, the main point of being a teacher is teaching the content. As time went by, I continued to see a growing need to shift my focus from teaching curriculum to molding students with skills needed to think positively and acknowledge their worth in our world.
2. Name an initiative or change that you were a part of that promoted advocacy for fellow counselors or students. Describe how that change has impacted your role or the lives of students.
An initiative that I became a part of was the All Pro Dad Program. Like most schools, a lot of our parent involvement with our students was solely the responsibility of the mother, and I knew that I wanted to see that change. Our students need to see a male figure who is concerned about their future, who is involved in their academics and extracurricular activities, and who is capable of expressing emotions and having tough conversations. I attended a presentation and had the privilege to hear Betsy Price and Tony Dungy speak about the All Pro Dad program, and I was sold immediately. I knew that I needed to advocate for our students and bring this program to Hubbard Heights. We began with a small group of maybe six kids and their dads/grandfathers and, a couple months later, it grew to filling up a library full of children and their fathers/grandfathers. I have seen how proud these dads are of their kids. I have seen relationships built between children who do not regularly see their dad and I have seen more involvement from both parents in our school. It has been rewarding to see these changes in our school.
3. What are you proudest of in your current position?
I am proud of the relationships that I have made as a school counselor, in particular with our community. Six years ago, I never imagined knowing so many businesses and individuals that I could easily call and ask for assistance if our students are in need of any help. Building relationships is essential to making change in our children and in our schools. I’m proud to be working with community members who invest their time and effort into the future of our students.
4. When the work gets hard, how do you find a balance between your work and personal life?
Finding a balance can be difficult, especially when work gets hard. We embrace so many different situations and feelings in just one day working with 500+ students, and it’s important that, when you leave the classroom or the office at the end of the day, you recognize your strengths and you highlight the good moments that took place. I have learned that my family also needs the same attention and care as the children I work with, and they deserve the best part of me when I come home.
5. What advice would you give to future counselors, college advisors, or social workers?
The best advice I could give to future counselors is to get to know your school as a whole and focus on the needs of that school. We tend to come out of graduate school with an array of theories and ideas and we build a Pinterest board of resources for our new position. But we fail to realize that every school is unique with different areas of concern and need. I was guilty of this, too, when I transitioned from being a high school counselor to an elementary counselor. Take time to determine the needs of the children and their families. Ask questions to teachers and administrators before you begin planning and implementing your guidance lessons and school-wide programs. Be patient and kind to yourself. It may take a year of ups and downs in order for you to truly understand what it takes to be a successful counselor.
Cosmic Counselor Nomination
ESC Region 11 Summer Webinars
August 2020 Webinars
The LGBTQ community is a growing group in schools. Come learn about practical strategies and supports to ensure you are addressing students in a way that is most conducive to their learning and inclusive of their unique needs. Real Live Connection/Dallas Teen Pride will lead this powerful hour of content.
Registration: https://registration.esc11.net/catalog/sessions/26113/49356
Understanding the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs (5th Edition) - August 8, 2020, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
This workshop will dissect the "Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs (5th Edition)" development guide. Come learn about the updates to the 5th edition of this resource and explore how to create a counseling program for strength and longevity. A free digital copy of the 5th edition guide is available here: https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/Pub_2018_Texas-Model_5th-Edition.pdf. You will want to download a copy prior to the training.
Registration: https://registration.esc11.net/catalog/sessions/25306/48121
Help Me Design Fall 2020 Offerings
Did you miss a webinar?
60X30 TX Conference
July 21, 2020, 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Register here: https://bit.ly/2Y9xYHQ
Supporting Parents
TX College Access Summer Opportunities & Resources
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Virtual High School to Higher Education Learning Series
Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA)
Monday, June 29, 2020 | 11:00 a.m. - Noon
Hosted by the Division for College Readiness and Success Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and TxCAN.
The transition from high-school to higher education already presents a challenge to many of our students, and we struggle to prevent summer melt every year. The recent loss of the spring semester has created an expanded opportunity for summer melt to occur. We anticipate this challenge will be further magnified by the economic and health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Join our learning series in the coming weeks as we dive deeper into several topics of priority identified through our virtual forum.
Our first learning series session topic will cover the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) presented by THECB staff members Keylan Morgan and Dr. Suzanne Morales-Vale. The session will cover TSIA basics, updates, and current changes during COVID-19. High school counselors, admissions advisors from two-year and four-year institutions, and other educators interested in participating can REGISTER NOW!
SwiftStudent Tool
TxCAN – Trellis Company – SwiftStudent –Trellis Foundation
The financial aid appeals process can be challenging to students, families, and institutions alike. As we navigate the new challenges that have been presented as a result of COVID-19, the appeals process may be more tedious than ever. This webinar will assist in understanding the appeal process and a new (free) tool, SwiftStudent, which is a solution to assist students who don't feel empowered with enough information to advocate for themselves. The tool also supports professionals with limited capacity to reach all students facing these new challenges that have become barriers to their education.
We hope that you find the webinar helpful and that SwiftStudent will be another tool to help you assist students as they navigate the complex financial aid appeals process. Please find the recording of the webinar available here.
The Chronicle on Higher Education
North Texas P-16 Council Update
The College Board Opportunity Scholarship
Last year, more than 500 Texas students earned $446K in scholarships through the College Board Opportunity Scholarships by taking steps to plan for college. Although the coronavirus affected this school year, rising seniors can stay on track and earn scholarships by taking action to plan for college.
The College Board Opportunity Scholarships provide a digital college guide to plan, prepare, and pay for college. Students who complete steps in the program are eligible for scholarships ranging from $500 to $40,000. The scholarships do not require an essay, application, minimum test score, or GPA. The more effort that students take, the more chances they have to earn scholarships. At least half of all the scholarships will be designated for students whose families earn less than $60,000 per year.
The College Board has developed new educator and student resources to help rising seniors stay on track with college planning while also earning scholarship opportunities from home. For more resources about College Board Opportunity Scholarships, visit this page.
Texas OnCourse Wants to Pay YOU!
Earn reward money for your work in the Texas OnCourse Academy this year. This has been a challenging year, to say the least, and Texas OnCourse would like to recognize your hard work. You now have the opportunity to receive a reward for the learning completed in the Academy from July 15, 2019, through August 31, 2020.
Who is eligible? All school counselors who provided direct guidance to students during the 2019=20 academic year are eligible. Your Texas OnCourse Academy account must indicate your occupation as a counselor. Here is how to update your registration information with your occupation.
How does it work?
Eligible counselors can earn $80 for mastering five modules, $160 for mastering 10, and so on for a maximum reward of $480 for mastering all 31 modules. Counselors can request the reward after completing five modules or make a request after completing more (e.g., 10, 15, 20... or 31 modules).
Interested and eligible? Learn more here.
Creating Brave Schools through Dialogue
July 8th Session ~ FULL
ADL Resources:
- ADL Statement: https://www.adl.org/adl-stands-in-solidarity-with-the-black-community
- Collection of Resources for Racial Justice: https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/teaching-about-racism-violence-inequity-and-the-criminal
- Table Talk, Family Conversation Guide: https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/george-floyd-racism-and-law-enforcement-in-english-and-en
- The Hate U Give Discussion Guide: https://www.adl.org/education/educator-resources/childrens-literature/the-hate-u-give
- No Place for Hate: https://www.adl.org/who-we-are/our-organization/signature-programs/no-place-for-hate
Non-ADL Resources:
- A Collection of Racial Justice Resources: https://padlet.com/nicolethelibrarian/nbasekqoazt336co?fbclid=IwAR1DIVv-uOLZtNqiK-trDDmKGyXavFEpOlLKbF0ga-2aZ2Z8gI32Qy7pBQg
- Crowd-Sourced Google Doc that provides a starting place for allies: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H-Vxs6jEUByXylMS2BjGH1kQ7mEuZnHpPSs1Bpaqmw0/mobilebasic#heading=h.kp9nlkcqhx65
- National Museum of African American History and Culture: Talking about race: https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race and https://nmaahc.si.edu/sites/default/files/downloads/resources/racialhealinghandbook_p87to94.pdf
- Anti-Racist Reading List:https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/204842963/1357692923
- Collection of Photographs from Recent Protests: https://time.com/5847392/george-floyd-protests-photographers/
CASEL Webinar Series
Dr. Sandy Benavidez
Email: sbenavidez@esc11.net
Website: https://www.esc11.net/Page/8208
Location: 1451 S. Cherry Ln. White Settlement, TX 76108
Phone: 817-740-3647
Twitter: @escr11counselor