Counselor Connection--February 14
Education Service Center Region 15
Whoops! February 1 Newsletter
Instead of duplicating and working on a new newsletter, I accidentally started editing the February 1 newsletter! If some of this information looks familiar, make sure you go back and take a look at our February 1 newsletter to get all the scoop you may have missed!
Congratulations to San Angelo ISD CREST Winners!
- Austin Elementary–Jessica Riddle
- Carver Learning Center–Yvonne Busenlehner
- Lincoln Middle School–Beth McAda and Erica DeLaGarza
- Lone Star Middle School–Michael O’Briant, Amber Garza, and Justin McClure
- Lake View High School–Stacie Riddle, Rachel Gandar, Jenny Ruppert, and Jennifer O’Donnell
CREST - Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas
Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) is sponsored by the Texas School Counselor Association (TSCA) and awarded to school counseling programs that meet CREST requirements. CREST is a continuous improvement document that school counseling programs can use to demonstrate effective communication and a commitment to obtaining results.
Congratulations to Brownwood ISD CREST Winners!
- Coggin Elementary--Rachel Griffin and Lindsey Bigham
- East Elementary--Dawna Fulton
- Northwest Elementary--Marci Reagan
- Woodland Heights Elementary--Kimber Carney Bennett
- Brownwood Middle School--Angie Bertrand and Denise Cox
Federal Student Aid: Register Now for the 2024 February Webinar Series
New webinar sessions in the Better FAFSA® Better Future Webinar Series will take place Feb. 20–22, 2024.
These sessions are aimed at students and families and will focus on the 2024–25 FAFSA form.
There will be an opportunity after each session for participants to ask questions.
Federal Resources for K-12 Security Threats and Incidents (February 20)
Please join the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on February 20 at 3:00 PM EST for a virtual training on CISA and United States Secret Service resources available to address current threats facing K-12 schools and school districts. Resources and programs covered during this event will focus on topics such as bomb threats and threats originating on social media, threat assessment and reporting, and cyberattacks.
The training will feature speakers from the CISA School Safety Task Force, CISA Office for Bombing Prevention, and the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center, who will provide a brief overview of timely and relevant resources, products, and tools to enhance K-12 school safety and security. A Q&A session will be held for all attendees at the end of the event.
Event Details
- When: February 20, 2024, at 3:00 PM EST
- Where: Webex (access link to be provided to registrants one day in advance of the event)
- Registration: https://FederalResourcesK12SecurityThreats.eventbrite.com
2023-2024 ACET Scholarship for qualifying students and paraprofessionals
All information regarding the application process including the submission timeline and scoring rubric for this scholarship can be accessed by clicking on the following link: https://acetx.org/scholarship-information/.
Applications are available by clicking on the following links:
- Students (open to any student enrolled in a compensatory education program): https://acetx.org/acet-student-scholarship-application/?doing_wp_cron=1705096669.2251501083374023437500
- Paraprofessionals (open to any paraprofessional currently working in a compensatory education program who desires to become a teacher): https://acetx.org/acet-professional-scholarship-application-2/
All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Friday, February 16, 2024. Scholarship recipients will be notified by the ACET organization in May 2024.
Should you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact Rusty Fleeman by phone at (325) 481-4055 or by email at rusty.fleeman@esc15.net .
Restorative Discipline Practices
Dr. Gaye Lang has launched a brand-new series, Restorative Practices Made Simple: Families as Partners, a video series dedicated to empowering parents with the tools needed for effective communication and Restorative Practices at home. This series is designed to align home environments with the restorative approaches taught in schools, ensuring a consistent and supportive experience for children. It focuses on providing parents with resources and strategies to foster better understanding and relationships with their children, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between families and educational institutions. Watch episode 1: After-School Professional Development, Restorative Practices Made Simple: Families as Partners (youtube.com) featuring Jake Shirley's experience with implementing restorative practices in Athens ISD. The video outlines how these practices have led to a reduction in discipline issues and increased parental involvement in behavioral management. It explains the concept of "code-switching," where students adapt their behavior between school and home. Additionally, it highlights the importance of bilingual training and "I-Messaging" in fostering a cohesive learning environment. The video serves as a practical guide for educators, parents, and administrators interested in adopting these practices.
TEA’s Mental Health Resources
General School Mental Health Resources: https://schoolmentalhealthtx.org/
Mental Health Resources Database: https://schoolmentalhealthtxdatabase.org/
Mental Health Best Practice Repository: https://schoolmentalhealthtx.org/best-practices/
Texas Tobacco Quitline
The Texas Tobacco Quitline is a toll-free service available for those ages 13 and older who want to quit tobacco or are thinking about quitting tobacco. Call the Quitline at 1-877-YES QUIT (1-877-937-7848) or by visiting www.yesquit.org to learn more about how you can quit tobacco.
Helping Kids Who Struggle with Executive Functions
Child Mind Institute published an article where authors share ways to help children build organizational skills. Topics discussed include what executive function skills are, what strategies help kids who struggle with executive functions, and how parents can help kids feel motivated. Child Mind Institute also offers a 10-minute recording to follow along and listen to as you read through the article.
50 Things That Make You Happy
It's no secret that mental and emotional health plays a huge part in our overall wellbeing, but maintaining a positive outlook isn't just about feeling happy all the time. Research has linked happiness to a healthier heart, stronger immune system, and lower levels of stress, with studies also suggesting that happiness can boost productivity, creativity, and improve our relationships with others. Read more.
Pregnancy Related Services (New Resource!)
Pregnancy Related Services has recently released an updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Within this FAQ, the discussed topics are program information, attendance requirements, Special Education and McKinney-Vento. We hope to clear up some of the complexities that can occur when interpreting federal and state laws along with the Student Attendance Accounting Handbook concerning this student group.
If you have any program information questions about PRS, please email pregnancyrelatedservices@tea.texas.gov. If you have any financial compliance questions, please contact christina.page@tea.texas.gov.
Building Bridges--A Bereavement Program offered through Hospice of San Angelo
Building Bridges is a unique support group that offers help to grieving children (grades K-12) and their families.
*No Cost to Participate*
Spring Building Bridges Session
Tuesday's: March 19-April 23
6:30 to 7:30 PM
Stephens Family Center for Hospice Excellence
(IDT Conference Room)
1933 University Ave. San Angelo, TX 76904
To register or request more information:
Call Haylee at 325.658.6524 or email hnewton@wtrc.com
Military Interstate Compact
Texas is home to nearly 200,000 military-connected students across all regions of the state. Did you know there is a Military Interstate Compact that requires all Texas schools to support military children when they transfer schools? Specifically, the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Military Compact) exists to strengthen transitions and close educational gaps as military families and their children move to a new school district in a member state.
The Military Compact applies to the dependents of active-duty servicemembers, National Guard and Reserve, on active-duty orders, and uniformed members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS). Additionally, the children of veterans who are medically discharged or retired and servicemembers who die while on active duty are eligible under the Compact for a period of one year following the service member's discharge or death. Texas has been a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) since 2009. The Compact is codified in state law in Texas Education Code (TEC), Chapter 162.
As of 2014, all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, have joined the Military Compact. The Military Compact rules have the force and effect of state statute.
For this reason, it is vitally important that LEA and ESC staff, parents, installation personnel, and other school stakeholders become familiar with the aspects of the Military Compact. The MIC3 rules are available on the MIC3 website.
MIC3 Compact 101 Asynchronous Virtual Training Available *New Resource*
The national MIC3 training office has announced the creation of a new asynchronous Compact 101 virtual training that covers a variety of topics including:
- Educational records and enrollment
- Course and program placement and attendance
- Eligibility (student enrollment and extracurricular participation)
- Graduation and more
Registration is easy and the course can be taken on demand anytime or anywhere for FREE! For more information or to register for the asynchronous Compact 101 training, please visit the MIC3 Training Portal. Please note that documented training of the Compact 101 course by LEA staff members satisfies one of the five Purple Star Campus Designation criteria requirements.
College Readiness and TSIA2 Updates
Hello educators! In this session, we will take a deep dive into the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2). This is information that you’ll need to help your students achieve college readiness standards as they prepare for graduation and beyond. Experts on the TSIA2 will join us for an overview with need-to-know updates on the assessment, training, and academic intervention you can offer your students to help them succeed on the TSIA2.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 10 a.m. CT
Upcoming Webinar: Earning the Purple Star Campus Designation
The Purple Star Campus Designation recognizes Texas public schools and open-enrollment charter schools that show their support and commitment to meeting the unique needs of military-connected students and their families. This unique designation is awarded each fall.
Please join us for the Spring 2024 Purple Star Campus Designation interest meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 10am. During the webinar, we will discuss the following topics:
- Introduction to the Purple Star Campus designation program
- Program requirements and criteria
- Sample program exemplars
- Preparing for the application process
- Benefits of the Purple Star Campus designation and more!
The webinar is open to ALL Texas public school district and open-enrollment charter campuses across the state. Seating is limited, so you must register to attend this informative webinar.
We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, February 20th at 10am. Click the button below to register.
To subscribe to our listserv and receive important news and updates regarding programs throughout the Texas Education Agency, please visit https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/TXTEA/subscriber/new. Once there, subscribers can enter their email address and select from the list of programs. Be sure to click the box next to Military-Connected Students and Highly Mobile and At-Risk Programs.
Decoding College Jargon: A Family’s Guide to Understanding Common Terms in Higher Education
Navigating the world of higher education can be overwhelming, especially when faced with a barrage of unfamiliar terms and jargon. As your student embarks on their college journey, it's essential to comprehend the various terms and phrases commonly used in the college landscape. This guide aims to decode some of the frequently encountered college terminology, empowering you to support your student more effectively.
SeaWorld Free Educator Card
Texas credentialed Pre-K-12 schoolteachers get FREE unlimited admission to SeaWorld throughout 2024, including all the fun and excitement of Mardi Gras, Seven Seas Food Festival, Howl-O-Scream, and much more.
This Teacher Card is valid all year, but you must register online by March 31, 2024. Be sure to share this offer with the teachers you know!
Career Preparation Changes are coming for 24-25 School Year
Changes are coming to how Career Prep will align with CTE programs of study.
The Rulemaking Division newsletter with SBOE rules was just sent out last week. Redline copies of the SBOE’s proposed revised PDFs are posted for CTE Project-Based Research Capstone, Career Preparation-General, Career Preparation for Program of Study, and Practicum in Entrepreneurship. Here is the link: Adopted Changes to 19 TAC Chapter 127, Subchapters B and F (texas.gov) This update will change the way you determine which Career Prep class students are assigned. We now have a General Career Prep and a Program of Study Career Prep. Contact Traci Terrill with questions.
Course Selection Documents
From Traci: Several of you responded asking for any documents I might receive to be sent to you. I did not receive any samples from a Region 15 school. Looking around online I found these samples, I know these are really large districts.
2023-2024 Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness and Human Trafficking Prevention Webinar Series
After the Report: Screening & Investigation
March 1, 2024
10:30 am – 11:30 am CST
Registration Link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Rv-O1diWTCGqcZ9F68bmjw
Mental and Behavioral Health Webinar Series
The Texas Education Agency’s Supportive Schools Division and our Project AWARE Texas partners will host a series of monthly webinars to highlight resources and best practice strategies on timely and relevant safe and supportive schools topics.
Topics will include school mental health, substance abuse prevention, school discipline, early mental health interventions, approaches to whole child student support, and building community partnerships to increase capacity.
You can join a webinar every 2nd Thursday of the month from 11:00 am CST to 12:30 pm CST from February until June. CPE credits will be made available to those who attend the full live session.
Click the Links Below to Register Now for Upcoming Webinar Sessions:
Tier 1 Approaches for Enhancing School Mental Health- March 14th, 2024
Family & Caregiver Engagement- April 11th , 2024
Elevating Mental Health & Wellness- May 9th, 2024
Supporting the Mental Health of Special Populations- June 13th, 2024
Motivational Interviewing Course
Texas Health and Human Services has updated its Texas Health Steps Motivational Interviewing course. This course provides free continuing education credits and can help providers and other professionals gain communication skills that can be used to motivate children, adolescents, and families to make positive health changes, improve self-care for chronic conditions, and avoid high-risk behaviors.
Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators
The Texas School Safety Center is hosting virtual training for Trauma Informed Care throughout Spring of 2024. Attendees will learn about the role of mental health in daily functioning, how trauma impacts the brain, the importance of unrecognized executive function deficits, and the role neuro-diverse difficulties play in student behavior. Throughout the workshop, participants will be provided with strategies that can be implemented in a school and/or classroom setting to support all learners through a trauma-informed perspective. Register for the Elementary (K-5) or Secondary (6-12) training.
Highly Mobile and At-Risk 2023-24 Quarterly Webinars
Greetings from the Highly Mobile and At-Risk (HMAR) Student Programs Division. We hope you are having an excellent start to the new school year. It is our pleasure to invite you to join us for our annual series of informative quarterly webinars for the 2023-24 school year. The first webinar is just a few weeks away and we're kicking off the year with some exciting information including:
- Reminders, tips, suggestions, best practices, program updates and announcements intended to help prepare students for a strong start to the year;
- Legislative updates from the 88th Legislature regarding Highly Mobile and At-Risk student populations with implications for professional practice;
- Highly Mobile students and the implications for campus accountability; and
- much more!
HMAR Quarterly Webinar #4 | May 2, 2024 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | Register Here
TACAC Webinars
Unpacking and Helping Students and Families Understand Financial Aid Offers
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
9:00-10:00 am CST
Hear from college admissions and financial aid officers to learn how high school counselors can help students and families understand the details of and compare offers from different schools.
Virtual Bullying and Cyberbullying Training
Preventing bullying and mitigating its impact begins with a strong understanding of the legal landscape of Texas bullying laws. This virtual Bullying and Cyberbullying Training, offered in collaboration with Safer Schools Together, will walk participants through all Texas bullying and cyberbullying laws, including behaviors that may apply to suspected bullying situations, such as assault, harassment, hazing, stalking, sextortion, dating violence, and related federal laws. Participants will explore Texas mandated expectations for campus staff, rights of victims and parents, related penal code, and determining when behaviors go beyond student discipline and into criminal behavior. Participants will also learn about how bullying manifests on and off campus and how to plan and respond with actionable strategies.
View Dates and RegisterTexas School Safety Center Lunch and Learn Training Opportunities
The Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators - Elementary focuses on providing an overview of trauma, and its impact on student behaviors in the elementary (K-5) classroom. Attendees will learn about the role of mental health in daily functioning, how trauma impacts the brain, the importance of unrecognized executive function deficits, and the role neuro diverse complexities play in student behavior.
The Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators - Secondary focuses on providing an overview of trauma, and its impact on student behaviors in the secondary (6-12) classroom. Attendees will learn about the role of mental health in daily functioning, how trauma impacts the brain, the importance of unrecognized executive function deficits, and the role neuro diverse complexities play in student behavior.
Upcoming Sessions at ESC
Emergency and After Hours Resources
This list is of known providers of particular services. The providers on the list are from a variety of sources. The list is being provided as a courtesy, for information only, and the user should understand that no assurances or guarantees regarding the providers on the list are being made by providing this list. We do not endorse, approve, or recommend any specific provider listed below. This list is not inclusive of all community agencies, services, or organizations that provide the particular service, and the omission of an agency, service, or organization from this list does not imply disapproval. It is the responsibility of the user of this list to determine whether any of the content is of value to them and whether or not the agency, service, or organization meets their specific needs.
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National
- Emergency: (24/7): 911
- Referral Services: (crisis counseling, housing, food, health care, family services): 211 | https://www.211texas.org/
- Suicide Prevention: 988 | 988lifeline.org
- Self-Injury/Cutting: 1-800-366-8288 | selfinjury.com
- Eating Disorders: 1-800-931-2237 | nationaleatingdisorders.org
- Runaway Hotline: 1-800-231-6946 | 1800runaway.org
- Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 | childhelp.org/hotline/
- Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 | rainn.org
- Domestic/Relationship Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 | thehotline.org
- Trevor Hotline for LGBTQ Youth: 1-866-488-7386 | thetrevorproject.org
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline | samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- Other resources for developing healthy lifestyles, including mental and emotional help: helpguide.org
ESC 15 Counseling and Mental Health
Email: mentalhealth@esc15.net
Website: https://www.esc15.net/
Phone: (325)658-6571
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Region15ESC/
Twitter: @Region15ESC
Lesley Casarez, PhD, CCTS-I, CTP, CSC
Greg Hickey, LPC
(325) 658-6571 x2113
Anne Hardegree, LPC-S
(325) 481-4019
Alex Robles, LPC
(325) 481-4009
Alex Nieto
(325) 481-2151
Ella Nichols, LBSW
(325) 481-4062
Noemi Ucuk
Jessica Flores, LPC, BCBA
(325) 481-4057
Carol Stevens, M.Ed. CSC
McKinney-Vento, HELP Grant, and Counseling
Stephanie Soto
(325) 658-6571
Dava Rabb
(325) 658-6571 ext. 2120