COUNSELOR CONNECTION
ESC Region15
QUICK ACCESS TO SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE
JUNE 5
COUNSELING, ADVISING, AND STUDENT SUPPORTS TEA TEAM
Counselor Support Program Manager – a certified school counselor with the breadth and depth of experience to support planning, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive school counseling programs at a systems level;
Effective Advising Program Manager – an experienced college and career advisor, prepared to oversee the development of supports related to the college and career advising functions of school counseling programs and offer guidance for strategically engaging community partners in advising work;
Student Mental Health Program Manager – an experienced school-based mental health provider, prepared to support districts in strategically coordinating student mental health services through school counseling programs and school partnership programs, particularly Communities In Schools (CIS).
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FROM TEXAS SCHOOL SAFETY CENTER
PANEL DISCUSSION ON THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF VIRTUAL LEARNING
Please join U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Frank Brogan, as he leads a panel discussion on the practical application of virtual learning with education practitioners across the country. This forum will provide information and resources to establish or develop innovative virtual learning capabilities in preparation for successful distance learning in the future. This event aims to address experiences from different people who, like many of you, have found themselves searching for direction and comradery in this new reality. You must RSVP to join the forum and space is limited. Please register only if you are able to join the forum. This event is closed to the press.
When: Tuesday, June 09, 2020 from 2:30 PM to 3:45 PM EDT (please note start time and time zone)
Topic: U.S. Department of Education: Practical Application of Virtual Education— Innovation Strategies, Best Practices, Testimonials
Please use the following link to register: https://ems8.intellor.com?do=register&t=1&p=827975
Upon successful registration, you will receive an email containing a personalized access link. Note that multiple people cannot dial-in using the same registration information.
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE OPPORTUNITY
Sunday, July 26th – Monday, July 27th
TEA COVID-19 UPDATES
TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY UPDATES
TEXAS ONCOURSE
Earn reward money for your work in the Texas OnCourse Academy this year
This has been a challenging year, to say the least. 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. Here are the details.
Who is eligible?
All school counselors who provided direct guidance to students during the 2019–20 academic year. 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 5 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 5 modules, or make a request after completing more, e.g., 10, 15, 20... or 31 modules.
Interested and eligible? Take these steps.
- Confirm that your Texas OnCourse Academy account includes your role as counselor.
- Master modules or confirm that you have mastered at least 5 modules between July 15, 2019, and now.
- Complete the stipend request form.
- Look out for an email from UT Austin with instructions for how to get paid. If you have never been paid by Texas OnCourse before, you will need to complete a Payee Information Form (PIF). This form requires you to submit your Social Security number for payment.
- Once you complete your PIF, you should expect to receive a payment within 30 days.
Professional Development Resources and Webinars
MAY 29
AS WE CLOSE THE 2020 SCHOOL YEAR...
ESC 15 commends you for your huge hearts and unwavering dedication to our students!
These students reap the benefits of your daily efforts in more ways than you will ever realize!
THANK YOU!
EOC WAIVER AND SENIOR TRANSCRIPTS
IN REFERENCE TO TxEIS:
The EOC STAAR Waived Code “2020 Waived” is one of several programming items currently targeted to be released and is expected soon. Once the update is released, the student data systems department will test its functionality and subsequently load it to contracting district's databases as soon as possible.
IN REFERENCE TO TREx (https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/covid/covid19-assessment-guidance.pdf):
13. How should a district indicate on a transcript the lack of a STAAR score for a student for whom the EOC assessment requirement is waived for spring and summer 2020?
To permit schools to document the waived STAAR EOC assessment requirement on the student transcript or academic achievement record (AAR), a new code “2020 Waived” has been added to the STAAR performance level code table (TC31) in the Texas Records Exchange (TREx) system. Districts and charter schools must indicate on the transcript or in the AAR the “2020 Waived” code for students whom the STAAR EOC assessment requirement has been waived, in accordance with the assessment guidance charts above.
14. What is the last date a student can receive the waiver for the STAAR EOC assessment requirements?
A student may receive the waiver for the STAAR EOC assessment requirement for courses completed with credit earned in spring or summer 2020. Once the 2020–2021 school year has begun for a student based on his or her district’s or charter school’s official start date (no later than August 24, 2020), the student is no longer eligible to receive the STAAR EOC assessment waiver.
HIGHLY MOBILE & AT-RISK STUDENTS
MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS RESOURCES
TEHCY COVID-19 Webpage
http://www.techy.tea.texas.gov/covid-19
Digital TEHCY McKinney-Vento Posters
TEHCY COVID-19 Tool
Local, State, and National Resources for Students Experiencing Homelessness
HIGHLY MOBILE & AT-RISK DIVISION WEBSITES
Child Abuse and Maltreatment Prevention: https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Schools/Safe_and_Healthy_Schools/Child_Abuse_Prevention/Child_Abuse_Prevention_Overview/
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education: https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Schools/Support_for_At-Risk_Schools_and_Students/Texas_Education_for_Homeless_ Children_and_Youth_(TEHCY)_Program/
Human Trafficking Prevention: https://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Other_Services/Human_Trafficking_of_School-aged_Children/
Mental and Behavioral Health: https://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Other_Services/Mental_He alth/Mental_Health_and_Behavioral_Health/
Pregnancy Related Services: https://tea.texas.gov/texas_schools/safe_and_healthy_schools/pregnancy_related_services/
Military Connected Students: https://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Other_Services/Military_Family_Resources/
Hurricane Harvey Recovery Mental Health Resources for Schools: https://tea.texas.gov/Harvey_Recovery_MH/
Foster Care and Student Success:
Trauma Informed & Grief Informed Practices
Additional resources:
PROTECT TEXAS
A human trafficking prevention education and training program designed to reduce the vulnerability of exploitation by identifying and preventing human trafficking using an evidence-based, trauma-informed education curriculum.
Three-part PROTECT Texas online training modules for those working with youth:
1.Human Trafficking 101: An Introduction to Child Exploitation
2.Human Trafficking 102: Understanding Vulnerability and Trauma
3.Human Trafficking 103: Red Flags, Reporting, and Implementing Prevention Education
Courses are free, register at:
www.eventbrite.com/e/protect-online-training-for-tx-service-providers-tickets-100962304972
ADVENTURE2LEARNING: VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP 2020
June 22 - August 7, 2020
PreK-8th Grades
Cost: $25 Per Household (for the whole summer/inclusive of all sessions)
Summer camps closed due to COVID-19? Need something fun and educational for your kids to do this summer? Help them make the most of their break with our NEW interactive virtual summer camp, bringing you on-demand content, LIVE expert instruction, special guests, and supporting offline materials to facilitate growth and understanding all summer long!
Click here for more information: https://staticpages.adventure2learning.com/virtual-summer-camp
INTERNET SAFETY SITES FOR STUDENTS: SUMMER FUN!
Provides parents with critical information about what risks children face online through a variety of free resources available for viewing and downloading at home.
Young children can watch videos and find activities in a safe online environment. Learn how to be safer online in a fun and developmentally-appropriate format.
ESC REGION 15 STEM NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE
The 20 Texas Education Service Centers are working with other state and national organizations to create connected learning opportunities for pre-K -12 students. The initial Region 15 STEM Newsletter will give you an overview of the STEM initiative. Please visit the Region 15 STEM Newsletter.
If you are interested in receiving the Region 15 STEM Newsletter look for the blue bar near the bottom of the newsletter to register.
Beth Lehmann
Education Service Center Region 15
Texas EcosySTEM Lead
Texas Education Agency STEM initiative
MAY 22
IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2020 occurs on Monday, May 25.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
TEXAS COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS SCHOOL MODELS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
During these challenging times, educators have responded swiftly to unprecedented demands – creating virtual curricula, integrating online learning platforms, and going the extra mile to help students and their families cope with the changes. We thank you for your tireless, innovative efforts and your ongoing commitment to ensuring student success.
The Texas Education Agency and Educate Texas are equally committed to continuing our support of educators. We are proud to invite you to attend our 2020 CCR School Models Leadership Summit – reconceptualized as a fully virtual event. The Leadership Summit will convene leaders who are implementing ECHS, P-TECH and T-STEM programs across Texas.
For more information click HERE.
HIGHLY MOBILE AND AT-RISK STUDENTS
Next Webinar Scheduled for June 11
May 14 Webinar Recording available here:
https://ensemble.tetnplus.net/Watch/c4K7Swf6
Password: Him0At_R!$k05142020
PARENT INSTITUTE FOR QUALITY EDUCATION - FREE SUPPORT RESOURCES (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
- PIQE (Parent Institute for Quality Education), has compiled a new collection of support resources, offered in both Spanish and English.
TEA: TRAUMA INFORMED CARE WEBINAR AVAILABLE
Please attend Trauma Informed Care: A Circle of Support for Schools on either May 26th or May 27th from 9:00-10:30 am. During this uncertain and difficult time, we wanted to provide a time for LEA and ESC Leaders to learn more about trauma-informed care and how COVID is impacting our students, school communities in Texas as well as our own personal and professional lives.
Heather Lambert, LPC; will join us in presenting A Better Normal; equipping us with knowledge, tools and strategies to continue our important and impactful work. We look forward to seeing you and hope that during this circle of support you are able to share the unique needs your school community has so that we are better able to support you.
May 26th:
Topic: Trauma Informed Care: A Circle of Support for Schools
Time: May 26, 2020 09:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
https://mytexasace.zoom.us/j/98238999621?pwd=OC9BS01ncjYwdTl2Qlhlb1ZFNTBhUT09
Meeting ID: 982 3899 9621
Password: 0000
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,98238999621#,,1#,0000# US (Houston)
Join by Skype for Business
https://mytexasace.zoom.us/skype/98238999621
May 27th:
Topic: Trauma Informed Care: Circle of Support for Schools
Time: May 27, 2020 09:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mytexasace.zoom.us/j/95297118375?pwd=MGZ4K2txWjlCcUlwR0RVSzNyT3JUQT09
Meeting ID: 952 9711 8375
Password: 0000
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,95297118375#,,1#,0000# US (Houston)
Join by Skype for Business
MAY 15, 2020
Anne Hardegree, M.Ed., LPC
PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEW MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST!
I am so excited to be joining the team at Region 15 and working with all of you as a mental health specialist!
My 28 years of experience as a public school educator includes guidance and counseling at every level: Elementary, Junior High, High School, Alternative School, Night School, and Summer School. My last 5 years in public education, I was the testing coordinator at Central High School. I was also assigned as the administrator over the CHS Counseling Center. I am passionate about helping people, especially children, teenagers, and young adults and experienced in prevention, intervention, and crisis management.
School districts need a team that is experienced in mental health to collaborate and assist with the implementation of mental health intervention and the counseling services offered to students. Mental health is quickly becoming the responsibility of the schools and it is imperative that the needs are assessed and the protocols are structured to meet the needs of the students as well as fall within the legal scope of the school.
My education consists of a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education grades 1-8, Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling, Mid-management certification, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), in practice since 2007. I am continuously training and seeking certifications to keep current with the needs of students in school, families, and our changing times.
TRANSCRIPT AND EOCS/CPR WAIVERS
The Grading Guidance and FAQ (Grading Guidance and FAQ (PDF) May 12 2020 ) on the COVID 19 Support page on the TEA website has been updated to reflect the information below.
Regarding the transcripts and EOCs, the Grading Guidance and FAQ on the COVID 19 Support and Guidance for academics was update this week with the following FAQ for grades 8-11. For seniors, there are a couple of variables that must be considered. It’s my understanding that expanded guidance for seniors is under review and it should be available soon.
19. For 8th-11th grade students completing the course for credit and excused from the
corresponding EOC, how should districts document this on their Academic Achievement
Record?
A new code “2020 Waived” will be added to the STAAR performance level code table (TC31) in the Texas Records Exchange (TREx) system for students for whom the STAAR assessment
requirement has been waived.
The TREx addendum for 2019-2020 indicates the code has been added. Should you have any questions about activating/accessing the code in local student information systems, you may want to check with their SIS vendor or TREx support.
The CPR requirement is a requirement that districts must fulfill by providing instruction to students in grade 7-12 at least once before graduation from high school. Districts can submit a waiver if they have seniors who have not completed the requirement. (Students in lower grades should be able to complete the requirement in a future school year since the instruction only has to be provided once.) On the transcript for a graduating senior who has not received the instruction, the field for CPR requirement date met should be left blank. It does not impact the student as it is not a requirement for graduation and a waiver on file waives the requirement for the district to provide the instruction.
HIGHLY MOBILE & AT-RISK STUDENTS DIVISION - TEA
The Highly Mobile & At-risk Student Division of TEA has many resources to assist with students needs. Here are the links to each area and the COVID 19 Special Populations page. As soon as the recording of the May 13th Webinar is available, it will be added to this post.
Purpose
To increase awareness, build capacity, and improve TEA supports, resources and tools available for Texas schools to address the unique needs and statutory requirements of highly mobile and at-risk students. Ultimately, the Division exists to improve the school experience and education outcomes of all highly mobile and at-risk students in Texas public schools.
Foster Care and Student Success
COVID 19 RESOURCES
Updated May 7 2020
English Learners, Highly Mobile and At-Risk, Gifted and Talented
LIFE SKILLS CHALLENGE FOR LAST WEEKS OF SCHOOL YEAR
Quitman ISD Life Skills Challenge with Survey
- How they shared this : “ For the next two weeks Quitman ISD will be hosting a Bulldog Life skills Challenge. Your child will not have any new work for school. We encourage you to work with your child on these important life skills and complete the survey sometime during the week. You will find WEEK 1 Posted online at the following link. HAVE FUN!”
SUMMER MEAL ASSISTANCE FOR ELIGIBLE STUDENTS
FREE REMOTE PD TOOLKIT FOR COLLEGE, CAREER, AND MILITARY READINESS
Texas OnCourse has a new resource for education leaders facilitating remote professional development for their staff. Their remote PD toolkit includes step-by-step instructions, worksheets, and a PowerPoint template for leading remote PD on college, career, and military readiness. Download the free toolkit on the Texas OnCourse website.
WEBINAR OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH MENTAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER CENTER (MHTTC) NETWORK
MHTTC is providing an opportunity to participate in several webinar series that may be of interest to you. Please see information at the links below.
Self-Compassion Webcast Series: Session #1 - May 19 - This one is for YOU!
PEAR DECK
MAY 8, 2020
ESC 15 COUNSELOR AND MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS - JUNE 2020
Session information already provided on the ESC workshop website page will be adjusted to reflect the new platform for our June online platform. Please be patient as we make this conversion and send us an e-mail with any questions you have about June workshops.
No determination has been made at this time concerning the July workshops scheduled for our sessions. We will keep you updated as adjustments, if any, are made. Thank you for being flexible and we look forward to working with you this summer!
UPDATED APPROVED TRAUMA-INFORMED TRAINING LIST ON TEA WEBSITE
The updated approved trauma-informed training list is now live on the TEA website located at: https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/other-services/mental-health/trauma-informed-grief-informed-practices
TEA wanted to update this list as soon as possible as we know that LEAs want guidance on training that is approved and are working on PD plans for 20/21. The list that is currently posted on the website has been vetted by TEA and HHSC.
AMERICORPS NCCC
Something New Just for You Here at AmeriCorps NCCC, we highly value the parents, educators, and others who mentor and teach young adults as they prepare for their careers. We have been hard at work developing some resources we think will benefit you as you educate yourself and the young adults in your network about our opportunities. Click the button below to find a new web page, created just for you. There you'll find a breakdown of our service options and benefits, ways you can get involved, a Toolkit for Parents and Educators available for download, and more. Happy exploring!
HIGHLY MOBILE AND AT-RISK STUDENT PROGRAMS TETN VIA ZOOM
The Highly Mobile and At-Risk Student Programs Division would like to invite you to attend our Texas Education Telecommunications Network (TETN) via Zoom on Thursday, May 14th from 1:00PM to 3:00PM. (Log on information will be sent through the Counselor Listserv as soon as it is available)
The team will provide specific updates related to COVID-19, highlight new resources and information available, as well as hear from you on impactful strategies that you have implemented to serve students, and any current/or anticipated needs that you have.
You will hear updates from the following program areas:
- Mental and Behavioral Health
- Military-Connected Students
- Foster Care and Student Success
- Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention
- Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program (TEHCY)
- Pregnancy Related Services
PROMPT: A WRITING SUPPORT PLATFORM
Prompt, a writing support platform, has produced a free guide to help students prepare for their AP English and History exams, plus a list of colleges that are and are not accepting AP credit this year. The guide features a breakdown of what to expect in the new 2020 exams (what they will cover and how they will be scored), with suggestions on how to prepare and examples of historical essays.
WEBINAR AVAILABLE - Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention During COVID-19: What School-Based Staff Need to Know
This webinar will address three key evidence-based topics and the resources to support school staff as they manage current or emerging suicidal thoughts and behaviors in their students during the COVID-19 crisis. Presenters will share the rationale and tools to develop an individual and meaningful safety plan via telehealth; equip teachers and school staff with the skills to identify and respond to youth who may be at risk; and provide a thoughtful approach for supporting the school and family should a suicide occur.
MAY 1, 2020
If you are in need of survey questions to conduct a needs assessment for your campus/district as part of your comprehensive counseling program we are here to help. E-mail me, carol.stevens@esc15.net, and I will send you Google forms with pre-populated questions for students, parents, faculty/staff, and community members that you can adjust to fit your needs.
Texas Educators:
As you continue to effectively work through a variety of challenges, the Texas School Safety Center remains committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Registration for virtual School Behavioral Threat Assessment and Digital Threat Assessment training is now available. Registration for these free virtual training opportunities can be accessed through our Events webpage.
In preparation for the future resumption of educational facilities, the TxSSC has developed Education Facilities COVID-19 Recovery/Reopening Appendix, a guidance document of considerations as part of the emergency operations planning process. This resource is included in the COVID-19 Resources for Schools on our COVID-19 Updates webpage.This guidance document is a working draft based on federal and state recommendations, but tailored to the context of schools. School districts should continue to follow guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas Department of State Health Services, Governor’s Office, Texas Education Agency, and their local health authority. This document will be updated as direction from federal and state agencies is further developed.
As always, we appreciate the unwavering resolve of all our Texas educators.
Kathy Martinez-Prather
Director
Texas School Safety Center
Texas State University
TRANSITIONS: WORKING THROUGH ENGAGEMENT ISSUES, TRAUMA, AT-RISK STUDENTS, & GETTING BACK TO SCHOOL
Below is the link to a new recorded, 28 min. recorded webinar on helping students/parents with engagement challenges, the role of trauma, at-risk students, and things to keep in mind as we look toward transitioning back to school. These are all concerns I have noted in my meetings with educators in recent weeks. Please feel free to offer content suggestions for future brief webinars, gregory.hickey@esc15.net.
https://ensemble.tetnplus.net/Watch/Kj95Cai4
Password: tr@nSiT10n*42820
HIGHLY MOBILE AND AT-RISK STUDENT PROGRAMS DIVISION
Inside our newsletter, you will find links to new resources and guidance available through TEA, as well as a Local Education Agency (LEA) Spotlight, which highlights stand-out work occurring in school districts across Texas.
Thank you for all that do!
Subscribe!
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.NEW ESC 15 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP ADDED
July 28, 2020
9:00 - 4:00
Bluebonnet Room - ESC 15 Conference Center
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provides safety and prevention resources for families and professionals focusing on child abduction, child sexual exploitation, and internet safety. Learn the critical information you need to know to help recognize, observe, and properly report incidents or circumstances of missing, abducted and/or sexually exploited children.
Register at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-national-center-for-missing-exploited-children-resources-to-promote-tickets-103739806554
TEHCY STATEWIDE COVID-19 WEBINAR RESOURCES
This webinare shares strategies, best practices, tools, and resources to assist with the identification and support of students experiencing homelessness during COVID-19. Visit our website to download the resources and view the webinar.
TEHCY Hotline: 1-800-446-3142
tehcy.tea.texas.gov
CLOSING OUT THE SCHOOL YEAR
Closure: The Case for Engaging End-of-Year Activities - https://www.naesp.org/communicator-march-2015/closure-case-engaging-end-year-activities
Virtual End-of-Year Activities and Ideas - https://www.teachbetweenthelines.org/read-from-the-blog-1/2020/4/7/virtual-end-of-year-activities-and-ideas
COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE - TOM GREEN COUNTY/CONCHO VALLEY
Shannon Medical Center shared their resource list with the ESC today for TGC and the Concho Valley. Many of you are having to navigate uncharted waters as families come-up against financial hardships. For those who operate in the Concho Valley area, this may help you with assistance for families. It is very thorough and has also been added to the Counselor Padlet.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12DGE7ImTR9OUTUtknFN7VoSayFFOpppo/view?usp=sharing
TRANSITIONING STUDENTS INTO HIGHER EDUCATION: VIRTUAL FORUM
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Hosted by the Division for College Readiness and Success
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Texas College Access Network (TxCAN)
The transition from high-school to higher-ed already presents a challenge to many of our students and we struggle to prevent summer melt every year. The loss of the spring semester creates 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.
To address the potential challenges ahead, we have restructured this year’s P-16 Professional Development Conference. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, along with our partners at TxCAN, will be hosting a virtual Student Transition Forum on May 14, 2020 from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The intent of the Forum is to create a space for participants to exchange innovative ideas and highlight bright spots on how school districts and institutions of higher education are working together as they support students transitioning into higher education and discuss how policies and practices are being updated to ensure all students are on track to enroll in higher education in the fall.
The Forum will be followed by a bi-weekly 30- 45-minute learning series of innovative ideas discovered during the forum. Through this process we hope to develop long term solutions that support students to and through higher education and into the workforce.
High school counselors, admissions advisors from two-year and four-year institutions, and other educators interested in participating can REGISTER NOW!
The Forum will bring participants together and breakout in virtual small groups with a facilitator and an experienced professional to discuss topic areas including:
- Admissions
- Financial Aid
- Enrollment & Registration
- Student Services
- Communications
APRIL 24, 2020
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SUMMER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
At this time, we are hoping to offer both in person and virtual platforms for workshops. As dates for June sessions get closer, information will be updated on the registration page of the ESC website, www.esc15.net, and information will be sent out through the listserv and newsletter. Our hope is that eventually we will be able to hold workshops in person but will also make them available virtually as well.
COVID-19 & SCHOOL CLOSURES: COPING WITH UNCERTAINTY, GRIEF, AND PROVIDING CLOSURE - RECORDED WEBINAR
Here is the link and password for the 27 min. recording of COVID-19 & School Closures: Coping with Uncertainty, Grief, and Providing Closure. This is a webinar Greg Hickey recorded that will hopefully help generate some ideas on how to help the Class of 2020 (and other students) through the mental difficulties associated with losing the tail-end of this academic school year. As always, let me know what other content you’d like to hear more about! https://ensemble.tetnplus.net/Watch/Bb2k9HCm
Password: c19&$chcL04222020
NAVIGATE 2020
NAVIGATE 2020 Virtual Conference and College Fair is now open for student, parent, counselor and college registration. You can see more about this special event on the website here https://virtual.gotocollegefairs.com.
This event will host three days of live-stream expert presentations for students and families and a concurrent virtual college fair with fully interactive booths. Students can chat live with college admissions representatives, answering questions and helping to find fit. This event is free-of-charge to attendees and is designed to help students and colleges connect safely during the COVID-19 crisis.
OPTIONAL EOY ASSESSMENT UPDATES
If your school district is planning to utilize the optional EOY Assessments, TEA just posted a video about registration.
The video for EOY Registration is now posted on the COVID website.
Also here is the information for the EOY Assessment Webinar:
- TEA will host a webinar related to Optional End of Year Assessments on Tuesday, April 28 at 9:00am. See below for call-in information.
- Please click the link to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/98170632315
- Or join by phone: 346-248-7799
- Webinar ID: 981 7063 2315
TEXAS SCHOOL SAFETY CENTER UPDATES
In an effort to continue to serve schools, the TxSSC has now transitioned to virtual training. Registration will be available by the end of the week to register for School Behavioral Threat Assessment and Digital Threat Assessment training. Registration can be accessed through our Events webpage. Additional virtual training opportunities and registration will be made available later this month. I encourage you to take advantage of these free training opportunities between May and July.
As we continue to social distance, schools may be looking to explore additional ways to connect with students and families to ensure a holistic approach of engagement and to assess and assist with student needs. The TxSSC has developed a guidance document for schools on How to Stay Connected to Students in a Time of Disconnection that is included in the COVID-19 Resources for Schools on our COVID-19 Updates webpage.
TRACKING STUDENT CONTACTS DURING COVID-19
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZucpJng7UPAvvZLYMqQzNz_2T2Qr4E0D0xTXrOhrcLc/edit?usp=sharing
Suggested process:
- Ask faculty to enter names of students they have not been able to contact. (Give a date to have this done)
- Have faculty review the list and enter information on attempts to contact and/or contact made with each student.
Hope this form is useful and feel free to modify as necessary to fit your needs.
PADLET: COUNSELOR RESOURCES
https://padlet.com/gregoryhickey/n6mr1ng7wqr9rrar,
are able to view and edit the document. Please feel free to add information you feel is beneficial to counselors. If you would like a category added or have questions on adding content or navigating the platform please send us an e-mail. A screenshot of the platform is below. Hope you find this useful!
APRIL 16, 2020
TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR LEAs TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS DURING COVID-19
RECENT UPDATED GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS POSTED
TEA has posted some guidance documents that may be helpful. There are several documents , below are directions on how to access them. As more relevant resources are added, we will update all of you.
- Remote Counseling & Student Support Services – on the Special Education & Special Populations Page under Special Education and on the COVID Landing Page under Miscellaneous
- Mental Health & Behavioral Health Support & Resources – on the COVID Landing Page under Miscellaneous
- Managing Challenging Behaviors for Parents - on the Special Education & Special Populations Page under Special Education
- Managing Challenging Behaviors for LEAs - on the Special Education & Special Populations Page under Special Education
- Providing Counseling as a Related Service – on the Special Education & Special Populations Page under Special Education
- Multi-tiered System of Support Framework - on the Special Education & Special Populations Page under Special Education
ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP AVAILABLE
Support group for anyone who is a survivor of recent or childhood sexual abuse. The group is private, confidential and facilitated by Melissa Hernandez, Open Arms of the Concho Valley .
There is no registration needed simply click on the link at the designated time below and you will be connected.
https://affiliate.rainn.org/helproom/openarms
- Teen- 2nd Tuesday of every month 7-9:00p
- Women's- 3rd Tuesday of every month 7-8:30p
- Men's- 4th Tuesday of every month 7-8:30p
CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING SCHEDULED FOR MAY 21ST AND MAY 28TH
Our Bilingual & Migrant Specialist, Mary Castanuela, is going to be providing a two day mini Cultural Awareness training. She will be using a cultural awareness book and each participant will receive a copy of the book. Please e-mail, monica.diaz@esc15.net, to recieve a zoom link to connect.
- The first day of the training will be on Thursday, May 21st from 9am-11am.
- The second part of the training will be on Thursday, May 28th from 9am- 11am.
- Trainings will be recorded, if you wish to see the recording please let me know and I will send you the link after the training.
- Deadline to register by e-mailing monica.diaz@esc15.net is Monday, April 20th
BE A COACH FOR THE PARENT
GENERAL TOPICS OF DISCUSSION
- Have a Virtual meeting of some type with student groups just to connect. NO ACADEMICS, just socializing, fun, laughter, etc. See where it takes you and how you can weave in some good motivational counseling into the meeting.
- Create a short Screencastify Video and have teachers play it at the end of their Google Classroom so you can be seen by students. Reinforce that you are available to students or just say "Hello!"
- For those families/students you have not been able to locate no matter what you have tried, it might be time to ask for a well-check from the at-risk coordinator or mental health officer. See if you can send a letter of concern with contact information along with them to leave with the family if they do make contact.
- Clients of nursing homes no longer have contact with family members. Have students make them cards and have them delivered to the nursing homes. (Of course, follow all of the COVID-19 cleaning requirements prior to delivery)
TEACHERS CAN
Raise Your Hand Texas is leading an effort to thank teachers with the #TeachersCan campaign. Find out more at https://teacherscan.org/ and learn how you can promote the teachers on your campuses.
Carol Stevens, M. Ed.
Region 15 Education Service Center
Office: (325) 481-4047
Cell: (325) 651-0101
Gregory Hickey, LPC
Mental Health Specialist
Region 15 Education Service Center
Office: (325) 658-6571 ext. 2113
Cell: (325) 650-8261