School Counselor Connection
Monthly updates for Arizona School Counselors
February 2023
Happy National School Counselors Week! I hope that you are taking time this week to celebrate you and your School Counselor colleagues! Thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication to our students. Schools cannot function without the vital part you play in supporting students, collaborating with teachers, and involving parents.
Not only is February an important time to appreciate School Counselors, it is also Career and Technical Education month. School Counselors play an important role in recruiting and retaining students in CTE programs at the high school level, but there are opportunities to promote CTE for elementary and middle school students.
To learn more about CTE month visit: https://www.acteaz.org/events/cte_month/Some ideas to incorporate CTE awareness and career exploration for middle school and elementary school students:
Use My Future AZ with middle school students.
Show CTE recruitment videos from local high schools to elementary and middle school students.
Elementary and middle school students can take a field trip to tour CTE programs.
Incorporate CTE awareness and career exploration into summer programs.
Share CTE program flyers during middle school homeroom or advisory periods.
Check out ADE’s K-8 Career Literacy website for more resources and ideas.
My Future AZ Trainings
Every month ADE and Pipeline AZ host virtual trainings for new and returning users 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.
Spring semester trainings have been changed to 10:00am-11:00am, unless otherwise noted. Click on the date below to register.
2/7/23- Returning Users (3:00pm-4:00pm to accommodate for those attending the AZSCA Conference)
3/14/23- Returning Users (Spring break)
Short on time? ADE and Pipeline AZ are offering Bite Size Best Practices. These training sessions will be under 30 minutes and will include a quick demo of one best practice followed by a question and answer session. Click on the below dates to register:
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 (3:00pm-3:30pm to accommodate for those attending the FAFSA Spring Training Webinar)
If your school or district is looking to onboard with My Future AZ, please send an email to MyFutureAZ@azed.gov for next steps.
Professional Development Opportunities
Evidence Based School Counseling Conference
West-MEC and Touchstone Health Services
West-MEC is excited to offer a FREE professional development event on "Fighting Fentanyl in Our Communities.". This two-hour session presented by Touchstone Health Services will address the widespread issue of Fentanyl in our community and how it is affecting the youth. Please use the link below, or use the QR code on the attachment, to register to attend.
What: Fighting Fentanyl in our Communities
When: March 10, 2023, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: West-MEC Corporate Office 5487 N. 99th Ave, Glendale (2-story building)
How: Register utilizing the link: https://pdcircle.west-mec.org/course/view/276
We hope to see you there!
Hatching Results
School Counselor & Administrator Collaboration Institute: Virtual learning session on March 16, 2023
https://www.hatchingresults.com/scaci
Use of Data in School Counseling Institute: Virtual learning session on April 12, 2023
https://www.hatchingresults.com/uodsci
Continuing Education Classes: https://hatchingorders.com/arizona
The Time is NOW! Sign up for a PAX Good Behavior Game Training for 2023!
“Since starting PAX in the classroom, we have seen incredible results! Parents are starting to ask if there is a training for at home, as they are also seeing changes in their children outside of the classroom in such a short time.” Adria Matthew, Prima Vera Schools
In partnership with the Arizona Department of Education, PAXIS Institute is providing virtual and self-paced PAX Good Behavior Game trainings at no cost to Arizona school-based staff.
The PAX Good Behavior Game® (PAX GBG) is a school-based, classroom preventative intervention used by educators to teach self-regulation. PAX GBG is not a set of lessons or a curriculum, but strategies teachers use throughout their day to improve students' behavior and stamina for focused attention and on-task behavior.
In a recent survey, 94% of Arizona Educators trained in The PAX Good Behavior Game reported that PAX had improved their students focus, organization, and confidence! To learn more or to schedule a training, email paxarizona@paxis.org
High School Specific Resources
FAFSA Spring Training- Free Tickets
The Arizona Cactus League, the Arizona Board of Regents and Ask Benji are teaming up to encourage college-bound Arizona high school seniors to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When it comes to paying for college it’s a home run! Complete your FAFSA and you could score four free Arizona Cactus League spring training tickets to a baseball game this season!*
The first 750 Arizona high school seniors who meet all promotion guidelines and apply will receive four free spring training tickets!
It’s easy to qualify:
Be a current 12th-grade high school student attending an Arizona high school.
Complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA.**
Complete the spring training submission form.
*Tickets are subject to availability. Offer applies to games occurring between Feb. 24 and March 11, 2023. In the submission form, students will be asked to select their first, second and third spring training game choices; however, selection does not guarantee tickets will be available for any of the games selected.
** A complete 2023-2024 FAFSA must be on file with the U.S. Department of Education at the time of entry. Students who do not have a FAFSA on file or have an incomplete application on file will not qualify.
For more information visit: http://fafsaspringtraining.org/
Build Your Future Arizona
BYFAZ (Build Your Future Arizona) is hosting two Parent & Student Construction Career events and Spring Training games at Peoria Sports Complex. The events will start at Noon. Parents and students can select either Saturday, Feb. 25th, or Sunday, Feb. 26th. This is a complementary RSVP event for one parent and their student. Parents and students will participate in a 45-minute pregame presentation on the hottest Arizona construction careers and get a chance to connect with up to 10 top AZ construction firms recruiting students after their 2023 graduation.
We’d like to ask teachers and administrators to please share the attached flyer and student email invitation with your top senior construction, welding, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing CTE students. Space is limited, so we would like to encourage you to share the flyer, email invite, and registration link https://info.byfaz.org/23-Peoria-Sports-Complex with your top CTE seniors as soon as possible.
Wild Out Wednesday February 15th
Our last WOW event is 2/15, 11-12 PM. Topics: Dual enrollment & College Credits, and Assessment Prep. Please see the flyer below for more info.
Powering Arizona
The City of Phoenix Youth and Education Office is now accepting applications for the 2023 Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader of the Year awards.
The awards recognize and honor the outstanding achievements of young people, enhance the perception of youth and raise community awareness of their positive contributions.
“The award helped me pay for my first year of college. To me, this award meant a tremendous accomplishment. It showcased my dedication to my hometown/community through service and leadership” said 2017 overall district winner, Ameerah Battle. She was awarded a total of $2,000 for her leadership in her community. Since then, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and is now pursuing her master’s in public health to become a physician and work in health policy. “It allowed me to chase my dreams of graduating from Howard University, become a Fulbright Scholar, and pursue my master’s in public health at Brown University. This award was a stepping stone to strive and continue for greatness. I am forever grateful.”
The program is open to any students currently enrolled in high school in Phoenix or who live within Phoenix city limits.
Here's how it works:
·Two students will be selected as winners from each City Council district and receive an award of $500.
· In addition, each district-level winner will be eligible for an additional $1,500 award if they are selected as the citywide winners.
Students interested in applying will need to write an essay and submit a recommendation letter and proof of legal residence in the United States. Finalists will be interviewed by members of the community. District award winners will be invited to a luncheon sponsored by Rotary 100 and Salt River Project (SRP) where the citywide award winners will be announced.
Eligible students can apply online before 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24.
College Connect
College Connect Tempe is excited to provide the following workshops and events for high school students and their parents/caregivers. Thank you in advance for helping to spread the word to students and families you work with, through social media, with your networks and in-person promotions. Please see attached bilingual flyers.
All services are FREE to participants and we can serve anyone, regardless of residency. Spanish language services are available.
Thursdays 6:30-7:30 PM
Jan. 19, Jan. 26, Feb. 2, Feb. 9
Online
Workshops for PSAT/ACT/SAT Test preparation
Jan. 19 - SAT/ACT Prep Reading
Jan. 26 - SAT/ACT Prep Writing
Feb. 2 - SAT/ACT Prep Math (calculator)
Feb. 9 - SAT/ACT Prep Math (no calculator)
CLICK HERE to register.
Wednesdays, Twice per month, 2-5 PM
College Connect Offices at Tempe Public Library (3500 S Rural Rd Tempe)
Assistance with filling out applications to colleges and universities
One-on-one support with filling out the FAFSA and with applying to scholarships
Help with personal statements
Information on school requirements, eligibility, tuition and financial aid options
Drop in or CLICK HERE to register.
Students who attend any workshop, lab event or 1:1 advising session are entered to win a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by the Ramsey Social Justice Foundation.
For more information on College Connect Tempe, or to help a student make an individual advising appointment, please visit www.tempe.gov/CollegeConnect
College Depot Scholarship Expo February 23 4:30pm-6:30pm
Chicanos Por La Causa Boot Camp Trainings for High School Seniors
We are working with the Maricopa County Community College District to promote the free 10-day boot camps MCCCD has put together for the aerospace and the semiconductor industries. The aerospace boot camp is taught by Boeing and leads to jobs with them. The semiconductor boot camp is taught by Intel and leads to jobs with Intel or TSMC. These boot camps are perfect for seniors in high school.
Updates from Aliento
We know there are a lot of questions regarding Prop. 308: In-state tuition for Dreamers. We are getting ready to start holding training sessions for educators, counselors, and students who want to learn more about the implementation of in-state tuition for Dreamers! Please visit our site https://www.alientoaz.org/instate-tuition and fill out the interest form below if you want to know more about the implementation as soon as the details become available. https://actionnetwork.org/forms/in-state-tuition-for-dreamers-implementationtraining-interest-form/.
Aliento’s Cultiva Program offers DACA, undocumented, and mixed-status students, youth, and families the space to share their experiences and heal through art. Our workshops are intergenerational— for children (7 years +) AND adults who self-identify as undocumented, DACA, Dreamer, immigrant, migrant, or children of immigrants (from mixed-status families). They are also bilingual (English and Spanish) so folks can speak whichever language they feel the most comfortable in. Every First Friday, we host an open mic for the community where we explore migration from an intersectionality lens. This is a welcoming space where we can be whole, feel safe, and be in the community. If you are interested in attending either of our Cultiva events, please complete this interest form.
Additionally, we have adapted Arts + Healing Workshops to implement at elementary schools. Aliento works closely with school administrators to identify students who are undocumented, DACA, Dreamer, immigrant, migrant, or children of immigrants (from mixed-status families). Once enrolled, students participate in monthly workshops where they explore different social-emotional learning topics including identity, gratitude, and agency while practicing bravery and vulnerability. If you or your school administration is interested in learning more about our Arts + Healing Fellowship Program, please contact Anna Ortiz at aortiz@alientoaz.org.Earn to Learn
Earn to Learn is currently able to provide the $500 savings requirement to any qualifying students who identify as a foster youth or student experiencing homelessness.
We host weekly help sessions to assist students with everything from starting their FAFSA to filling out their ETL application. Sessions are every Tuesday from 5:30-6:30pm. ETL Weekly Help Session Registration
Please see flyers below for more information.
Change in NAU Admission Requirements for Students Entering in Fall 2023
Access to Excellence: NAU will provide a tuition-free college education for every Arizona resident with a household income of $65,000 or below starting in Fall 2023, assuring tuition will be fully covered by scholarships and financial aid. Approximately 50% of Arizona households currently meet this financial threshold.
NAU remains committed to expanding educational opportunities for Indigenous and Native American students. Keeping with this mission, students who are members of Arizona’s 22 recognized tribes (including those living out of state) will automatically qualify for Access to Excellence, regardless of household income.
Find out more about this program here: https://nau.edu/legacy/admissions/access2excellence/
Changes in Merit-Based Scholarship Criteria: Scholarship criteria for students entering NAU in Fall 2023 have changed since last year. Find out more about how criteria have changed here: https://nau.edu/office-of-scholarships-and-financial-aid/freshman-merit-based-tuition-scholarships/
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/
The Arizona Science Teachers ESSER Deeper Dive Project
Ask Benji
https://calendly.com/statewide-fafsa-completion-support
notMYkid-AmeriCorps Arizona
notMYkid Family Navigation and Peer Support AmeriCorps Program partners with sites in Maricopa county and provides them with Family Navigators and Peer Support AmeriCorps members to help the community they serve. Our program builds HEALTHY FUTURES by addressing youth drug use and mental health challenges. See flyer for more information.
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Application for the 2023-24 academic year is now open and will close on March 1, 2023. We're eager to get the word out to as many Marine Corps families as possible and would love your help in spreading the word, especially to those students who are pursuing Career and Technical Education!
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to eligible children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen, Chaplains, and Religious Program Specialists. Our scholarships are for children pursuing a post-secondary education at any accredited school--whether that be a trade school, career training school, community college, or four-year university. We are the Nation's oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military families. To put our size in perspective, last year we awarded over $10 million to more than 2,600 students, and 10% were CTE students!
All applicants must meet our eligibility requirements, which can be found at www.mcsf.org/eligibility. For more information regarding our Career and Technical Education Program, feel free to take a look at our CTE brochure. To apply, please visit www.mcsf.org/appy.
Thank you in advance for helping connect students with this opportunity!
All Grade Levels Resources
Teen Lifeline
Option 1: February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. For many people, relationships are a source of joy and comfort. If you are concerned about safety in your relationship, we are here for you. Teen Lifeline is also here for you, and you can call or text one of the trained Peer Counselors from 3-9pm.
Option 2: During February, we celebrate Black history month. While we celebrate accomplishments of this community, we know that racism is still alive and affecting oppressed groups of people. It is okay to struggle, but you do not have to struggle alone. We are here to help, and so is Teen Lifeline. You can call or text Teen Lifeline to speak with a trained Peer Counselor.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Presented by: ADE Project AWARE and Teen Lifeline
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. Although ASIST is widely used by healthcare providers, participants don't need any formal training to attend the workshop—anyone 16 or older can learn and use the ASIST model.
This training will be held March 6-7, 2023, at Arizona Department of Education (North Campus): 100 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85007. To register, please fill out the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHwr7R6t0pts1bO9Wk8dHd4f28nxfrsnHrFmg9_H8u9MZ-MQ/viewform
Valley Metro Outreach Services
School Outreach: Learning to use public transportation is an important life skill that will last a lifetime. Valley Metro understands this especially as it pertains to our youth. Our school outreach includes presentations that cover Valley Metro services, benefits of using transit, how to use it safely and courteously and more. Presentations are geared toward the age of the class from preschool on up. https://www.valleymetro.org/transit-education/school-outreach-program
Free Field Trips: Field trips are a great way to learn about public transit. We help plan group trips on bus, light rail and streetcar. Preschool groups through 8th grade are eligible for free rides on bus, light rail and streetcar with a group field trip pass. We ask for two weeks’ notice and that the travel take place during off peak hours (8:30 am – 2:30 pm). We extend the free group field trip pass to special needs high school groups. https://www.valleymetro.org/transit-education/field-trips-transit To request a field trip pass please use this link: https://www.valleymetro.org/form/school-field-trip-itinerary-request-form
Contests: Cool Transit STUFF for 3rd graders. https://www.valleymetro.org/transit-education/cool-transit-stuff-art-contest-enter-now
Design a Transit Wrap contest for high school students. https://www.valleymetro.org/transit-education/design-transit-wrap-contest
Extracurricular Activities: We also participate in other school activities like Career Days, Transportation Days, Community Helper Days and staff in-services when staff availability and resources allow.
Community Outreach: We also present to and work with social service and government agencies, businesses, homeowners group and everyone else.
Please contact Dolores Nolan (phone: 602-523-6070 email: DNolan@valleymetro.org) if you would like to schedule a presentation, other service or have a question.
Locks of Love
Diverse Ability Incorporated- Peer-Based Person-Centered Plans
With support and funding from ADE/ESS Special Projects, Diverse Ability Incorporated is able to provide Peer-Based Person-Centered Plans to up to 50 Arizona public school students who have disabilities, this school year.
Experienced youth facilitators assist students to complete discovery activities and gather input from those most important to them prior to engaging in a comprehensive planning process, which results in an action plan that is useful during IEP and Transition Plan development and implementation. Peer-Based Person-Centered Plans are helpful for all students, and are ideal for students who are experiencing uncertainty about something in their lives, or who may have a transition on the horizon. Peer-Based Person-Centered Plans offer a pathway for students to navigate their own journeys, in a way that also guides supporters in honoring their needs, choices, and dreams.
Next steps are quick and easy, please either complete this form, or email pbs4youth@diverseabilityincorporated.org, and Diverse Ability Incorporated will connect with you to get the process started.
School Counselor Spotlight
Email Distribution List
Do you have colleagues who didn’t receive this email? Please click here so we can add/update their information in our database.
Emily Brown- School Counselor Director
Email: Emily.Brown@azed.gov
Website: https://www.azed.gov/cte/counselors
Location: Arizona Department of Education
Phone: 602-542-5353
Andrea Glenn- Director of Post-Secondary & Community Engagement
Email: Andrea.glenn@azed.gov
Website: https://www.azed.gov/ccr
Location: Arizona Department of Education
Phone: 602-364-4799