Counselor Connection--September 18
Education Service Center Region 15
School Counselor Spotlight
To decompress, Justin does woodworking. He has been married to another educator for 19 years, and they have two growing daughters. Hannah (16) and Alexis (13) are both avid musicians, dancers, and servants to their church community. A fun fact about Justin is that he "absolutely loves to travel! I have a goal to reach all the lower 48 by the time I turn 50 and I'm getting close to my goal!"
Email: justin.williams@wintersisd.org
Website: https://www.wintersisd.org/
Location: 603 N Heights St, Winters, TX 79567, USA
Phone: 325-754-5574
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WintersISD
Twitter: @wintersisd
Happy September Birthdays!
- Hugo Tarango, SFDR CISD
Sandra Dominguez, Grape Creek
Brenda Bonilla, SFDR CISD
Summer Henderson, Junction
Nita Fields, Brady
Concho Valley College Night
Concho Valley College night gives your junior and senior students the opportunity to speak with over 40 colleges, universities, and military branches. It will be hosted by Angelo State University in the Houston Harte University Center in the C.J. Davidson Conference Center, located at 1910 Rosemont Dr. To register, students must click HERE. The barcode allows the institutions to quickly scan the students’ information. This is convenient for the student and provides them with the tool needed to have an efficient experience.
Tuesday, Sep 19, 2023, 06:00 PM
CJ Davidson Conference Center, Houston Harte University Center, Rosemont Drive, San Angelo, TX, USA
Updated: School Safety Law Toolkit
We have updated the toolkit with bills passed during the 88th Texas Legislative Session.
Cannabis Prevention Resources
Elementary School Coloring Pages: It’s never too soon to start educating children and youth about the dangers of using marijuana. The non-profit organization Johnny’s Ambassadors has designed several free coloring pages for elementary students that include simplified messaging.
Middle & High School PowerPoints: Johnny’s Ambassadors has also designed a PowerPoint slide deck with teacher notes and several educational one-pagers for middle schools and high schools. These free presentations and resources can be used in health, PE and biology classes or delivered by the school nurse or prevention counselor.
Tobacco-Free Property Signage
Call for Outstanding Student Nominations
Education in Action's Call for Outstanding Student Nominations is now underway! Please forward the Call for Nominations, below, to the 4th-8th grade educators in your region so they may nominate your region's deserving students for summer 2024 Lone Star Leadership Academy camps by the Fall Nomination Deadline, November 3, 2023.
Call for Outstanding Student Nominations
Nominees must:
Be in 4th-8th grade
Demonstrate leadership ability
Maintain an 85 or higher average
Show commitment to school and/or community involvement
Nominations are a great way to recognize your outstanding
4th-8th graders; nominating teachers receive a personalized certificate to present to each nominee at school awards ceremonies.
Nominate 10 or more students and we'll mail you a Maggie the Mammoth mascot plushy! Nominate each year to collect them all!
School Behavioral Threat Assessment 88th Legislative Session Update Video
This video introduces you to the five new responsibilities concerning the school behavioral threat assessment process in Texas resulting from the 88th Legislative Session. It also provides guidance and related resources for understanding and implementing these responsibilities.
Guides to planning efforts around the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model
From UCONN Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy – Collaboratory on School and Child Health
UCONN has developed two comprehensive toolkits to assist school health teams who are interested in implementing Whole Child policy initiatives and improving their practice alignment with the WSCC model, and in successful implementation and sustainment of WSCC practices.
SOPHE’s New Resource for School Employee Wellness
Check out SOPHE’s new school employee wellness resource designed to: increase the capacity of district and school staff in addressing school employee wellness; improve the health of all school employees; and improve student health and academic outcomes. School Employee Wellness: A Toolkit for Supporting the Implementation of School Employee Wellness in Districts/Schools is a supplement to Healthy School, Healthy Staff, Healthy Students: A Guide to Improving School Employee Wellness
CTE Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Updates
New Occupational Safety and Health TEKS
The State Board of Education (SBOE) adopted new TEKS in occupational safety and health in June 2023. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) must embed the new TEKS into the following courses beginning with the 2023-2024 school year:
- Construction Technology I
- Electrical Technology I
- Plumbing Technology I
- HVAC Technology I
- Masonry Technology I
- Agriculture Mechanics and Metal Technology
- Welding I
- Metal Fabrication and Machining I
- Oil and Gas Production II
- Introduction to Culinary Arts
The new occupational safety and health TEKS became effective on September 10, 2023. To view the new TEKS, visit 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §127.17, Career and Technical Education Standards in Occupational Safety and Health, Adopted 2023.
Proposed New Career Preparation and Entrepreneurship TEKS
At the August-September 2023 meeting, the State Board of Education approved for first reading and filing authorization proposed new TEKS for a set of high school courses in career preparation and entrepreneurship, including:
- Career Preparation I
- Career Preparation II
- Extended Career Preparation
- Career and Technical Education Project-Based Capstone
- Entrepreneurship I
- Entrepreneurship II
- Practicum of Entrepreneurship
- Extended Practicum of Entrepreneurship.
The official public comment period for the proposed new TEKS will open on October 6, 2023, and close on November 10, 2023.
To view the proposed revisions and submit public comments once the public comment period opens on October 6, visit http://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Laws_and_Rules/SBOE_Rules_(TAC)/Proposed_State_Board_of_Education_Rules/.
Draft Recommendations for Proposed New CTE TEKS
Recommendations for revisions to the CTE TEKS for a set of courses from the agribusiness, animal science, plant science, and aviation maintenance programs of study, and two CTE courses that satisfy a science graduation requirement are now available for review and feedback on the TEA website. The courses include the following:
Agribusiness
- Agribusiness Management and Marketing
- Agriculture Leadership, Research, and Communications
- Extended Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
- Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
- Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
- Professional Standards in Agribusiness
Animal Science
- Advanced Animal Science
- Equine Science
- Livestock Production
- Small Animal Management
- Veterinary Medical Applications
Plant Science
- Advanced Floral Design
- Advanced Plant and Soil Science
- Floral Design
- Greenhouse Operation and Production
- Horticulture Science
- Viticulture
Aviation Maintenance
- Aircraft Airframe Technology
- Aircraft Powerplant Technology
- Aviation Maintenance
- Introduction to Aircraft Technology
CTE Courses that Satisfy a Science Graduation Requirement
- Principles of Technology
- Scientific Research and Design
The proposed new TEKS are scheduled to be presented for discussion at the November 2023 SBOE meeting.
The draft recommendation documents are available on the 2023 CTE TEKS Review webpage. When providing specific comments and recommendations, please identify the program of study or course(s) in the subject line of the email. For example, in the subject line, please indicate "Animal Science CTE TEKS Review." Please submit comments to TEA at teks@tea.texas.gov.
Feedback from educators across the state is critical to the TEKS review and revision process. Please share this information with anyone you know who may be interested.
The Refreshed CTE 101 Course is Now Available in TEALearn
CTE 101 has been refreshed to reflect current legislation and best practices in career and technical education. This course is designed for both new and experienced CTE administrators and counselors, providing insights regarding Perkins V legislation, labor market information, programs of study, and industry-based certifications. Aligning your CTE program with local workforce demands and building strong partnerships creates valuable opportunities for your students and community.
Enroll in CTE 101 today and unlock the full potential of CTE in Texas by developing programs that prepare students for success in the 21st-century workforce.
Texas CTE Photo Library
TEA invites CTE programs to contribute to a new CTE Photo Library. Help us celebrate CTE students and teachers and promote CTE across the state! To participate, please share photos that:
- raise awareness and build interest in CTE in Texas;
- showcase high-quality programs;
- enhance opportunities for students to shine; and
- ignite a passion for CTE learning.
The photos from the CTE Photo Library will be used for TEA CTE publications including program of study framework documents, CTE toolkits, the CTE website, and future CTE projects.
Photo release documents and other information are located here. If you have additional questions, please contact ctephotos@resourcesforlearning.net.
Regional Programs of Study Application
The regional programs of study application will open this fall with the application dates announced through the CTE listserv and the CTE webpage. The application is for LEAs or ESCs to apply for a new regional program of study or to renew a regional program of study that will expire at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. A list of expiring regional programs of study can be found on the TEA CTE website on the regional program of study page.
LEAs should collaborate with their ESC CTE Specialist on the regional program of study proposals to avoid duplication of efforts. ESC CTE Specialists may coordinate with LEAs to submit one application for the region.
ASVAB Testing and Data Reporting
Each LEA must provide students in grades 10 through 12 an opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and consult a military recruiter. LEAs must schedule the test during normal school hours and at a time that limits conflict with extracurricular activities. School districts and open enrollment charter schools must communicate the date, time, and location of testing to students and their parent/guardians. An LEA may elect not to provide the ASVAB test, providing an alternative test is offered that meets specific requirements.
LEAs with students in grades 10 through 12 must report offering the ASVAB, or alternative test, through Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) data element E1625 ARMED-SERVICES-VOC-APT-BATTERY-INDICATOR-CODE, which is reported through PEIMS Fall Submission.
For more information, visit the TEA ASVAB page.
Professional Development Opportunity for Business, Marketing, and Finance Teachers
The TXCPA’s 2023 Accounting Education Conference will be held on Oct. 27-28, 2023, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Austin and via webcast. High school educators may attend for free. Click on previous links to register and use discount code HSEDU23.
The agenda boasts an array of topics, including:
- ESG/sustainability in accounting;
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning; and
- STEM certification for accounting programs at Texas colleges and universities
Cosmetology and Barbering Certification Requirements
Child Development Associate (CDA) Guidance Handbook
AIM HIGH Flight Academy
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 #1 | September 14th, 2023 |1:00pm – 2:30pm | Register Here
HMAR Quarterly Webinar #2 | November 30, 2023 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | Register Here
HMAR Quarterly Webinar #3 | February 15, 2024 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | Register Here
HMAR Quarterly Webinar #4 | May 2, 2024 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | Register Here
TACAC Webinars
Supporting Teachers and Counselors in Writing Letters of Recommendation
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 9:00-10:00 am CST Hear from high school counselors and college admissions officers about ways that we can better advocate for students via letters of recommendation for applications, honors programs, scholarships, and more!
Helping Students Plan a Meaningful Summer Wednesday, February 7, 2024 9:00-10:00 am CST Hear from high school counselors about ways to work with students to plan engaging, meaningful summers. 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.
We are excited to announce The 67th Annual TCA Professional Growth Conference will be held at the Marriott Marquis Houston on Nov. 1-3, 2023. This year's theme is Counselors Lead.
What to Expect:
- Earn 20+ CE hours
- Keynote Sessions
- Poster Sessions
- 4 Learning Institutes
The Marriott Marquis Houston, an elegant hotel in downtown Houston, will host our entire conference. The hotel group rate is $122 until the block fills up. Please book your room now as these rooms are going quickly!
San Antonio, here we come! The 19th Annual Professional School Counselor Conference will be held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio on Feb. 4-6, 2024. Next year's theme is Let's Sparkle and Shine! We hope to see you there! #CelebratingBrilliance2024
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 RegisterUpcoming 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