Counselor Connection
Education Service Center Region 11 * February 2020
A message from Dr. B.
Dare to Lead
Choose Courage Over Comfort ~ Brene Brown
There are still many logistics that need to be worked through, but save the date for December 1-4, 2020. If you haven't quite figured it out, I am a planner! We all know that December will be here in a blink, so if this work interests you, go ahead and block that time as a reminder. Details will be sent out through my listserv as soon as they are finalized.
Counselor Clusters
Upcoming cluster sessions are as follows:
Cooke County (Session #47871) - February 19 (8:30-10:30 a.m.)
Parker County (Session # 48252) - March 27 (9:00-11:00 a.m.)
Denton County (Session #47971) - April 16 (9:00-11:00 a.m.)
Charter School Personnel Only Counselor Cluster - April 17 (9:00-11:00 a.m.) Details being finalized!
I have space for one more cluster in May if anyone would like to host a session. These events are free and allow for networking and support being delivered in your county. Most of these sessions have focused on legislative updates, but the content is driven and selected by the hosting county.
Upcoming Events
FAFSA & TAFSA Update
Monday, Feb 17, 2020, 09:00 AM
1451 South Cherry Lane, White Settlement, TX, USA
ADL Crucial Conversation Regarding Race, Stereotypes, and Microagressions
- recognize bias and the harm it inflicts on individuals and society
- build understanding of the value and benefits of diversity
- improve inter-group relations
- confront racism, anti-Semitism, and all other forms of bigotry
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2020, 09:00 AM
1451 South Cherry Lane, White Settlement, TX, USA
Exceptional Students Mental Health Symposium
Registration Link: https://registration.esc11.net/catalog/sessions/25283/48089
Wednesday, Apr 29, 2020, 09:00 AM
1451 South Cherry Lane, White Settlement, TX, USA
Full or near Full Sessions
TSIA 2.0 - March 6, 2020 (Completely full, both sections)
Eating Recovery Training - March 6, 2020 (Will close event Tuesday 2/11, already at 99% capacity)
TBRI - March 26, 2020 (I have 3 seats left for LPC, general credit is completely full)
Social-Emotional Needs of Students - May 20, 2020 (5 seats left)
There have been several requests to offer the TBRI training again. I am currently working to schedule that for summer or fall.
TEA Tidbits
House Bill 165
The 86th Legislative Session passed HB 165, which allows a student who has completed the required courses and credits on the Foundation High School Program (including additional credits in math, science, electives, and the courses required for the endorsement with or without modifications to the curriculum) to earn an endorsement. TEC 28.025(c-7)
When an ARD committee determines that modifications to the curriculum are required, the ARD comittee must also ensure that the curriculum remains sufficiently rigorous in order for the student to retain eligibility for an endorsement. Additionally, HB 165 states that the student's ARD committee shall determine whether the student is required to achieve satisfactory performance on any end-of-course assessment to earn an endorsement on the student's transcript. TEC 28.025(c-8)
Mindful Moments
Dear Sandy
I can't find information that tells me exactly what guidance topics must be addressed with students annually. I know suicide prevention is required, but I'm afraid I'm missing others. Can you please help?
~Desperately Seeking Answers
Dear Desperately Seeking Answers,
I know how challenging it can be to shuffle through the Texas Education Code while balancing a high student ratio, 4 crises, and a flu outbreak. No need to worry...I've included the requirements below.
Per Texas Education Code Chapter 21 and 28, the following topics must be addressed annually with students:
- Suicide Prevention & Awareness - All grade levels
- Bullying Prevention & Awareness - All Grade Levels
- Teen Dating Violence/Healthy Relationships - 7-12
- Substance Abuse (Grade levels not specifically specified; best practice is all grade levels)
Now do some square breathing, dust off your cape, and carry on!
~Sandy
I have a student who currently lives with his mother but wants to live with his dad. Dad is always at school helping and supporting in any way he can. My student is becoming more and more agitated, and now the teacher is concerned about what's going on. What should I do?
~Donuts for Dad
Dear Donuts for Dad,
When trying to support students in the middle of divorce or separation cases, it's important to reflect on your ASCA School Counselor Ethics Standards. Specifically, section B(i) states "in cases of divorce or separation, follow the directions and stipulations of the legal documentation, maintaining focus on the student. School counselors avoid supporting one parent over another. "
Therefore, focusing on the emotional issues that the student is experiencing is the best recommendation and aligns with the role of the school counselor.
Let's stay in our circle of control and do what we do best - support students!
~Sandy
Summer Courses - Save the Date!
Social Emotional Needs of LGBTQ Students - June 8, 2020
AS+K Suicide Prevention Program Trainer-of-Trainers - June 15, 2020 (Must register and pay by 4/10/20)
Mental Health First Aid Trainer-of-Trainers - July 13-17, 2020
Understanding The Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs (5th Edition) - August 7, 2020
Next month, I'll provide a finalized schedule with registration links. These offerings are subject to change.
Dr. Sandy Benavidez
Email: sbenavidez@esc11.net
Website: https://www.esc11.net/domain/421
Location: 1451 South Cherry Lane, White Settlement, TX, USA
Phone: 817-740-3607
Twitter: @ESCR11Counselor
LB 02.10.20