Counselor Connection
April 2021 - A New Beginning
A Message from our Mental Health & School Counseling Team
Putting yourself first is NOT selfish. In fact, it is a great first step to combat fatigue, lack of motivation, burnout, and stress. Oftentimes, when we think about self-care we think about it as a special practice. We see it as that next vacation, the trip to the nail salon, a get-together with friends, etc.; however, the most recent research on stress and burnout institutes a new ideology that self-care should be a daily activity. Watch your favorite YouTube channel for a few moments, find a quiet spot in your home or car and feel the calm (even if it only lasts a moment), go for a walk, turn off your computer, and love yourself. Dedicating only a few moments a day to you, every day, will have great long-term effects. New beginning, new you! What will you try today?
Thank you for allowing us to serve you!
Your Region 11 ESC Mental Health & School Counseling Team has Grown!
Welcome Kristina Smith!
Kristina is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in working with adolescents and families. She earned her Master of Science degree in Counseling from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Texas. In her previous role at a domestic violence organization, Kristina provided prevention education to youth and educators. She worked closely with school crisis counselors and administrators to identify and support students experiencing relationship abuse, providing trauma-informed counseling services and crisis intervention, and connecting students to helpful resources and support systems. She also provided comprehensive counseling services to survivors of domestic violence focusing on children and teens. In her free time, Kristina enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, and she loves the beach.
Cosmic Counselor in Action
Jewels' Interview
What influenced you to become a school counselor, college advisor, social worker, or counselor leader?
I had been a teacher and coach for many years and always had kids coming to me to discuss their life, personal concerns, future dreams, and so forth. As an art teacher and an artist myself, I learned quickly that our social/emotional support is just as important as content. Working with at-risk students, I learned very quickly that if you don't develop a positive relationship with them, it doesn't matter what you're trying to teach - it's vital for them to see you care and that it's relevant. At one school I had an advisory group, where I had the unique experience to loop with the same group of kids for four years. Those kids especially inspired me to pursue counseling and to be able to support more young minds.
Name an initiative or change that you were a part of that promoted advocacy for fellow counselors or students. Describe how that change has impacted your role or the lives of students?
It's difficult to focus on just one as change comes from a multitude of initiatives to make an impact. At my previous middle school, I was able to organize a community diversity night. Teachers, parents, and students all came together to celebrate diversity with food, music, dancing, and celebration. I also assisted in the college & community night, where the community came together to teach our youth about various options with college. At DHS, I've been able to drive a multitude of endeavors from FAFSA Friday for our Seniors, Nuclear Navy visits in Physics classes, DHS Distinguished Speaker Program for our future scientists with guest speakers from around the world, Teach Denton, Coast Guard with our Aquatic Biology classes, College Bootcamps for our seniors, DHS Works Group (an ongoing group for juniors and seniors to learn career buildings skills), Find your Future fair and ongoing career lessons/assessment with our freshmen and sophomores, guest speakers for our ESL/International Students, teaming up with community partners such as G-Force/UNT Career Connect, College workshop for our juniors who are first-generation or first to go to college, etc.
I believe these ongoing initiatives have made a greater impact on our students by providing role models from ALL walks of life and teaching them the resiliency skills needed to succeed in life. Being visible and giving students a voice on what is needed allows me to develop meaningful relationships to support them as needed.
What are you proudest of in your current position?
My DHS Works group has been one of my proudest accomplishments in my current position. This year, I have a group of 40-50 juniors and seniors with whom I regularly meet on a monthly basis. This year, I've been able to support them not only with career skills and future planning, but also socially/emotionally through this crazy year we've had. Seeing the happiness in their eyes when they got a job, got accepted into college, or were awarded that scholarship.. seeing their success through difficult times inspires me.
When the work gets hard, how do you find a balance between your work and personal life?
Being mindful and reminding myself that I am not alone. It's easy to close yourself off to others around you when the work gets tough. This is the exact opposite of what you should do. We have an amazing support team here at DHS, which allows me to thrive, be creative, grow, and feel supported. I surround myself with positive educators/staff, so when "work gets hard," it motivates me to keep going. In my personal life, I love adventure, being outdoors, laughing, yoga, spending time with family, and continuing my artwork in order to help me thrive and stay balanced.
What advice would you give to future counselors, college advisors, or social workers?
1. Connect with positive people who have a growth mindset at your workplace who are continuing to learn. These are people who will allow you to thrive and grow. Being a counselor is no easy task, but when you surround yourself with these people, it makes a HUGE difference.
2. Listen to your students. Sounds easy, but giving them a voice and letting them know they're supported makes a world of difference.
3. Most importantly, SELF-CARE! There's a reason why the airlines tell you to put on the oxygen mask yourself. If you're not taking care of yourself, there's no way you can take care of others.
Upcoming Sessions
Don't miss out on these great April sessions!
April 2021 Sessions
April 20, 2021 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Growth Mindset: Helping Students Stretch their Brains and Explore their Possibilities
Helping students see the bigger picture, set goals, and reach for the stars is what counselors do best. This session is intended to examine and expand our own growth mindset while learning how to help our students expand theirs.
CPE Registration: https://bit.ly/3lT3zG0
LPC Registration: https://bit.ly/36TbjDG
April 27, 2021 9:00 a.m.
School Counselor Toolkit Tuesday
School Counselor Toolkit Tuesday is designed to provide quick counseling techniques, strategies, and ideas. We will discuss, demonstrate, and allow time for practice with each skill-based method. Keeping our toolkit full will help us all take on the challenges ahead.
CPE Registration: https://bit.ly/3qi2drE
LPC Registration: https://bit.ly/3ah0Gwi
Other Professional Development Opportunities
Dare to Lead 5-Day Mini Retreat
June 28-July 2, 2021.
Administrators and the Comprehensive School Counseling Program Trainer-of-Trainers
August 5, 2021
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
TEC chapter 21.054(e) mandates that administrators must attend professional development for continuing education requirements, which includes the effective implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program every five years. This training will serve as a trainer-of-trainers for counselor leaders who will train their administrators locally as well as for administrators who would like to meet the requirement directly.Registration Link: https://registration.esc11.net/catalog/sessions/27567/51611
Counselor Needs Survey
Mental Health Matters
Mental Health First Aid Training
ESC Region 11, in proud partnership with our Local Mental Health Agencies (LMHA), provides monthly training sessions for Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid.
Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour course that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health and substance-use concerns, builds understanding of their impact, and gives an overview of common treatments.
There are both adult and youth versions of the course; both are intended for participants 18 and older. The adult version teaches how to recognize and support someone who might be experiencing a mental health or substance use issue, while the youth version teaches those who work with adolescents and transition-age youth similar concepts and skills. Participants will also be made aware of professional, peer, and self-help resources.
Registration for these sessions must be completed 30 days prior to the session and involves a two-step process. Participants will register on the ESC Region 11 registration site (https://registration.esc11.net/) as well as an EventBrite site for the LMHA conducting the training. The LMHA providing the training will use their EventBrite registrations to communicate with participants and provide any required pre-work.
Links for the EventBrite site will be provided in the course description in OnTrac.
Did You Know?
Did you Know?
Session Description: The AS+K About Suicide to Save a Life curriculum has been used in Texas since 2005 and has trained more than 18,000 Texans through a training-of-trainer network as well as more than 20,000 participants online. This evidence-informed approach is widely recognized in Texas for its suicide prevention gatekeeper training for community members, faith-based organizations, veteran service organizations, schools and higher education, first responders, healthcare workers, and mental healthcare providers. Join us to learn about how the AS+K Suicide Prevention program can teach you the skills needed to address suicide prevention for the youth and adults you serve.
Registration Link: https://registration.esc11.net/catalog/sessions/26960/51050
Only 2 seats available!
Featured TEA Mental Health Resources for Schools
Mental Health Agencies, Support Lines, Community Resources: TEA created this helpful quick-reference tool for your desktop as part of our COVID-19 response one year ago. Key numbers and links are embedded to help you connect students and families with local community services or specialized providers when needs are identified. Staff is encouraged to keep this tool on hand when working through local systems of support for students and their families.
FAQ for Remote Counseling and Student Support Services: TEA created this resource to support schools when transitioning to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic response. The guidance continues to be relevant for providing remote counseling and related student support services in remote education settings.
Educator Wellness: TEA developed this resource to equip school leaders to support educator wellness when returning to school for the 20-21 school year and beyond. Addressing educator wellness is an ongoing and intentional process that is critical for the health and well-being of your school staff! Shoutouts to school leadership teams for supporting the well-being of Texas educators!
Winter Storm Update and Trauma-Informed Resources: TEA provided an FAQ to school districts during the February 2021 storm to support disaster response and recovery. Understanding that this storm was another stressor for Texas families and schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, which can have a compounding traumatic impact, is important. TEA put together resources under Question 15 (page 7) on the linked FAQ that provides disaster behavioral health resources. These links are to support LEAs to assist the well-being of students and families after a severe weather event.
TEA Mental and Behavioral Health Resources: Visit TEA’s website for research-based practices, best practice-based programs, and training resources recommended by both the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and TEA pursuant to Texas Education Code § 38.351.
New Toolkit: COVID-19 and Mental Health Considerations Amid Reintegration to School
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented change to schools and has significantly impacted children, their families, and school staff. The Texas School Safety Center has developed a new toolkit to address mental health considerations for supporting students, staff, and parents in the transition back to school. These mental health considerations are divided into eight topics:
1) Impact of Stress and Trauma
2) Re-engaging Disconnected Students
3) Abuse, Neglect, and Domestic Violence
4) Bullying in the Classroom
5) Child and Mental Health Awareness
6) Non-Suicidal Self-Injury
7) Substance Use
8) Developing Resiliency
Each topic includes information applicable to a school setting, key takeaways, and additional resources. Whether students return in person or participate in a mixture of remote and in-person instruction, proactively providing behavioral health services and supports in the school environment can help prevent academic and emotional decline.
The toolkit may be downloaded by topic or in its entirety.
LGBTQ Student Resources
Texas School Safety Updates
Texas School Safety Updates
Apply Today to be on the Texas Youth Preparedness Council
Do you know a high school student who is passionate about emergency preparedness and community resilience? If so, he or she should apply to be on the Texas Youth Preparedness Council!
The Texas Youth Preparedness Council is a statewide group made up of youth leaders from across the state who are interested in preparedness and making their communities more resilient. The mission of the council is to engage and empower youth in individual and community preparedness activities and roles. The council provides an opportunity for Texas high school students to enhance their knowledge of preparedness and develop leadership skills that will help them in addressing the needs of their communities. Youth will work on local preparedness projects, be ambassadors for youth preparedness on the state level, and provide a unique perspective to state agencies interested in preparedness.
Those interested in applying to be on the council should visit the Texas Youth Preparedness Council webpage for more information and download the application. Applications are due by May 1, 2021.
Make plans now to attend the
2021 Virtual Texas School Safety Conference
scheduled for June 29-30, 2021.
During the past year, Texans have shown resiliency through tremendous changes. Join us as we build on the challenges of the past year to advance our shared goal of creating safe, secure, and healthy environments for Texas students.
Themed Texas Strong: Resiliency through Change, the conference will bring together educators, administrators, school-based law enforcement, and emergency managers to collaborate, network, and learn from each other. Nationally and state-recognized experts in various fields will share evidence-based approaches to improving school safety. In addition, informative breakout sessions will feature tools and best practices that you can implement in your district or school.
As we explore what it means to be resilient, we will examine how roles for educators and school-based law enforcement are changing and how we can embrace change to prepare for a more safe and secure future.
The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) is pleased to announce and offer the Advanced School Behavioral Threat Assessment Training. Registration is now open, so be sure to secure your spot today!
The Advanced School Behavioral Threat Assessment Training is open to individuals who have completed the Basic School Behavioral Threat Assessment and is intended for Safe and Supportive School Program Team members to attend together. With limited seating, school districts will be limited to five attendees who serve on the team and conduct behavioral threat assessments.
The training leads participants through multiple tabletop exercises on different fact patterns, providing participants the opportunity to handle threat cases from start to finish, iron out their roles and responsibilities, and hone their procedures and decision making, all with continuous trainer feedback. In addition to multiple tabletop exercises, common problems and solutions in implementing school threat assessment programs will be discussed.
To allow members from the same district to attend together, courses are restricted to participants from that specific region, even if they are offered virtually. Should a virtual or in-person spot be available two weeks prior to the training date, attendees from other regions will be considered.
Training Dates:
Virtual
- April 13, 2021 – Virtual (Open to Participants in ESC Region 20 – San Antonio)
- April 22, 2021 – Virtual (Open to Participants in ESC Region 3 – Victoria)
- April 27, 2021 – Virtual (Open to Participants in ESC Region 15 – San Angelo)
- May 4, 2021 – Virtual (Open to Participants in ESC Region 11 – White Settlement)
- May 18, 2021 – Virtual (Open to Participants in ESC Region 10 – Richardson)
- June 2, 2021 – Virtual (Open to Participants in ESC Region 2 – Corpus Christi)
- August 4, 2021 – Virtual (Open to Participants in ESC Region 18 – Midland)
Register Now to Attend a Virtual Summit
The 2021 Say What! Summit season is finally here, and it’s going virtual! This year, we will be hosting five different summits dedicated to stopping the youth vaping epidemic and creating the first nicotine-free generation. Each summit is free and will take an in-depth look at the deceptive and manipulative tactics the tobacco industry has used to create the youth vaping crisis.
Summits will be led by the Say What! Teen Ambassadors and will feature expert guest speakers discussing the connection between vaping and COVID-19, why tobacco is a social justice issue and how you can help create justice, the tobacco industry’s dirty strategies when targeting youth and various communities, public policy, and how you can be the ultimate advocate for youth tobacco prevention.
Summit participants will receive:
- A downloadable vaping prevention project from each summit
- An opportunity to receive community service hours from each summit
- A commemorative summit t-shirt and lanyard
- Opportunities to connect with others, play games, and more
Virtual Summit Topics & Dates
- Becoming a Youth Tobacco Prevention Advocate – Saturday, April 10, 2021
- Being a Youth Tobacco Prevention Advocate – Saturday, April 24, 2021
Free K-12 Resource
SIGMA’s trusted partner in school, campus, and workplace safety, Margolis Healy, recently conducted a webinar on school safety in uncertain times, including expectations and challenges for 2021. It is highly informative and is available HERE, free of charge.
Are you interested in a free anonymous reporting system & SEL program?
ESC Region 12 is offering this resource FREE for interested districts:
STOPit Solutions Partnership
ESC Region 12 is proud to partner with STOPit Solutions to offer its nation-leading Anonymous Reporting System and SEL Programs at no cost to our school districts. These programs empower students and staff to report inappropriate behavior, mental health, and safety issues to administrators at their school to ensure the safety and well-being of fellow students and staff. Additionally, it provides social and emotional learning resources and curriculum to students to help improve attitudes and behavior, gain a deeper commitment to learning, and improve classroom behavior.
Heather Wheeler
ESC Region 12 Specialist
hwheeler@esc12.net
254-297-1166
School Safety & Mental Health Resources
School Safety and Mental Health
- Suicide Prevention
- Early Mental Health Intervention
- Mental Health Promotion
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- Substance Abuse Intervention
- Trauma-Informed & Grief Informed Practices
- Social/Emotional Skills
- Positive Behavior Interventions
- Child Abuse Prevention
- Human Trafficking
- School Safety
- Mental Health and Behavioral Health
- Safe and Supportive School Climate
- Counseling and Mental Health Services of the Coordinated School Health Model
- Health, Safety, & Discipline
Training
COVID-19
TEA Updates
Summary: The adopted amendment adds the new Texas Success Initiative Assessment, Version 2.0 to the list of approved substitute assessments. The amendment and figure were adopted without changes since published as proposed.
Figure: Substitute Assessments Standards
Effective Date: March 30, 2021
Summary: The new rule specifies applicable guidelines for the annual calculation of the College, Career, or Military Readiness (CCMR) Outcomes Bonus added by House Bill 3, 86th Texas Legislature, 2019. The new section was adopted without changes since published as proposed.
Effective Date: March 23, 2021
Project Restore
College, Career & Military Prep
LULAC Scholarships are now available!
Please help spread the word to any North Texas graduating high school students and continuing college/university students. Please see the attached for some flyers describing the scholarships detailed below. Both scholarships can be accessed at: www.LNESC.org/scholarships
Scholarships Available:
- LNESC/Ford Driving Dreams Scholarships – (Deadline April 6, 2021) these $2,000 scholarships target graduating high school seniors at specific high school campuses throughout North Texas. Students should explore the list of eligible high schools at the website listed above or go directly to: https://lnesc.mainspringhost.com to review the list of eligible campuses. We expect that there will be significant increase in the number of applications as we have dropped the ACT/SAT test score requirements for this year's competition. The primary criteria will now be having an earned GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and submitting a transcript and a letter of recommendation.
Effective Strategies for Dropout Prevention
The National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC) provides a variety of helpful resources to support districts in preventing students from dropping out of school. Through their years of research, the NDPC has identified 15 strategies that districts can incorporate which have proven effective in keeping students engaged in learning and progressing toward graduation and beyond. Visit Effective Dropout Prevention Strategies for more information.
T-STEM Academy Blueprint Revision Process
How to Provide Feedback: We are calling all STEM educators to participate in the T-STEM Blueprint revision process. There is no application process to participate. STEM educators are encouraged to take the survey and provide targeted feedback during the Focus Group sessions.
For more information visit the CCRSM Webpage.
New Texas STEM Toolkit Resource:
The TEA is excited to announce the publication of the STEM Family Companion Guide. This guide is designed to communicate information to families about what STEM is and how it can benefit their children. The guide is also designed to help families navigate educational decisions on the path from elementary school to STEM careers.
Program of Study Framework Documents Update
The Program of Study (POS) framework documents have been updated to include the Annual Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs. You can access the editable versions of the POS framework documents here: Approved CTE Programs of Study
Free Exploring Energy Program for High School Students
The IPAA/PESA Energy Education Center is excited to share four opportunities for educators and high school students who are interested in learning about the energy industry. Starting Monday, January 25, 2021, teachers and students are invited to view a repository of videos gathered from all areas of energy to help in supporting energy education and to introduce the vast array of careers available within this ever-growing industry. This is a great way for high school students to travel virtually to the energy workplace. Find the details here:
https://www.ipaa.org/education/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/12/21_EEP_InfoPage.pdf
Register for access here: https://www.ipaa.org/education/exploring-energy/
TX OnCourse Resources
- Webinar: The TSIA2. The launch date for the TSIA2 was January 11. This exam, which measures college readiness, contains many changes and updates from past versions. Watch our webinar to ensure that you’re up to date when it comes to testing content, accommodations, required training, and more.
- Future Focused TX. This campaign aims to maintain college enrollment rates in Texas despite the effects of COVID-19. Some experts expect as much as a 20 percent reduction in four-year college enrollment due to COVID-19. Educators who sign up will receive free, compelling, research-based digital content (like webinars, counselor packages, and weekly student activities) to help students graduate and matriculate into college.
- Check out some tried-and-true resources for hosting a career fair this spring, whether in person or virtual:
- Texas OnCourse Career Fair Toolkit. Geared toward middle schoolers, this toolkit contains everything you need to host a successful career fair. Check out tips on goal setting, guest speaker prep, and more – plus lesson plans that will cement student learning.
- Any Tips on Hosting a High School Career Fair? This article contains advice on what works at high school career fairs and what doesn’t, including some simple ideas to make your career fair a successful venture for all involved.
- Sample Questions to Ask Professionals. Share these questions with your students ahead of time as they brainstorm what they want to know from guest speakers.
- Planning a Virtual Career Fair for Middle and High School Students. This article contains advice on pivoting to virtual career fairs for both middle and high school students.
- How to Host a Virtual Career Fair. Learn how to create a Google site for students to browse career fair information on their own time – plus download actual email and social media templates!
- Webinar: Fun Career Activities for Middle School Students. This was one of our most popular webinars of 2020! You’ll discover fun career activities for middle school students, including Roadtrip Nation’s Texas documentary series and some of the best lessons from the College and Career Curriculum.
Explore a brand-NEW Texas OnCourse Academy module for K–12 educators
Texas OnCourse has just released a brand-new learning module in its online professional learning platform, the Texas OnCourse Academy. The module, Advising All Students to Be College Ready, was created in partnership with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for K-12 educators.
By completing this module, educators will learn:
- Exactly what college readiness means in Texas and why it’s so important for students, their families, and school districts
- How developmental education works
- Ways to demonstrate college readiness (including the TSI Assessment)
- What to consider when working with diverse student populations
When logged in to the Texas OnCourse Academy, look for the new module in the module directory or find it in the Postsecondary Pathways content area under Postsecondary Pathways: Foundational Knowledge (it’s module number two).
Social-Emotional Learning Supports
Governor Abbott Proclaims March 26, 2021 Social Emotional Learning Day
A Closer Look at Character Strong's 2021 Curriculum Updates for Middle & High School
Social-Emotional Learning and Suicide Prevention in Schools
Read the entire white paper on this topic by accessing the SEL and Suicide Prevention in Schools link below:
Guidance Lesson to Support K-12
Gender Equality
Gender Equality Guidance Lesson - For a spring guidance lesson, consider using the Redraw the Balance video clip to teach about gender equality in the workforce. Be sure to download the lesson right away as the free link will expire in a few days.
Girls & Boys Empowerment Groups - In the spirit of Gender Equality Month, 2 of the 3 group counseling guides in my book, Get Your Group On focus on gender equality! Girl World and Boys' Voice are full of empowerment and equity themes. You can find both of these group guides as well as one on anger management in this publication! Also, did you know that reviews are one of the most important factors in a book’s success? If you have the book, I would so appreciate you taking a few minutes to leave a review here.
Learning for Justice - There are also wonderful resources for guidance lessons on this topic at Teaching Tolerance's re-branded website.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Specialist Training - Speaking of Gender Equality Month, ASCA'S Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist training is free to all and allows you to earn 5 CEUs/50 Contact Hours. Sign up here.
The School Counselor & Gender Equity- For more info on supporting students with gender equality, check out ASCA's position statement on this topic.
Parent Resources
TOUGH CONVERSATIONS
We have included links to some of their great articles below:
In addition, FrameWorks Institute has provided a toolkit of resources to help young people tell a new story about this time of life and the people in it.
Dr. Sandy Benavidez
Contact Us!
Valerie Roper, LPC
ESC Region 11 Mental Health & School Counseling Team
Website: https://www.esc11.net/domain/421
Location: 1451 South Cherry Lane, White Settlement, TX, USA
Twitter: @ESCR11Counselor