Counselor Connection--December 1
Education Service Center Region 15
School Counselor Spotlight
If someone has a problem they need to solve, John's advice is "Never let a bad day define your life. Everyone goes through things and there is always someone that is on your side. You are never alone." To decompress, he likes to play video games and watch movies with his family.
John has been married to his beautiful wife Tiffany for 24 years. Their oldest son Roman is working on his second degree after competing at Cameron University in track and field and receiving his pre-law degree. Their middle son Michael Anthony will start the nursing program at ASU this spring. Their daughter Ysabella is a junior who is getting ready to conquer the world in whatever she chooses to do.
Nominations Open! ESC Region 15 Counselor of the Year
It's time again to nominate for our Region 15 Counselor of the Year! Please get these in before going home for the Winter Break so we can advance nominations on for further awards. We would love to recognize our local counselors. This past year was our first ever and Rachel Gandar from Lake View HS won, advanced to the local Three Rivers Counseling and Texas School Counseling Association, and won both as the High School Counselor of the Year locally and statewide!!
A Change For Cam
We want to invite you to an upcoming no-cost training on Fentanyl awareness we will be hosting at ESC 15, January 5th, 930-1030am, in the Concho/Nueces room. It’s a brief training, but is sure to be power-packed with information we all need to know about a growing crisis among our youth.
Our Counseling & Mental Health team has been developing a relationship with Ms. Becky White, the founder of A Change for Cam. After losing her son at the age of 19 to fentanyl poisoning, she has made it her life’s mission to prevent this tragedy from happening to others. She’s developing a lot of inroads across the state; I suspect that her training will eventually be added to a list of evidence-informed practices designed to address requirements under HB 3908.
Here’s an article if you want to learn more about Becky’s mission and her son’s story.
Click here to register for the workshop.
Wheel of Choices for Conflict Resolution
Wanting to work with your students on conflict resolution? Try using a Wheel of Choices with healthy strategies for them to choose from!
State Foster Care Office Hours
There will be Statewide Foster Care Office Hours offered in 2023-2024. The purpose of the office hours is to provide the state with an opportunity to have an open conversation and technical assistance consultation related to supporting the education of students in foster care. Topics of discussion will center around questions, concerns, issues, and effective practices to support the learning and LEA requirements for students in foster care.
State Foster Care Office Hours
December 12, 2023 – 10:00 am-11:00 am CST – Register
January 11, 2024 – 10:00 am – 11 am CST – Register
If you have any questions, please email fostercareliaison@tea.texas.gov.
New Manual to Fight Trafficking and Exploitation of Young People Experiencing Homelessness
Each year, homelessness and housing instability jeopardize the safety of millions of youth and young adults (YYA). Among Texas YYA experiencing homelessness, the threat of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Youth (CSEY) is especially urgent: an estimated 25% of young Texans facing homelessness also experience at least one instance of CSEY— significantly higher than the national average. TNOYS utilized cutting-edge research and our statewide network to create a resource uniquely centered on the perspectives and experiences of YYA survivors. We are grateful for the partnership of TNOYS’ Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC) members who co-led listening sessions and research with over 120 youth, young adults, and youth-serving professionals.
This Youth Homelessness Awareness Month, TNOYS teamed up with the Office of the Texas Governor's Child Sex Trafficking Team to publish Meeting the Needs of Children and Youth Experiencing Commercial Sexual Exploitation, an actionable manual to equip Texas’ housing and homelessness services providers to identify, address, and fight CSEY in their communities.
“Trafficking and exploitation cause severe trauma in young people, yet few resources exist to take on the intersecting crises of youth homelessness and CSEY,” explained TNOYS Chief Executive Officer Fedora Galasso, “TNOYS has stepped up, drawing from our extensive network to shine a light on the complex needs of YYA survivors and those at-risk.”
Looking ahead, youth-serving providers from across Texas—including many member organizations— are joining TNOYS to put the manual into action. As TNOYS Director of Practice Ann-Charlotte Proffitt explained, “Texas’ dedicated housing and homelessness services providers are on the frontlines of our state’s CSEY crisis, making a true difference for young people every day. TNOYS is grateful to release a survivor-centered and urgently needed resource to power an even greater impact for Texas YYA.”
TEHCY Program Infographic
The updated TEHCY Program Infographic is now available! This one-pager visualizes the statewide demographics of students experiencing homelessness. It includes data points such as unaccompanied homeless youth percentages, living situation breakouts, graduation rates, and dual identification with other special programs. It is important that school leaders know and utilize their data. Tools such as the TEHCY Program Infographic and use of similar local data can be helpful for increasing awareness and driving more focus and engagement that benefits students impacted by homelessness.
The Science of Gratitude
Happy holiday season to our readers. We appreciate your support for the safety, mental health, and wellness of everyone engaging in the Texas public schools. As you take a break to relax and recharge over the holidays, we invite you to consider the science of gratitude for your own wellness. Gratitude practices can support our emotional resilience, health, and overall well-being. We offer a few external summaries on the science of gratitude to read and reflect on during this holiday season. We are grateful for each of you!
Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier
Section 504 & Pregnancy Related Services
Prioritizing equitable treatment for pregnant students is essential. Pregnant students have rights that safeguard them against discrimination based on their pregnancy. The Section 504 regulation, outlined in 34 C.F.R. §104.43(a), emphasizes that any student with a disability, including a temporary disability resulting from pregnancy complications, cannot be excluded from participation in, denied benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any postsecondary education aids, benefits, or services.
While a standard, healthy pregnancy is not typically considered a disability, it's important to recognize that a pregnant student may, at times, experience temporary disabilities due to complications like gestational diabetes. In such cases, these students are entitled to the same rights and protections as their peers with temporary disabilities, provided they meet the eligibility requirements outlined in Section 504.
For more information on serving pregnant students and determining their eligibility for Section 504 services, please visit the Section 504 webpage or the Technical Assistance: Section 504 guide on TEA’s website. You can also view the Frequently Asked Questions for Protecting Students with Disabilities on the USDE website. Additional support information can also be found in TEA's Student Attendance Accounting Handbook, Section 9: Pregnancy Related Services.
We hope you find these resources to be very helpful in supporting our students being served by Pregnancy Related Services. For any questions related to PRS, please send an email to PregnancyRelatedServices@tea.texas.gov.
Military-Connected Students
On August 24, 2023, the Office of the Governor announced the Purple Star Campus Designations for the 2023-24 school year. A total of 150 schools received the distinctive designation. The Purple Star Campus designation is awarded each fall to those campuses that go above and beyond to demonstrate their commitment to military-connected students and families. Campuses that earn the designation retain the designation for two school years, then must re-apply to maintain the designation at the end of the second year. Designees receive an award letter from the Commissioner of Education, a high-resolution Purple Star Campus logo for use on their campus website, social media, etc. and a searchable designation on TXSchools.gov. Please click the link to see the full list of SY 2023-24 Purple Star Campus Designation Awardees.
As a reminder, every school district and open-enrollment charter school campus in the state of Texas is eligible to apply to receive the designation. We encourage all campuses to apply for this distinct honor. TEA recently hosted a LEA Purple Star Interest Meeting. You can click on the links for the YouTube recording and a PDF copy of the presentation for those who want to learn more. Another LEA Purple Star interest meeting is scheduled for February 20, 2023 at 10am. You can click the button below to register. Seats are limited, so be sure to register today! The application for 2024-25 school year will open in Spring 2024.
SB 2304 (driver’s license bill for students with disabilities)
The bill states that effective 9/1/23 Texas Public Schools MUST provide information about the Texas Driving with Disability program to students who:
- Have a health condition or disability that may impede effective communication; and
- Receive special ed services; or
- Are covered by 504
This program allows for people to have their disability printed on their driver’s license; however, it is NOT mandatory that students or parents disclose the disability. The school must provide the information, but it is up to the student and parent to take the initiative and enroll in the program if they choose. Information about this program MUST be provided annually to each student who is 16 years old, or until graduation or until their 21st birthday. Information must also be provided to the parents or guardians of eligible students. More information about the bill is available HERE. On the website, there is a “brochure” and “poster” in English and Spanish that you can print and provide to the students and parents to meet this requirement, along with other resources. I’ve attached the brochure and poster for convenience. Please be aware that the brochure is very focused on Autism, but the bill is not specific to Autism.
Please understand that this is NOT a special ed bill, nor is it required that the ARD committee is involved. The bill states that the information MAY be provided with any transition planning materials, but that is not a requirement. It will be up to each LEA as to how they ensure that the information is disseminated to meet the requirements. As of right now, there is no discussion about this becoming the responsibility of the ARD committee, but if you choose to make this part of your ARDs then that will be up to each LEA and director to decide.
Peer Empathy Support through Be a Pal Program
Food Allergy Research and Education has updated the Be a Pal® program to better support empathy towards others related to the social and emotional impact of living with a food allergy. Downloads include materials for implementation in school and classroom settings such as posters, flyers, bookmarks, certificates, a food allergy awareness presentation, and an interactive course for middle and high school students.
Holiday Season Social Media Toolkit
Department of Family Protective Services created a social media toolkit for the holiday season. This toolkit includes messages about remaining healthy while traveling, activities for families, stress, and safety. Share these messages with families before upcoming holiday breaks. These messages and links can be used as is, or they can be customized in any way that works best for your community by directing people to your prevention program’s information.
Innovative Courses Update
TEA has updated the Innovative Courses webpage and they do have a general email address to field questions: innovative.courses@tea.texas.gov. All approved courses for 23-24 are listed here. It is still required to have board approval to offer an innovative course. Please let Traci know if you have any questions regarding innovative courses.
Texas OnCourse December Professional Learning Series
The semester is almost over, and we hope you will join us for an informal learning session with other educators who are working to improve college and career advising efforts across the state. Participants will choose from breakout rooms that focus on topics from our professional learning series: Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 10 a.m. CT
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 #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
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.
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
Youth Mental Health First Aid
West Texas Centers MHMR in Big Spring will be offering the following Mental Health First Aid sessions. If you have any questions, please contact Ida Hambrick at ida.hambrick@wtcmhmr.org.
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