Counselor's Notebook, June 2008

Volume 44

Number 10

www.masca.org

June 2008

President’s Report

JENNIFER McGUIRE MASCA President

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t has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve as president of the Massachusetts School Counselors Association this year. I want to begin by thanking all of you — the members — for entrusting me with the leadership of our organization. I have learned a great deal and have continued to develop wonderful leadership skills. Secondly, I want to acknowledge the members of the Execu-

tive Council, the Governing Board, and those serving in appointed positions for their tireless efforts throughout this year.

It has been a busy year, and I could not have filled this role without all of their work.

As you know, our theme for the year has been “Charting the Course.” The year has provided opportunities for the Governing Board to continue our work with strategic planning and to move along the course to becoming a great organization.

As always, serving the needs of the members remains at the forefront of our efforts, and I hope you have seen that this year.

Professional development opportunities have been spectacular this year. I hope you were able to join us in April for a fantastic three-day conference, complete with two keynoters, fabulous breakout sessions, wonderful opportunities for new counselors and graduate students,

and spectacular hospitality events. The introduction of the MA Model Institutes almost a year ago has proven to be a great success.

I also want to take this time to acknowledge the institutions that have sponsored Governing Board meetings this year: Dean College, Post University, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Suffolk University, and Meditech, Inc. As you can probably imagine, planning meetings can be quite a challenge, but all of these institutions were ready to go above and beyond in terms of their hospitality.

In this issue of the Counselor’s Notebook, we have included annual reports from elected positions, committee chairs, and affiliates that were willing to submit.

I hope you are inspired by the amazing things that MASCA leaders are doing across the Commonwealth! I wish you all a wonderful and relaxing summer. ■

Saying Goodbye

BOB BARDWELL MASCA Past President

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can’t believe that it is June already, and my term as immediate past president is just about over. Thus, this will

be my last official article as a member of the MASCA Governing Board.

First of all, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me, MASCA, and the school counseling profession over the past three years.

It has been a privilege to serve you and, most importantly, the students in our schools. I have had an opportunity to meet hundreds of wonderful and interesting people in Massachusetts and across the country during my tenure, and I will be forever impacted by this experience.

I am extremely pleased with the work that we did during the past three years.

We continue to move our association forward, and we have much to be proud of.

All of our successes are helping MASCA move from being good to great.

However, there is still more work that we need to do. Below are some action steps that I would like to leave you with. Some of them were things not accomplished during my term on the Board, while others are new. Although I will certainly do what I can do help realize them, I am also hopeful that future Board members will also step to the plate to assist. (continued on page 8)

Keynoter selected for Fall Conference

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arent Walsh, Ph.D. will be the keynoter at the MASCA fall conference. Walsh has written extensively and presented internationally on the topic of self-destructive

behavior. He is the author of Treating Self-Injury: A Practical Guide (2006) and coauthor of Self-Mutilation: Theory, Research and Treatment (1988).

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK 2007– 2008

As executive director of The Bridge of Central Massachusetts in Worcester, Walsh

PRESIDENT JENNIFER JUST McGUIRE Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School 220 Sandwich Road, Bourne, MA 02532 Tel. 508-759-7711 x247 • E-mail: jmcguire@uppercapetech.org

treatment for children, adolescents, and adults with mental illness, developmental

PRESIDENT-ELECT KAREN M. D’AMOUR Manchester Essex Regional High School 36 Lincoln Street, Manchester, MA 01944 Tel. 978-526-7641 • Fax 978-526-2044 E-mail: damourk@mersd.org PAST PRESIDENT ROBERT BARDWELL Monson High School, 55 Margaret St., Monson, MA 01057 Tel. 413-267-4589 x1107 • Fax 413-267-4157 E-mail: bardwellr@monsonschools.com

oversees thirty-five programs including special education services and residential disabilities, and / or complex family problems. The Bridge also provides services for homeless individuals and operates two drop-in centers for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth.

At the fall conference, Walsh will present a workshop entitled “New Developments in Understanding and Treating Self-Injury.” It will focus on understanding, manag-

VICE PRESIDENT ELEMENTARY AMANNDA BARTRAM Lynn Public Schools, Lynn, MA 01902 E-mail: bartrama@lynnschools.org

ing, and treating diverse forms of self-injury such as arm and body cutting, self-

VICE PRESIDENT MIDDLE / JUNIOR HIGH CELESTE CIANFRANI Gateway Regional High School 12 Littleville Road, Huntington, MA 01050 Tel. 413-685-1109 • E-mail: ccianfrani@grsd.org

suicidal behavior in terms of a number of key characteristics, and eight levels of care

VICE PRESIDENT SECONDARY MATT COLEMAN Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School 250 Foundry Street, South Easton, MA 02375-1780 Tel. 508-238-4371 • E-mail: mcoleman@sersd.org

inflicted burning, and excoriation of wounds. Self-injury will be distinguished from in the management and treatment of self-injury will be reviewed.

Watch for more details in September’s Notebook or go to MASCA’s website. ■

VICE PRESIDENT POSTSECONDARY JAY LEIENDECKER Vice President Enrollment Services, Dean College Tel. 508-541-1509 • Fax 508-541-8726 E-mail: jleiendecker@dean.edu VICE PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATORS TBA VICE PRESIDENT COUNSELOR EDUCATORS REBECCA A. SCHUMACHER UMass Boston, Boston, MA 02125 Tel. 617-287-7651 • Fax 617-287-7667 E-mail: Rebecca.Schumacher@umb.edu VICE PRESIDENT RETIREES RALPH SENNOTT P.O. Box 1391, Westford, MA 01886 Tel. 978-692-8244 • E-mail: ralphsennott@hotmail.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THOMAS HUGHART Wellesley High School, Wellesley, MA 02481 Tel. 781-446-6305 x5142 • Fax 781-446-6308 E-mail: thom_hughart@wellesley.mec.edu TREASURER TINA KARIDOYANES P.O. Box 1007, Monument Beach, MA 02553 Tel. 508-759-3986 • E-mail: tkaridoyanes@gmail.com

We offer Degrees and Certificates in

SECRETARY ANN HOURIGAN North Reading High School, North Reading, MA 01864 Tel. 978-664-7800 • E-mail: annhourigan@yahoo.com Questions concerning membership in the Massachusetts School Counselors Association should be addressed to: MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR DEBORAH CLEMENCE P.O. Box 805, East Dennis, MA 02641 E-mail: DeborahClemence@verizon.net The Counselor’s Notebook is published by the Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc. 10 times a year, September through June. The yearly subscription rate is $20.00; individual issues are $2.00.

Opinions expressed in the articles published herein represent the ideas and/or beliefs of those who write them and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc. The acceptance of an advertisement for publication does not imply MASCA endorsement of the advertiser’s programs, services, or views expressed. © 2008 by the Massachusetts School Counselors Association.

All rights reserved.

Questions concerning submission of articles, publication deadlines, advertising rates, etc., should be addressed to: SALLY A. CONNOLLY, Editor 19 Bayberry Road, Danvers, MA 01923 Tel. 978-774-8158 • Fax 978-750-8154 E-mail: sallyconnolly@att.net

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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

Mastering the First Year

Mission of MASCA The mission of MASCA is to advocate for school counselors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by providing leadership, collaboration, and professional development.

THOM HUGHART MASCA Executive Director

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his is the final Notebook issue for this year, and although I would love to write about deep thoughts with beautiful words, I think I will pass. What I would like to do instead is present a reflection from our newest counselor at Wellesley High School, John Steere. I was very impressed with the turnout of interns and new counselors at the spring conference — they are the future. I think John has some valuable ideas and helpful suggestions to share with his colleagues.

Congratulations on making it through another year. Have a great summer. Enjoy!

Advice from a First-Year Counselor (sort of)

By JOHN STEERE For those who know me, you are probably saying, “Wait a minute, he is not in his first year as a school counselor.” This is true. I am actually in my second year of being a professional school counselor, but it is the first year at my current school of Wellesley High School (WHS) in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

What is going to make this even more confusing is that I am an alumni of WHS, so when I am asked a question by parents or students about how long I have been in Wellesley, I say, “Well, it is my first as a counselor, but I spent four years here as a student, so technically it could be my fifth.” That will usually get a chuckle out of the person whom I am speaking to.

It is the intention of this article to give anyone who is entering a new school system as a school counselor some helpful tips about transitioning into the new culture. Transitioning into a new school can be extremely anxiety-producing, especially for a new school counselor, because of the short amount of time you have to JUNE 2008

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settle your anxiety before you have students at your door who want their own anxiety settled.

Take as much time as you can before you enter the job officially to get to know the school system via the website, program of studies, and school newspaper. Also, getting an idea of the community from the local newspaper is a good way to learn the values and culture of the community.

If you have accepted the offer to become part of the faculty, ask for the packet of information that the school gives to new families entering the community. In essence, you will be doing the same thing, except that you do not have to worry about the moving company showing up with all your furniture.

Furthermore, if you have the time and the school system will allow it, get into the school building early and meet with as many teachers and students as possible.

For example, once I had announced that I was at going to be at WHS on August 22, I had seventeen phone messages from parents and students asking to meet with me to discuss the upcoming year.

I used any free time I had to walk into a teacher’s classroom and introduce my-

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self. And even though it was slightly overwhelming at the time, I felt that I was able to settle a lot of my own anxiety by being able to discuss the upcoming school year openly with students, teachers, and parents. I was also able to discuss my own anxiety with my mentor, Thom Hughart, the director of guidance, who made my transition extremely smooth.

If you can find a mentor in your department or school who is willing to dis-

Prepare for your job, seek advice, and maintain balance in your life. cuss openly your thoughts and feelings, then your transition will be much happier.

I work with six counselors, who are all amazing. I think of each one as a mentor because of their ability to make me feel valued and confident enough to take risks.

On the other hand, if there is no one in your department you can look to as a mentor, find someone in MASCA or one of its affiliates, like West Suburban Guidance Association (WSGA) or the Greater Boston Guidance Association (GBGA).

These organizations provide places to get

together with other school counselors to share best practices and to vent.

My final piece of advice about transitioning into a new school is to maintain balance. Many people suggest that when you enter a new school system, you should immerse yourself in the culture of the school and get involved in as many things as you can. I agree that it is good to immerse yourself in the culture, but I think it is important to keep your personal and professional lives balanced.

When I entered WHS, for example, I wrote thirty-three letters of recommendations for college-bound seniors in under three months. On most nights I took home a large folder of material that was left for me by the previous counselor to help me understand the students in my caseload. I felt the need to read as much as I could about my new students. At the same time, I was an assistant varsity soccer coach, and I was completing my administrators’ certification program.

Furthermore, people would ask me to join a committee or coach another sport in a different season. I listened to every offer, but I knew that my life lacked balance. And that interfered with my performance. When the college rush was over and coaching ended, I made a pact with myself to put balance back into my life and limit the number of things that I was a part of. Since I have done this, my professional life as a school counselor has been happier and more fulfilling.

In summary, the first year as a school counselor is tough, but if you are able to prepare as much as you can before entering the job and seek advice from mentors as much as possible, it will help greatly.

As a guidance director once said to me in a new counselors’ meeting, “No question from a first-year school counselor to a mentor is considered stupid in my mind.”

Remember, also, to keep things in your professional as well as personal life balanced, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the wonderful aspects of school counseling that make it a fun and uplifting career.

Here are four quick tips for making your first year successful: • Ask questions constantly.

• Find a mentor.

• Maintain balance.

• Prepare, prepare, prepare. Find out as much as you can about the culture of the school. Use sources such as the school’s website, school profile, and community newspaper. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

JUNE 2008

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How to Eat an Elephant: A Principal’s Perspective

By MIKE BARNEY, Lunenburg High School

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ne of my favorite jokes as a kid was “Do you know how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” But the real answer is, “The only way to do it is if you start.”

When I began the MA Model Institute last summer on the Cape with Helen, Jan, and Katie, along with Karma, my guidance department chairperson, we were committed to assessing our readiness, spending some time planning, and jumping right into implementation in

the fall. Then the elephant got served up.

We started really looking at our program using “Backwards Design,”* and we realized that this was going to take a lot longer than we expected.

However, we learned some things right away. Most importantly, we learned that the main reason to move toward the Model was that, after looking at our current mode of operation, we realized that we weren’t serving all students equally.

Not even close.

2nd MA Model Implementation Institute 2008-2009 Wednesday, July 16 • Dean College (Lodging arranged at Dean College)

Thursday, July 17 • Dean College Thursday, October 23 • MASCA Fall Conference Wednesday, November 19 • Dean College Implementation sharing at the MASCA Spring 2009 Conference

If equity is important to you and your current situation is similar to what I just described, then you need to change.

We also looked at our efficiency, and we realized that a low percentage of students were taking up a high percentage of our time. That dynamic also needed to change, organizationally and culturally, and we are making big strides in that direction.

We also kept the things we do very well and we built on them; and we incorporated ideas that are published for other audiences that matched our goals.

For example, every principal in the country should have a copy of, or be familiar with, Breaking Ranks II, published by NASSP. It is a blueprint for high school reform and contains many of the same concepts contained in the MA Model documents. We have had an internship program for seniors for five years and a college and career portfolio class for juniors for two years based on this research. I recommend that you use Breaking Ranks as a starting point of conversation, if you need an icebreaker. More information can be found at the NASSP website, www.principals.org.

From an administrative standpoint, when I observe teachers and discuss lesson design, we talk about transfer of skills.

This is also a concept discussed by Wiggins in reference to a student’s ability to apply learning to new, challenging, and real applications. This is a great opportunity for teachers to engage in career crosswalks in the curriculum.

This process will take several years to develop and, then, as all good “maps” do, will be a guide: an adapting, exciting new way for our counseling department to support all students to prepare them for life-long learning and responsible community membership, which is the mission of Lunenburg High School.

Take my advice. Order the elephant.

You will be glad you did. _____________________ *Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe, Understanding by Design (1998).

Mike Barney is a member of MASCA and MSSAA. He was a guidance counselor at Wachusett Regional High School before becoming an administrator in Lunenburg.

He is also an adjunct faculty member in the counseling department at Fitchburg State College. ■

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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

JUNE 2008

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BARDWELL (continued from page 1)

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education • We must continue our efforts to lobby the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in particular the new Commissioner, Mitchell Chester. We also need to request that the liaison’s role and time allotment be increased. Other states have full-time people dedicated to school counseling. With more time the liaison would be able to conduct trainings and provide assistance in implementing the MA Model as well as help advance the other goals of MASCA. • We should schedule a meeting with Paul Reville, the incoming Secretary of Education, to outline the goals and priorities for school counseling and the direction we want our profession to go in the Commonwealth.

Advocacy • We should have the Governor sign a proclamation in honor of National School Counseling Week and publicize this accordingly.

• We will organize a “Day on the Hill”

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in February 2009 during National School Counseling Week, when we sponsor a briefing at the state capitol and organize some public relations activities with legislators. This event will also include other organizations such as NEACAC, College Board, and MEFA, who share similar legislative priorities.

• We should add a Legislator of the Year Award to our annual awards program. This will give us the chance to recognize a deserving legislator who has supported school counselors and the programs that benefit our students.

• We should consider hiring a lobbyist to further champion the programs and legislation that we support.

Outreach • We must provide each affiliate with MASCA materials (membership brochure, membership application, etc.) for distribution to its members.

• We must reach out to the administrator preparation programs in the state and offer to present an overview of what school counselors do and educate them about the MA Model.

• We should continue to collaborate with state superintendent and principal organizations to advertise professional development opportunities, present at their annual summer conferences, and consider exhibiting at their summer conferences.

• We need to continue to reach out to the sixteen school counselor preparation programs in the state to encourage membership and participation in MASCA. • We need to recruit more schools to complete the Massachusetts Accountability Report Card or MARC. This one-page document provides a snapshot of our counseling program and is a great public relations tool.

• We need to do a mass mailing to school counselors who are not members, encouraging them to join.

• We should consider providing new members a welcome packet or gift to acknowledge their willingness to join and show our appreciation.

• We should consider offering school psychologists, social workers, and adjustment counselors access to our professional development programs as a way to introduce them to the MA Model as well as other pertinent topics that overlap our professions.

• We need to look at providing the

Counselor’s Notebook in an electronic version in an effort to save financial resources.

Professional Development • We need to continue to offer relevant professional development, especially around Model Implementation. Trainings in each of our sixteen affiliates would be most appropriate.

• We need to continue to offer a summer leadership development /MA Model institute.

• We need to encourage more Massachusetts counselors to present sessions at the ASCA conference. The ASCA Conference will be held in Boston in 2010, and it will be vital to have more counselors be familiar with the structure of the conference.

• We should consider launching a MASCA research journal or similar type publication about what works in school counseling in our state.

• We should explore the possibility of hosting web-based professional development programs.

Counselor Educators • We must continue to provide the opportunity for counselor educators to gather and discuss topics relevant to school counseling on a regular basis. We should be partnering with the DOE staff to coordinate such meetings. The DOE liaison is critical to the success of this effort.

Miscellaneous • We must continue the Emerging Leaders program, encouraging interested colleagues to get more involved with the leadership of the association.

• We should pursue the 5013c tax exempt status.

• We should consider adding the position of President Elect-Elect as part of our leadership cycle to give additional exposure to the organization and policies of the Governing Board.

Again, I wish to thank you for the opportunity to serve you and this fine organization. I have many fond memories of this time and will look forward to continuing to serve you and the school counselors of Massachusetts in my new role as Secondary Level Vice-President of ASCA. I hope that you have a wonderful summer and I look forward to seeing you in the 2008-09 school year. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

DEAN COLLEGE T H E W A Y T H E R E.

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JUNE 2008

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END-OF-YEAR REPORTS Check MASCA’s website regularly for updates and to keep your membership current: www.masca.org

President-elect

T KAREN D’AMOUR

Look Forward To Your Future

With Mitchell College’s outstanding 4 and 2-year academic programs, along with the Thames Academy pre college experience , we can provide you with the education and support you need for the future you envision.

SM SM

New Programs and Highlights for 2007-2008: • Thames Academy, an innovative • New Bachelor Programs: one-year certificate Post-Grad/ Communications, Tourism & Pre-College experience Hospitality, Homeland Security and Environmental Science • Mitchell’s Learning Resource Center is one of the nation’s premier programs for students • NCAA Division III Athletics with documented learning disabilities and AD/HD

Mitchell College • 437 Pequot Avenue • New London, Connecticut 06320 (800)443-2811 • www.mitchell.edu

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his past summer, Jennifer Just McGuire and I attended the ASCA Leadership Development Institute in Charleston, South Carolina. It was my first responsibility as president-elect, and I was very excited about my new role. I was unsure as to what to expect from this experience, but what I immediately found was a number of very welcoming counselors from all over the country.

They had a sincere desire to be part of a national goal to enhance our profession by collaborating on relevant topics.

After attending my first few sessions, I began to be part of the healthy exchange of ideas and found myself most appreciative for this wonderful opportunity. I returned with a wealth of useful information for MASCA and a number of new counselor contacts. The dynamic energy of these communications has continued through a variety of Internet communications to this day.

This year I attended both the fall and spring MASCA conferences, and I have been quite impressed with the hardworking Conference Committee that makes these wonderful learning and networking opportunities possible. As I prepared articles for the Counselor’s Notebook, I realized how important it is to acknowledge the many counselors and affiliates that make up our organization. My goal is and has been to be inclusive of all of our members, with a strong desire to hear from each one. In June I will attend the ASCA Delegate Assembly and my first ASCA Conference. It is such an honor to represent MASCA at these events.

It has been a valuable year of learning, listening, and participating in MASCA and ASCA activities. I have come to realize that as counselors we will naturally have diversity of focus and interest in an organization like MASCA. This is as it should be as we direct ourselves to all of the issues that are most important. The strands of the MA Model have been incorporated into our conferences, and our general focus has been on accountability and professionalism. Our focus now also needs to embrace advocacy.

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

MASCA should define itself as a team player. No one person has all the answers, and not much gets accomplished and stays accomplished unless everyone is on board.

We need to focus on who we are; and who we are includes elementary, middle, and secondary school counselors, retirees, graduate students, and counselor educators.

Over the last few years MASCA has grown as an organization. Now MASCA members need to come together to create one voice and one vision for what we want to communicate about the needs of the children of the Commonwealth. More than ever, we need to advocate — for our role as counselors in the changes taking

place and for our role in our schools as school district budgets get tighter. We need to get on board and find our voice.

This year’s theme was “Charting the Course.” Now it is time to “Get on Board.” To get on board means being a school counselor that matters and finding a way to make our message known. ■

Past President

BOB BARDWELL

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s MASCA’s past president, I had four goals for this year: to continue to work on the Strategic Plan and Work Plan that gives the organization direction, to coordinate the annual election and bylaw revision process, to work with the

MASCA Visioning Committee and Emerging Leaders, and to assist the organization in the transition into new leadership. I feel that all of these goals were achieved.

The Strategic Plan was approved by the Governing Board last spring, and with the help of Jane Rathbun, the Board finetuned it this summer and then created action plans at the fall meeting. These documents are living in that they will change as our association moves in new directions. I turn them over to Jen McGuire, who will oversee them next year.

At the April conference a talented and highly qualified slate of officers was elected. A few years back there were often empty spaces on the ballot, but not this

year, indicating that members are willing to step forward and give back. Congratulations to all of the winners.

Finally, I worked with an amazing group of individuals on the MASCA Visioning Committee, including the inaugural MASCA Emerging Leaders. We are working hard to complete a project that will help as we move forward in our advocacy efforts to ensure the great work that school counselors do is known to everyone—school administrators, school committees, faculty, students, parents, community members, and legislators and policy makers. Look for more details about this initiative and what you can do to get involved in the coming months. ■

VP Counselor Educators REBECCA A. SCHUMACHER

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have had the distinct honor to serve as Vice President of Counselor Educators for two years.

Goals for this year were: 1. Emphasize professional development activities for school counseling students 2. Continue development of communication between counselor educators Accomplishments: Goal One: Graduate Poster Sessions were held at the fall and spring conferen-

ces. At the fall conference a total of fifteen graduate students representing three preparation programs presented. At the spring conference a total of forty-three students from eight preparation programs presented poster sessions. In addition, a two-part panel discussion (with seven panelists) offered information about the job search process and navigating the first in a position.

Goal Two: The distribution list of contacts from each of the sixteen school

counseling preparation program was updated. A listserv will be developed for this group as a resource for questions and materials. A meeting of counselor educators held during the spring conference generated ideas for next year’s activities.

It was an honor to be involved with MASCA. I know that the VP-Elect will bring new energy and ideas to strengthening the communication and collaboration with school counseling educators. ■

VP Secondary

M

MATT COLEMAN JUNE 2008

y activities as VP of Secondary Schools on the MASCA Governing Board consisted of the following: • Attending Governing Board and Executive Board meetings • Writing articles for the Counselor’s Notebook • Working at MASCA’s fall conference • Presenting how my high school utilizes Career Cruising to the South Shore

Guidance Association • Attending Leadership Development Training in Career Planning at UMass Amherst, where we discussed ways to improve career planning and created a strategic plan for improvements in secondary schools. ■

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VP Middle /Jr. High CELESTE CIANFRANI

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t is my pleasure to submit the annual report of the MASCA VP Middle /Jr. High Schools. Serving on the Governing and Executive Boards of this professional organization has been an honor and an extremely rewarding experience.

Below are the highlights of my involvement in MASCA over the past year.

• Represented middle and junior high

school counselors of Massachusetts.

• Participated in the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) in Franklin, MA. • Attended Governing and Executive Board meetings.

• Attended the MASCA fall and spring conferences.

• Co-presented three program sessions at the MASCA spring conference: Middle

School Counselors Sharing Session, Building Momentum: Studying the Initial Stages of MA Model Implementation, and What You May Not Have Learned in Graduate School.

• Served as a member of the spring Conference Committee.

• Participated in the first MA Model Implementation Institute. ■

MA Model Committee KATIE GRAY

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uring the last year there have been significant advances in Model implementation.

• Two cohorts participated in the first run of the Model Implementation Institute taught by Helen O’Donnell, Jan Tkaczyk and Katie Gray. Participants had multiple assignments reflecting Model implementation in order to get PDPs or credit from Fitchburg State College. The highlights of their implementation efforts will be showcased at the conference at a carousel program. At least twenty different school districts had counselor(s) who participated in this training. The 2nd Model Implementation Institute will begin this July, hosted by Dean College.

• The DOE (thanks Karen DeCoster!) sponsored a series of trainings for counselors from vocational schools on using the Model to help facilitate effective career planning. Counselors came to regional trainings with teams from their school and were encouraged to think about systemic

changes (led by counselors!). As a follow up to the regional trainings, participants had the chance to choose from a variety of technical assistance options. Donna Brown, Tim Poynton and others did multiple site visits. Katie Gray, Jay Carey and Karen Harrington led a two-day Counselor Leadership Academy in March at UMass Amherst, again working with counselors to lead systemic change. We are hoping that DOE will continue to fund this group again next year.

• Twelve schools have been involved in implementation via the “Life Science Career Development Project,” funded by the MA Bioed Foundation. Carolyn Richards has done several PD Saturdays for science teachers on how counselors can contribute to increasing interest and motivation for students to take challenging science courses.

• Efforts to broaden administrative awareness and support of the Model continue. This summer Katie Gray will pre-

sent at the Superintendents’ Summer Institute with Mary Czajkowski, superintendent, and Susan Shoenberger, director of school counseling in Agawam.

• Approximately fifteen MARC Jr’s have been submitted by counselors from across the state, and Dave Elsner will lead the review process. Awards will be distributed at the conference. These are terrific examples of counselors who are beginning to use data to show accountability for their work.

• Jenn McGuire put out a request for folks to write about their experiences in the Notebook, and several folks have done that over the course of this year.

It is truly exciting to see the grassroots efforts to implement the Model grow. I am hoping that we will soon reach the “tipping point” and see more funding, more appreciation, and fewer non-counseling responsibilities for all Massachusetts school counselors. ■

Fiscal Oversight Committee MARTIN AMMER

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ommittee members: Martin Ammer, chair, Tina Karidoyanes, Bob Quist, Brad Toney, Bob Bardwell, Jay Leiendecker, Thom Hughart, Jennifer Just McGuire, Karen D’Amour.

Committee meeting dates (in addition to Governing Board meetings): October 10, 2007, January 10, 2008, February 26, 2008, March 18, 2008, April 11, 2008, and May 5, 2008.

• Meeting dates need to be quarterly and initially set at beginning of fiscal year.

• Fiscal Oversight Committee mem-

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bership defined as: Fiscal Oversight Chair, Executive Director, Treasurer, Past President, President, President-Elect, At-Large Representatives.

• Reviewed 2006-2007 goals.

• Addressed 2007-2008 goals.

• Reviewed 2006-2010 MASCA Strategic Plan for Finance.

• Reviewed quarterly financial reports from treasurer.

• Reviewed forms: expense voucher and deposit slip.

• Reviewed bad checks policy, check

cashing policy, PO service fees, time frame for paying our bills.

• Began process to change banks.

• Reviewed costs involved with accepting credit card payments.

• Suggested some amendments to the Financial Policies and Procedures Manual.

• Ongoing research regarding tax status.

• Budget for 2008-2009 prepared, proposed, reviewed, updated and presented. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

Conference Committee HELEN C. O’DONNELL, Ed.D.

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his is the second year that both conference committees have been linked together under unified leadership. This restructuring provides continuity and diversity in conference planning, with committee teams active at either or both conferences. MASCA Governing Board members are encouraged to be active on the conference committees related to their positions, assist with conference programming, and help at the conference.

Positive conference evaluations highlight the success of both the fall 2007 and spring 2008 conferences due to outstanding exhibitor support, multiple exhibiting packages, increased sponsorships and hospitality events, record-setting attendance figures (over 700 registrants collectively), diverse workshops and training options, nationally recognized keynoters, book signings, and DOE partnerships. Praise to the program moderators, who assist and introduce presenters and handle evaluations, and the dedicated Conference Committee.

MASCA 50th Birthday Committee was established to plan for 2010-2011 school year. Birthday celebration: April 6, 2011.

Mary Westcott and Oscar Krichmar are co-chairs.

Website: Efforts are being made to keep website current with conference information and post-conference pictures and professional development materials.

Online registrations: Evaluation of RMC and Cvent as online registration providers continues. Registration has been more successful with the customized CVent program. Goal: only online registrations.

PR Table / Raffles at conferences support MASCA scholarships, Help-A-Kid Awards, graduate student conference registrations, and community service learning initiatives. Thanks to the leadership of Sue Gill and Bay State College plus donations from four MASCA affiliates and exhibitors as well as conference attendees, the PR table was a success.

Development of Conference Committee Protocol and Responsibility Manual continues.

Discussion continues on: • Education of membership that subJUNE 2008

mitting a registration to the conference registrar (paper or online) is essential, especially with PO payments.

• Technology committee, webmaster, and PD /Conference committee assessing providers for credit card payments, customized conference registration, and membership.

• Inclusive registration and membership procedures. Issue is keeping the membership database current and customized database to separately identify membership, PDP, and conference regis-

tration funds.

• More efficient and timely payment of registration fees when PO invoicing is the payment method. (Currently, Cvent registration produces a W-9, Vendor Information Form, and an Invoice. Registrant is asked to submit for payment.

Process is being evaluated for success.) It can take several months for school PO invoice payments, often with several inquiries.

• Identifying test-free conference dates at sites around state. ■

MASCA Conferences (2007-2008) MA Model Implementation: Charting the Course October 23, 2007 Charting the Course: MARC’s Leading the Way April 10-12, 2008

MASCA Conferences (2008-2009) “Get on Board” • Holiday Inn, Boxborough October 23, 2008 Spring Conference • Sturbridge Host Inn, Sturbridge April 30 – May 2, 2009 Keynoter: Michael Thompson

MASCA wishes to thank Quashnet Valley Country Club for its continued support of school counselors. Please consider Quashnet Valley for your next round of golf on Cape Cod! Call 508-477-4412 for tee times, or visit www.quashnetvalley.com.

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Government Relations Committee BRAD MacGOWAN

W

e are at a crossroads that will determine the future of school counseling in Massachusetts. A struggling economy, conflicting agendas and efforts for education reform, demands for resources, and calls for accountability mean that either counselors will be part of the solution or we will become a footnote in education history books.

Research shows, and we all know, that school counselors are essential for stu-

dents to succeed in school and to go on to higher education and successful careers.

The problem is that most legislators and policy makers do not read this research, and they don’t see what goes on day-today in schools as we do. This is not their fault. They have many constituencies and pieces of legislation to deal with. Advocacy is our responsibility.

We can and will impact the future.

MASCA is planning a “Day at the State

House” in February 2009. On this day, we will let our legislators know who we are, what we do, and why we are important. We hope as many school counselors as possible attend this event. We will also be asking for counselors to send letters, e-mails, and be involved in other ways.

It is up to us to advocate for our students, our schools, and our profession. ■

MARC Committee DAVE ELSNER

A

record number of Massachusetts Accountability Report Card (MARC) documents were submitted this year.

The MARC is described in the Accountability section of the MA Model. It is a great way to (1) demonstrate how your school counseling program is improving student outcomes, (2) communicate those results to your school community, and (3) advocate the value of your school counseling program.

In the spring of last year, the MARC Jr. was created as an introduction to the MARC. All the documentation needed for the MARC and MARC Jr. can be found at www.masca.org /MA_Model / Mass_ Model.html.

Congratulations to the following schools on receiving a Certificate of Achievement at the spring conference for completing a MARC Jr.

Honors Barnstable High School Easton Middle School Hopkinton High School Robert Adams Middle School Lunenburg High School Walpole High School Bristol County Agricultural High School North Quincy High School High Honors Pioneer Valley Regional School Pembroke High School Foxborough Regional Charter School Sandwich High School Agawam Junior High School Agawam Public Schools Stoneham High School East Bridgewater High School Ayer Middle High School Gateway Regional High School

For those looking for an additional challenge beyond our own MARC Jr. and MARC, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) sponsors the RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) award for schools making an exemplary commitment to comprehensive school counseling programs. More information can be found at www.schoolcounselor.org/ content.asp?contentid=244.

We are building momentum demonstrating and communicating the benefits of school counseling programs that implement the principles of the MA Model.

If you would like to help, we need members for the MARC Committee to promote, plan, and continue to develop this important document. Please contact me at delsner@foxboroughrcs.org. ■

Membership Services Committee KATE SALAS

T

he Membership Services Committee completed the MASCA brochure last year and will work on ways of distributing that brochure particularly to affiliate members and graduate students.

We have two goals in our action plan for next year.

Objective #1: Compare demographic

data about membership, trends and report findings Objective #2: Develop a formalized plan to increase outreach to graduate programs and affiliates The committee is always looking for new members! We will be analyzing the current demographic data to discover

which populations and areas need more information about MASCA. We will look into a plan to provide information about MASCA membership to those underrepresented areas. The new technology that has been recently implemented should help with gathering the necessary data. ■

Plan now to attend the MASCA Fall Conference!

“Get on Board” • Holiday Inn, Boxborough • October 23, 2008 14

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

MASCA’s 50th Birthday Celebration Committee MARY WESTCOTT, Co-chair

T

he third meeting of the MASCA 50th Birthday Celebration Committee was held on April 10, 2008 at the spring conference in Hyannis.

Attendees were co-chairpersons Oscar Krichmar and Mary Westcott, Ed Bryant, Sally Connolly, Ralph Sennott, Carol and Andy Tarka, Frank Farley, Judi Masters, and Lillie Davis. Past presidents and others who are interested in serving on the committee but were unable to attend include Fred Laire, Donna Brown, Maureen Martin, John Gould, and Mary Chouinard.

Helen O’Donnell asked for our input as to possible dates for the conference in April 2011. We suggested the latter part

of the month.

The committee felt that it was important to reflect on the past but have a vision for the future. We need to coordinate with the person who will be president of MASCA during that celebration year.

This person has not yet been identified.

Ron Miller will develop a website, but we need to supply him with the information.

It was suggested that MASCA purchase a digital camera for interview purposes as well as photos of committee meetings, etc.

Ralph agreed to research this. (This has already been approved.)

It was suggested that past presidents write a reflection of their year to be pub-

lished in the Counselor’s Notebook. ( I just submitted mine to Sally) Oscar has contacted many of the past presidents by phone and e-mail. He is compiling an e-mail list that he will distribute to the committee members as soon as it is complete.

Ed reported that Dean College has agreed to be the sponsor for this event.

They have been most supportive of MASCA. Retrieving the archives may not be an issue. We will put whatever archives or memorabilia that are available on display in a hospitality room.

The next meeting will be held at the October conference in Boxborough. ■

Professional Development Committee HELEN C. O’DONNELL, Ed.D. Vision: Moving from good to great.

Goal: Statewide recognition as a quality provider of affordable professional development programs for Massachusetts school counselors.

Mission Statement: The MASCA PD committee develops, presents, and promotes multiple relevant and accessible professional development opportunities for Massachusetts school counselors. It supports and assists MASCA committees (Conference, MA Model, Technology, etc.) and is available to assist MASCA affiliates plan their educational programming.

Through professional development initiatives, MASCA memberships are cultivated.

Members: Programs: Linda Dagradi, Carolyn Laurenza, Jan Tkaczyk, Elizabeth Reed Graduate Student Planning Team: Rebecca Schumacher, Erin McCrave, Carolyn Reed. Biotech Carousel: Katie Gray, Carolyn Richards Institute Trainers: Jan Tkaczyk, Katie Gray, Helen O’Donnell Strategic Planning Team: Jane Rathbun, Erin McCrave, Mike Vaughn JUNE 2008

2007-2008 Achievements: • MA Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs Institutes: Institute 2007-2008, 55 participants from 27 schools, partnership with Fitchburg State College for three graduate credits, 17 MARC Jr. awards, presentations and trainings, and Institute 2008 dates announced, registration in progress.

• MASCA PDPs: Clarification statement completed, professional development trainings held, and PDP documentation and issues certificates reviewed and maintained; stayed current with MA DOE PD guidelines.

• MA Model section of the MASCA website.

• Home Builders of America Partnership: ten standards-based lessons designed

by Institute members will be selected for posting on their website. Developers will be awarded $100 for each lesson.

• Survey Monkey, an online tool for data gathering and assessment: one-year membership.

• PD surveys with Cvent: two completed.

2008 Action Plans: • Organize and offer a Legal and Ethical Issues for School Counselors workshop at four sites around the state; possibly develop PD training for school counseling office support staff and offering Solution-Focused Counseling Training.

• Develop a MA Model Study Certificate with the completion of four graduate level courses.

• Develop distance learning classes with graduate schools.

• Develop a list of relevant graduate courses offered throughout the state.

• Enhance PD opportunities on the website.

• Develop an Institute members-only section of the website.

Special appreciation Special thanks to Dean College, Jay Leiendecker, and his admissions staff for supporting MASCA’s professional development program by hosting Institute workshops, overnight accommodations, outstanding meals, and technology support. ______________________ The specifics of this annual report are available on MASCA’s website, www. masca.org. ■

15

Treasurer’s Report*

T

he following reports provide you with a general overview of the first three quarters of the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year. The first report is the Balance Sheet, which shows both assets and liabilities.

The second report, the Profit & Loss Statement, explains in detail where the income and expenses are by cost center.

We continue to build on our financial record-keeping methodology, and with two years of financial information at the end of this fiscal year, we will be able to

TINA KARIDOYANES

track cash flow and trends in both income and expenses. With this information we can continue to allocate our resources appropriately while providing various opportunities to our membership.

It continues to be both a privilege and an adventure serving as your Treasurer.

I look forward to serving you in the coming year and continuing to provide my knowledge and experience in the area of strong fiscal management. ■

BALANCE SHEET ASSETS (March 31, 2008) Checking /Savings BofA Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39,439.33 BofA Investment Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,933.27 Citizens Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31,529.05 Total Checking /Savings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79,901.65 Other Current Assets Undeposited Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,055.00 Total Other Current Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,055.00 Total Current Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80,956.65 TOTAL ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80,956.65

*The complete report is available on MASCA’s website.

The Counselor’s Notebook SALLY A. CONNOLLY, Editor

T

he Counselor’s Notebook, which is published monthly from September through June, is one of the benefits of MASCA membership. For the past thirteen years, I have had the privilege of serving as editor of this publication. Working with MASCA officers, appointees, and committee chairpersons, I have sought to facilitate the sharing of information, opinions, and professional development opportunities.

The Notebook continues to be one of the major sources of revenue for MASCA. Throughout my tenure as editor, the Notebook has been self-supporting and profitmaking. This year is no exception. After

16

the publication of the May issue, the profit for the fiscal year (i.e., committed advertising revenue minus cost for printing and commission) is $15,739.06. This figure will change somewhat after the production of the final issue in June, and the actual profit will be reflected in the annual auditor’s report.

This year the Notebook focused on professional development opportunities as well as the implementation of the MA Model. In May a new feature was introduced, a column entitled “Counselors Note Back.” Although feedback in the Notebook has always been encouraged and Letters to the Editor have been pub-

lished, the intent of the new column is to emphasize the incoming president’s desire for increased feedback from counselors throughout the Commonwealth. All counselors are strongly encouraged to share their successes and suggestions for improving their work with students in their school districts.

Next year in the Notebook, we anticipate even more input from what was formerly called the Department of Education. And along with the incoming president of MASCA, I invite all school counselors to “get on board.” ■

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

ED’S VIEWS

ED BRYANT, NCC MASCA Life Trustee

She is a lovely lady and was an outstanding school counselor. We still exchange Christmas cards.

My next thank you is to Charles Brovelli, who was appointed MSCA directory editor and membership coordinator. His last directory was published in 2004. We are still friends.

There are many more stories to tell about my history with the Massachusetts School Counselors Association.

Edgar Allan Poe once said, “All we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.”

Enjoy your summer! ■

Kathleen Barrett’s photos of the spring conference can be viewed by going to MASCA’s website, www.masca.org

M

y spring wish to you all: Have a rewarding, relaxing summer; a change of pace. If you have time, think about how we can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Massachusetts School Counselors Association, which will be held in April 2011. Your co-chairs, Mary Westcott and Oscar Krichmar, have asked past presidents and executive directors to write a few reflections. To start off our trip down Memory Lane, here are a few reflections.

In the fifties and sixties, while I was working at Boston University as a counselor and the next assistant dean of men and sailing coach, our now-famous Louise Forsyth was a counselor at Quincy High School. She asked me to participate in her Career Day program, a first for me. Years later, MSCA (now, MASCA) gave me the honor of giving a eulogy for Louise at a luncheon at the annual conference held on Cape Cod. Louise taught counselors the importance of public relations.

My next move was to guidance director of the new Masconomet Regional High School. This gave me the opportunity to work with the North Shore Guidance Directors Association and MSCA. Later, during my term as MSCA president, I was able to help merge two fading guidance groups —Merrimac Guidance Association and North Shore Counseling Association—into a strong Northeast Counselors Association. Several leaders emerged to make this project a success.

In my note of October 23, 1978 to NSGDA, I suggested that members join MSCA. Dues at that time were $15 for MSCA and $5 for NSGDA. During my brief trip down memory lane, I extend special thanks to all who assisted me as president and executive director. Kathy Marmorek, especially, served as an efficient MSCA treasurer.

JUNE 2008

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MASCA plans celebration

AFFILIATE NEWS

MASCA will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2011, and planning has already begun.

Shown here are members of the committee, who met at the annual spring conference in May. — photo by Kathleen Barrett

Massachusetts School Counselors Association

Order Form 2008 DIRECTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COUNSELORS 1-5 copies @ $30.00 each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . # ______

$_________

Additional Copies 6 or more @ $25.00 each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . # ______

$ _________

Shipping and Handling @$3.50 each . . . . . . . . . . # ______

$_________

5.00 P. O. Processing Fee (per order) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ _________ Checks payable to: MASCA

TOTAL ENCLOSED: . $ _________

If paying by credit card, please check this box ■ and forward to Jan Tkaczyk.

If mailing the form, please send to: Janice M. Tkaczyk, P.O. Box 318, East Dennis, MA 02641

Your name and contact information: Name: ______________________________________________________________ School District/Business: _______________________________________________ Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________ E-mail Address: ______________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________________________

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CSCA selects Counselor of the Year At its April meeting, Catholic School Counselors Association recognized its Counselor of the Year. Selected for this honor was Sr. Mary Anne Foster from Elizabeth Seton Academy.

Sr. Mary Anne has worked tirelessly to establish the guidance and counseling office at the fledgling new school in Dorchester. As a founding administrator of Elizabeth Seton Academy, she has had to develop a guidance curriculum and establish connections within the counseling profession and the college community. Sr. Mary Anne worked diligently to learn the process of standardized testing and test administration. During her tenure she has always kept the students’ needs foremost on her list of priorities.

Sr. Mary Anne has been a dedicated member of the CSCA for a number of years, and she is an inspirational counselor and a model CSCA member.

Congratulations!

CSCA awards scholarships The Catholic School Counselors Association recognizes the accomplishments and good work of local high school students by awarding several scholarships each year. This year, the following seniors received a $500 scholarship in recognition of their dedication to community service and strong academic profile: Liam Concannon, Catholic Memorial High School Michael Iannoni, Xaverian Brothers High School Hilary Ippolito, Notre Dame Academy, Hingham Rachel Malinowski, Our Lady of Nazareth Academy Samuel Shanley, Boston College High School ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

COUNSELORS NOTE BACK TO: MASCA members FROM: Sally A. Connolly, Counselor’s Notebook editor DATE: May 1, 2008

15th Annual Summit of Peacemakers: A Conference of Peer Mediators June 2, 2008 (Grades 6-12) • June 3, 2008 (Grades 4-6) Hampshire College, Amherst School peer mediation teams and advisors, all welcome.

Send inquiries to Helen O’Donnell at helenod@worldnet.att.net 2007 photos and registration form can be found on MASCA’s website, www.masca.org

RE: Counselor’s Notebook, electronic version I must take exception to a recommendation made by MASCA’s outgoing past president, Bob Bardwell, in this issue of the Counselor’s Notebook. In his article Bob says: “We need to look at providing the Counselor’s Notebook in an electronic version in an effort to save financial resources.”

For the greater part of this year, in fact, the Notebook has been available in an electronic version. This version has been posted monthly on MASCA’s website.

If Bob is recommending that the printed version of the Notebook be discontinued, it is important to keep in mind that throughout my thirteen-year tenure as editor, the Notebook has been self-supporting and profit-producing. It does not draw upon any financial resources from MASCA. The Notebook derives its revenue from advertising, and it has been one of the major sources of revenue for the organization. This year’s profit-to-date amounts to $15,739.06.

Discontinuing the printed version of the Notebook would result not only in a loss of ad revenue and a decrease in MASCA’s financial resources. Its elimination would affect readership as well and would reduce the organization’s effectiveness as a vehicle of communication. ■

To respond to an article in the CN, write to Sally A. Connolly, 19 Bayberry Road, Danvers, MA 01923, or e-mail her at sallyconnolly@att.net.

JUNE 2008

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MASCA Thanks Its Supporters MASCA heartily thanks all those who advertised in this year’s Counselor’s Notebook. With your support, school counselors throughout Massachusetts have been able to communicate with one another — sharing ideas, information, and professional development opportunities. Thank you,

Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology

Guidance Administrators Forum

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Hofstra University

Southern New Hampshire University

Johnson & Wales University

Stony Brook University

Cambridge College Chester College of New England Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Suffolk University

Clark University UMass Boston

Curry College

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Dean College

Mitchell College

Drew University

New England Kurn Hattin Homes

University of Southern Maine

Emmanuel College

Nichols College

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Framingham State College

Rivier College

Westfield State College

UMass Dartmouth University of New England

YOUR MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DATE IS INDICATED BY YEAR AND MONTH ON YOUR ADDRESS LABEL BELOW.

When you renew your membership, return both the application and your check made payable to “MASCA” to the Membership Coordinator. To receive an acknowledgement of your membership, please include your e-mail address.

Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc. COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK Sally A. Connolly, Editor

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NORTH READING, MA PERMIT NO. 96

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Please include former address as shown at right and send to:

DEBORAH CLEMENCE P.O. Box 805 East Dennis, MA 02641 FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED

June 2008