Counselor's Notebook, May 2009

Volume 45

Number 9

www.masca.org

May 2009

Advocacy, Accountability, Affiliates: Get on Board

KAREN D’AMOUR MASCA President

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s school districts struggle to fund their budgets for next year, we wonder how the economy will impact our role as school counselors.

The Massachusetts Model of Comprehensive School Counseling has informed us for the past many years how to let others know about the valuable work we do. By merely documenting our efforts we can recession proof our careers in this economy. It’s never too late to take some important steps.

As we focus on accountability as part of our theme this year, we should ask ourselves, are we collecting the data on how we spend our days? Are we organizing this data in a way that lets our principals and superintendents know how valuable our efforts are in helping students to pass the MCAS, graduate high school, be prepared for college, embrace diversity and plan for a career? If not, perhaps it would be important to consider taking these steps.

As the goal of a quality education is touted at the federal and state level and more initiatives in this direction are being launched, we as school counselors want and need to advocate for our role in helping to bring about these desired results.

The school counselor advocacy exhibited as part of the Leadership Forum held in February is one excellent example of a positive step in that direction.

During these challenging economic times, your local community of peers can be a wonderful support structure. For school counselors, that community is your local MASCA affiliate. You have the opportunity to meet with others who share the same regional culture and may be addressing the same local issues. Opportunities to share resources may be possible as well as networking solutions to common problems.

If you are not already a member of a local affiliate, consider visiting one of their meetings. Please check the MASCA.org website and click on “Affiliates” to find the association closest to you. Most will welcome you to one of their meetings

before asking you to become a member.

At the fall conference, this year’s ASCA President Jim Bierma talked about how we need to put the oxygen mask on ourselves first before we can help anyone else.

That is a prolific message for these times.

MASCA is working hard to not increase membership fees or cut services.

We will continue to review our policies and practices to hold down costs so that we will be there for you. This review will be ongoing and accomplished in a methodical way in order to meet the needs of all MASCA members while aligning with our association’s mission.

It is the right time to think creatively and bring the profession of school counseling and MASCA into the 21st Century.

The future of school counseling is bright.

Thank you in advance for your role in this process. ■

MASCA Professional Development Opportunity

MA Model Summer Institute 2009 July 15 & 16, 2009 and November 18, 2009 at Dean College Instructors: Katie Gray, Jan Tkaczyk, Helen O’Donnell 3 Fitchburg State Graduate Credits available.

Join colleagues to learn more about the MA Model and plan implementation initiatives.

Registration form is posted at www.masca.org.

Send inquiries to pdchair@masca.org.

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YEARS

1961

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK 2008 – 2009 PRESIDENT 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 PRESIDENT-ELECT CHRISTINE EVANS Director of Guidance East Bridgewater High School 11 Plymouth Street, East Bridgewater, MA 02333 E-mail: cevans@EBPS.net PAST 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 VICE PRESIDENT ELEMENTARY AMANNDA BARTRAM Lynn Public Schools, Lynn, MA 01902 E-mail: bartrama@lynnschools.org VICE PRESIDENT MIDDLE / JUNIOR HIGH RICHARD WHITE Gateway Regional Middle School 12 Littleville Road, Huntington, MA 01050 E-mail: RWhite@GRSD.org VICE PRESIDENT SECONDARY JENNIFER LISK Medway High School Medway, MA 02053 E-mail: lisk@medway.k12.ma.us 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 CAROLYN RICHARDS Somerville High School Somerville, MA E-mail: crichards@k12.somerville.ma.us VICE PRESIDENT COUNSELOR EDUCATORS FELICIA L. WILCZENSKI, Ed.D. Professor and Associate Dean Graduate College of Education UMass Boston, Boston, MA 02125 E-mail: Felicia.Wilczenski@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 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:

2011

How It All Began

By OSCAR KRICHMAR MASCA Life Trustee The last two tasks for the By-Laws Committee were to create a slate of officers and, then, to present that slate and the By-Laws at a general meeting of counselors for approval. The meeting was well attended. The By-Laws were adopted and the slate of officers was approved. MASCA was born.

The first president was Bernie White, director of guidance in Framingham, and the first president-elect was Bob Laserte, director of guidance in Leominster.

The first elected president was Charlie Murphy, director of guidance in Pittsfield, and I served as the first president-elect. At the time I was a counselor in Lexington.

I hope the “HOW IT ALL BEGAN” articles have given you a sense of how MASCA came into being. Although I taxed my memory time and again, I thoroughly enjoyed the reminiscing.

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. © 2009 by the Massachusetts School Counselors Association.

All rights reserved.

Questions concerning submission of articles, publication deadlines, advertising rates, etc., should be addressed to: SALLY ANN 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

Chewing: A Means to Success

By SALLY ANN CONNOLLY Counselor’s Notebook Editor

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aybe I shouldn’t have listened so closely to my teachers. Could they have been wrong about chewing gum?

In their classrooms it was strictly verboten, and anyone caught violating this basic rule was strictly punished.

I never had a piece of gum stuck to my nose. But I would love to have a nickel for every time a classmate had to spit out a wad of gum, wrap it in a scrap of paper, and serve detention.

Times are changing, though. Teachers in communities throughout Massachusetts are handing out gum to their students.

These students are beginning their MCAS journey, and educators feel that chewing gum will help them do their best on the tests.

A memo sent home by school personnel in Newburyport recommended that students prepare for the three days of MCAS by getting adequate rest over the weekend and a nutritious breakfast on testing days. The memo also advised parents to send students to school with a healthy snack and chewing gum.

In Melrose, Kerry Clery, principal of an elementary school, said in an interview about MCAS testing that students are allowed to chew gum or eat sour candy.

“They have fun with it,” she said, “but it’s also helping them take the test as well.”

Some nutritionists believe that chewing gum helps to increase attentiveness.

Dr. Alan Titchenal and Dr. Joannie Dobbs of the University of Hawaii at Manoa say that chewing increases blood flow to the brain, resulting in a greater ability to focus. Gum chewing, they say, also helps a person to relax.

Is that why so many gum chewers seem to have that nonchalant, I-reallydon’t-give-a-d*** look? Or why baseball players and coaches of all sorts continually chomp away? Does the act of chewing allow them to focus and relax at the same time, even though what they usually chew is not gum, but a known carcinogen. “What, me worry?” Chomp, chomp, chomp.

What we needn’t worry about when students chew gum is tooth decay. The experts say that chewing gum increases the production of saliva, which “helps to flush sugars, food debris and decaycausing acids out of the mouth.” Sugar-

MAY 2009

less gum is better for dental health than regular gum because it eliminates the culprit that forms plaque and leads to decay.

Although chewing vigorously is not lady-like, I may add more gum to my daily routine. A more relaxed attitude could mean better blood pressure readings. And greater concentration could mean increased learning and less memory loss.

Improving cognition is a goal for all of us, young and old. My antennae are out for the latest discoveries, and to teachers everywhere I say: “I’m still listening.” To students who are still in school I say: “Heed the advice of your teachers. And on testing days, remember your gum. It may be as essential to your success as a Number Two pencil.” ■

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Stress Busting for Counselors

CHRISTINE EVANS MASCA President-elect

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here is no doubt about it. Professional school counselors have an exciting career; there is always plenty to do, and no two days are exactly alike.

On a daily basis we are faced with a multitude of important, time-sensitive tasks, and we constantly deal with students, teachers, parents, and building administrators on a variety of issues. It is true.

We have chosen an interesting and satisfying career path.

However, many of us are finding that increasing demands on our time and fewer resources have left us stretched to the limit. This is fertile ground for culti-

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vating stress that leads to staff burnout.

Now for the good news. We do not have to give in to the stress. There are things we can do to alleviate the stress.

When I started writing this article, I thought about how stressed our students tend to be, especially at this time of year.

We develop lessons to help students recognize signs of stress, and we teach them strategies for coping. We know stress interferes with learning and with optimum performance. It also lowers physical resistance and immunity to illness.

For all these reasons, we put in the time and effort to help students deal effectively with stress, but I wonder how many of us follow our own advice. We will be much more effective, efficient, and healthy if we evaluate the situation to see what we can do to reduce stress. Think about what we teach our students and how to apply the lesson to our own lives.

The first lesson is to recognize when you are manifesting signs of stress. Physical symptoms that are easiest to identify are headaches, tightness in the shoulders and neck, upset stomach and heartburn,

low back pain, and rapid heart rate. Some folks experience loss of appetite, insomnia, or a tendency to overeat. The most important part is to realize when you are stressed.

Once you know the source of your symptoms, start by taking charge of your life. Remember that you are in command of your life, health, and happiness. Abe Lincoln once said that “most people are as happy as they want to be.”

A step in the right direction is to stop and take a look at what you are doing.

In these crazy, busy days, we tend to multitask. What would happen if we stopped and focused attention on one task until it was complete, then moved on to the next?

How many times have you rushed into your office, booted up the computer, and while waiting for the screen to come up, pushed the buttons on your phone to retrieve messages? How much time would you lose if you did one task thoroughly, then moved on to the next? Just slowing down and staying in the moment can have an immediate calming effect.

As you think about what you need to accomplish and how best to approach each task, take a few deep breaths. Set your priorities. Decide what is most important and what is non-essential. Commit to doing the things that will make a difference and put aside the things that do not matter. Taking five to ten minutes to focus (and breathe) at the start of your day can increase your productivity and accuracy, and you will notice a calming, confident effect almost immediately.

Another strategy is to follow Thoreau’s advice: simplify, simplify, simplify. In the guidance office, this translates into reorganizing, reducing clutter, and getting rid of the junk that collects on a daily basis.

Ten minutes a day on this task will end the chaos, and that alone will help you feel more in charge of your life. Disposing of the things you do not need makes it much easier to find the things you do need.

My last suggestion is obvious, but worth mentioning anyway. Take care of yourself: body, mind, and spirit. Take time to eat healthy foods, exercise (preferably out in the fresh air), learn something new, and do something you absolutely love to do. These practices will go far in restoring your sense of well-being and keeping you healthy, happy, and at your best in all you do. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

MAY 2009

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A Stress Reliever for Students

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ccording to a popular saying, April showers bring May flowers. What happens in April that brings MCAS, SATs, APs, and final exams?

Spring can be a very stressful time for high school students. As counselors, we are always trying to demonstrate how we impact student success. Assisting our students in managing stress is a great way to help our students achieve and succeed.

For the past two school years, I have had the pleasure of running an afterschool group for ninth and tenth graders who are taking honors level courses. Creatively, I call my group the “After School Honors Club.”

In reality, students who are perceived as bright and highly motivated do not receive additional support in the same way that students who struggle do. But talented students often put pressure on themselves, receive pressure from family members, and worry about their ability to achieve.

Art Biology Business Management Chemistry Communication Computer Information Systems Computer Science Criminal Justice Economics Education/Special Education English Environmental Science General Science History Liberal Studies Mathematics Movement Science Music Political Science Psychology Regional Planning Social Work Sociology Theatre Arts

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JENNIFER JUST McGUIRE MASCA Past President The purpose of my after-school group is to support these students, whose needs might otherwise be overlooked.

The experience focuses on early college and career planning, peer support, time management, and stress management. I use a curriculum throughout the year that is designed around teenage health, and I incorporate college and career exploration into the sessions.

In March this year, I invited a yoga in-

structor to work with our group for four weeks. The instructor, Marcia, worked with the group for an hour, teaching yoga and how it ties in with stress management (and in my own assessment, teaching them about the world).

Marcia connected everything about yoga to the climate of our nation and our world, and she emphasized the importance of taking time each day for ourselves. Each session ended with a fifteenminute relaxation experience in which Marcia guided us through a release of our tension. The reception from the students was incredibly positive. And I learned as much as the students did.

Our world today is a stressful place.

We feel it, and so do our students. The lessons that my honors group learned through the yoga classes should assist them in managing the stress they encounter as they strive to meet with success, both now and in their futures. ■

For more information, please write or call: Westfield State College Admission and Financial Aid Post Office Box 1630 · Westfield, MA 01086 (413) 572-5218 · Toll-free in MA: (800) 322-8401

wsc.ma.edu

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

MAY 2009

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A Counselor’s Challenge: Staying on Top newspaper formats), and various publications from The College Board and ACT. We now have a large variety of online resources as well. I have included a few of my favorites here, with some samples of what’s currently available at each website: www.doe.mass.edu

THOM HUGHART MASCA Executive Director

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ast week I had a counselor education student ask me how I stay on top of everything that goes on in school counseling. How do counselors stay current?

I acknowledged that this is a critical challenge for all of us in counseling, but it also is not optional.

Until recently I focused mostly on print: the Counselor’s Notebook (from MASCA), The School Counselor and Professional School Counseling (both from ASCA), the Journal of College Admissions (from NACAC), Educational Weekly and The Chronicle of Higher Education (both

Commissioner’s Update American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Updates State Fiscal Stabilization Fund – Projected FY10 District Grants The Proficiency Gap Subcommittee will be led by Board member Jeffrey Howard www.doe.mass.edu/mcas No MCAS History and Social Science tests will be administered in grades 5, 7, or high school in spring 2009 or spring 2010. www.masca.org Conference Agenda Koplik Certificate of Mastery with Distinction Initial & Professional Licensing information AP Fee Subsidy information MASCA information

We offer Degrees and Certificates in

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www.schoolcounselor.org Articles For Parents Role of the School Counselor Professional Development www.neacac.org Professional Development Annual Meeting & Conference Statement of Principles & Good Practice www.nacacnet.org College Admission News NACAC Releases New Report: College Choice and Adolescent Development: Psychological and Social Implications of Early Admission New Podcasts www.highschoolcounselorweek.com The Impact of Dropping the SAT Economy Influences College Choices Guiding Hands Find New Ways www.google.com Just to the left, “advanced search” www.google.com Just above “GOOGLE” to the left, click on “more,” scroll down to scholar and enter “Guidance Counseling” and see what turns up.

Google “New York Times /College Admissions” (lots of interesting articles)

Of course, we need the time to keep up to date on our information. I find that I check some websites more regularly than others, for example, the websites of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, MASCA, and High School Counselor. As counselors we also need to set aside at least one period a day for a prep period, as teachers do.

The final resource that can help us to stay current on topics and procedures is professional development opportunities.

These are the conferences we attend: MASCA, ASCA, NEACAC, NACAC, and The College Board. There are other workshops and trainings available through MASCA and its affiliates as well as some colleges.

With things changing so rapidly and many responsibilities being added almost daily, we need to take time to stay informed. Attend affiliate meetings and job sessions to share information. Check out both websites and printed material to make sure that you have current knowledge for your students, parents, and faculty. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

MAY 2009

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MASCA Conferences: MASCA PDP SIGNUP FORM I want to sign up for MASCA PDPs.

Professional Development Designed for You

Name: __________________________________________________________

By HELEN C. O’DONNELL, Ed.D. MASCA Conferences Chair

Address: ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ E-mail: _________________________________________________________ Send a check for $25 made payable to MASCA along with your stamped MASCA conferences’ Certificates of Attendance and completed Evidence of Learning Forms documenting AT LEAST 10 HOURS of professional development training to: Helen O’Donnell, Ed.D. 10 Maplewood Terrace Hadley, MA 01035

Save the Date!

MASCA FALL CONFERENCE October 6, 2009 • Holiday Inn, Boxborough Keynote and Breakout Workshop Session with Pat Nailor, ASCA President 2009-2010 Pat has been instrumental with ASCA model implementation initiatives in Rhode Island, and she presented a MASCA Fall 2006 workshop, “The R.I. Tool Kit”

By popular request: Dr. Carey Dimmitt, UMass Amherst “Solution Focused Counseling”

HOT TOPICS IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS Panels, workshops, special exhibit hall presentations.

Tentative programs include: • • • • •

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Admission Testing: How Tests Are Created, Used, and Validated What to Write in a Recommendation Writing College Essays College Admissions: Who Gets In and Why Affordability: The 10 Things You Must Know About College Financing

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he MASCA Spring Conference 2009 was a spring conference to remember.

A bustling exhibit hall, workshops, keynoters, hospitality events, and colleagues from around the state were just some of the highlights. The new knowledge and skills you brought back to your schools and districts will be enhancing your practice with the goal of assisting all students to be more academically successful.

Deepest thanks to a dedicated committee, who worked tirelessly to make your conference experience memorable.

This was the conference committee’s second on-line registration event. It is getting better every time thanks to the talent and patience of our MASCA webmaster, Ron Miller. He was my skilled partner trying to build a registration process that accommodated every need.

We answered every e-mail with the dedicated assistance of conference registrar, Joe Fitzgerald. Hopefully all questions were answered and problems quickly resolved. I guarantee that the fall conference registration will be even smoother.

Sherry Brass, Hospitality Chair, and her team worked to craft a menu to suit all needs and create a welcoming exhibit hall.

Elizabeth Reed and Carolyn Laurenza, program co-chairs, worked for months to recruit and plan an extensive, diverse menu of programs and workshops.

Jennifer Lisk, conference booklet editor, produced a quality publication for conference attendees.

And thanks to Sally Connolly, for all her work publicizing the conference in MASCA’s CN. The Exhibit Committee, led by Frank Markiewicz, exceeded expectations and filled our exhibit hall with great resources and exhibiting colleagues. Visit the website for an updated listing.

Thank you, exhibitors and sponsors.

What a wonderful partnership MASCA has with you all!

Volunteers are invited to join the Conference Committee. We welcome your assistance. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

ED’S VIEWS

Professional Development News For many, it is time to renew your certifications. Do you need more PDP’s?

Yoke your Certificates of Attendance / Evidence of Learning Forms from MASCA conferences and workshops into MASCA PDP’s. Remember, your school districts are PDP providers, but your colleagues at MASCA are here to assist you. PDP protocol is posted on MASCA’s website. Send your inquiries to Helen O’Donnell at pdchair@masca.org.

ED BRYANT, NCC MASCA Life Trustee MASCA Armed Services Liaison

Start a new professional development adventure. Register now for the 2009 MA Model Institute. Join the 2009 cohort team led by Katie Gray, Jan Tkaczyk, and Helen O’Donnell. Move with your school and district into MA Model Implementation. ■

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pring has sprung. And MASCA’s spring conference is over. Once again, the annual Retirees’ Session was helpful to many counselors. Make this annual event part of your conference plans in the future.

Why do you attend MASCA conferences? For networking? To gain professional development? To meet authors and researchers or MASCA and affiliate leaders? To make new contacts and friends?

One of the biggest reasons: to return to your school inspired with new ideas.

How does MASCA and its affiliates confront the present economic slowdown?

We need to share ideas or receive training from some experts.

We all forget things at times. According to Dr. M. Fotuhi, memory loss can be caused by depression, stress, poor sleep, Vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disease, or mini-strokes. Thus, don’t think right away that it is due to Alzheimers Disease.

Another interesting, but humorous, topic is how much time you have for a lunch break. Remember the days when you tried to eat in the faculty lounge to show that you were one of the gang?

Often the smoke was so thick that you had to lunch elsewhere. Maybe there was no time for lunch.

Be sure to alert your students to the 20th Service Academies / ROTC Night at Danversport Yacht Club on November 4.

We average 300 attendees. Do you find that some students are entering the armed services because of the present state of the job market?

Confucius says: “Our greatest glory is not never failing, but in rising every time we fall.”

Happy spring! Happy Mother’s Day! My granddaughter recently gave birth to David Edward Aulson, nine pounds.

God bless. ■ MAY 2009

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ASCA’s Position on The Professional School Counselor and Character Education (Adopted 1998, revised 2005)

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rofessional school counselors endorse and support character education programs. The professional school counselor promotes the inclusion of character education in the school curriculum and takes an active role in promoting character traits within the comprehensive school counseling program.

The Rationale Inclusion of character education in the school curriculum helps students acquire the knowledge, skills and positive attitudes necessary for student achievement and success in life. The professional school counselor understands that the acquisition of positive character values promotes healthy student development. These universal values include such traits as honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship, which all affirm basic human

worth and dignity and support healthy communities. Character education emphasizes key social values and encourages students to become responsible, contributing members of society.

The Professional School Counselor’s Role Professional school counselors, teachers, administrators, family and the community share the responsibility of teaching character education values. Professional school counselors encourage character education activities including: • the development of a school philosophy and mission statement addressing student achievement • guidance to help all students develop clear academic, career and personal/social goals • discipline policies that reinforce character education and nurture the develop-

ment of the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes • student participation in extracurricular activities that include the involvement of students, school staff, parents and community members • teaching skills in decision-making, conflict resolution and problem solving • student involvement in the development of school rules • inclusion and integration of character in cultural competence and diversity skill development • student recognition programs focused on character traits • involvement of families and communities in the character education program In effective character education programs, adults in the school and community model the behaviors desired in students. Professional school counselors work with teachers, administrators, families and the community to model these behaviors while teaching students the academic, career and personal/social skills essential to making appropriate, healthy decisions.

Summary Character education helps students achieve academic, career and personal/ social development goals and become positive members of society. The professional school counselor collaborates with teachers, administrators and the school community to promote character education for all students as an integral part of school curriculum and activities. ■

Reminder from MASCA Please check your membership expiration date on the affixed mailing label.

For a membership form, go to MASCA’s web site, www.masca.org.

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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

ASCA honors Sen. Ted Kennedy ALEXANDRIA, VA — ASCA is pleased to honor Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) as its 2009 Legislator of the Year. Kennedy was selected for his strong commitment to education and healthcare for children during his congressional career.

Sen. Kennedy’s effort to make quality health care accessible and affordable to every American is a battle that he has been waging ever since he arrived in the Senate in 1962. In addition, Kennedy is active in the education reform arena and a wide range of other issues.

Kennedy was a leading co-sponsor of legislation to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004. The legislation included bipartisan improvements to the program that provides special education services to six and a half million students in the United States.

The reauthorization provided for at least 30,000 additional special education teachers, improved education training, and expanded technologies available to disabled children. In 2001, Kennedy worked with Democrats and Republicans to pass the landmark No Child Left Behind Act. ■

MAY 2009

ASCA Director receives honor

Jerry Ellner, Universal Technical Institute’s National Director of High School Development, presents the Counselor of the Year sponsorship check to Dr. Richard Wong, ASCA Executive Director.

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FREE Publications The U.S. Department of Education offers a wide variety of free publications to the public. Choose from newsletters, reports, brochures, and others. Topics range from information about NCLB to Threat Assessment in Schools and are written for students, teachers, parents, and school administrators.

New or recent publications are available online at www.edpubs.org. Older and out-of-print publications can be found in ED Publications in ERIC. For more information about the U.S. Department of Education, visit their website at www.ed.gov.

“I’m finding these websites really informative (and rather addicting)” — Joan D’Onofrio, graduate student, Fitchburg State College

AFFILIATE NEWS SSGA holds meetings In February, South Shore Guidance Association hosted a meeting at the Fireside Grill in Middleborough. The topic of discussion for the evening was learning to cope with heroin abuse.

The affiliate’s April meeting, which was held at FINZ Seafood in Dedham, was sponsored by Seton Hall University.

MASCA 2009 DIRECTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COUNSELORS The Directory lists school counselors in K-12 public, private, parochial, and regional and technical high schools. Phone, fax, and e-mail information is included. Each MASCA member will receive one (1) complimentary copy.

PLEASE USE THE ORDER FORM BELOW to order more copies. Download the form at www.masca.org or order online and use your credit card.

To participate in SSGA meetings or to join the affiliate, contact Susan Owens or Donna Neary at southshoreguidance @hotmail.com.

NECA holds meetings In February, Northeast Counselors Association held its annual Secretaries’ Night at Merrimack College. Eighteen secretaries were honored and presented with gifts.

1-5 copies @ $30.00 each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. ____

$ _________

The March meeting of the affiliate was held at Jimmy’s Allenhurst Restaurant in

Additional Copies 6 or more @ $25.00 each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. ____

$ _________

Shipping / Handling @$3.50 each copy . . . . . . . . No. ____

$ _________

Peabody. Sponsor of the event was Universal Technical Institute.

Endicott College in Beverly hosted the

5.00 P. O. Processing Fee (per order) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ _________

April meeting on its beautiful seaside

TOTAL: . . $ __________

On May 19, the affiliate will honor out-

Make checks payable to: MASCA If mailing this form, send to:

Ms. Marla Schay, Weston High School, 444 Wellesley St., Weston, MA 02493

Questions? E-mail SchayM@mail.weston.org

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

___________________________________________________________________ E-mail Address: ______________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________________________

campus. standing counselors at its Annual Awards Night. Once again, the meeting will be held at Merrimack College.

NECA has more than 100 members.

To join, contact NECA President Michelle Burke at mburke@beverlyschools.org.

Committee seeks help The MASCA 50th Birthday Planning Committee invites members to help plan the celebration scheduled for 2011.

Share your ideas and your memories.

Contact Mary Westcott, marywestcott@ comcast.net. ■

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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

WMCA honors counselors

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lms College was abuzz with excitement as Celeste Cianfrani and Carol Groom received awards in March from Western Massachusetts Counselors Association. Each counselor was well represented with tables filled by colleagues, family, and friends.

Christine Soverow, Awards and Publicity Chairperson, led the evening by first awarding the Rising Star and Counselor of the Year Awards.

Celeste Cianfrani from Gateway Regional High School in Granville received the Rising Star Award. Bob Bardwell, guidance director at Monson High School, nominated Celeste, saying: “I continue to be impressed by Celeste’s energy, enthusiasm and professionalism. Celeste has made a significant difference in both her school and our professional association in just a few years. I am confident that we have only just begun to see the benefits of her treasures and talents.”

Carol Groom from North Middle School in Westfield received the Counselor of the Year Award. Carol was nominated by Dottie O’Neil, former school counselor at North Middle School and current vice principal at Munger Hill Elementary School in Westfield, Bob Bardwell, and Christine Soverow, guidance counselor at Smith Academy in Hatfield.

Carol was described as “dedicated, student-focused, organized, and fun to be around. She has worn many hats and thus has developed many skills. She has worked in the Monson, Agawam and Westfield school systems. Whether it is transitioning students from grade-to-grade, working with students to explore vocational options, supervising graduate students, or conducting student mediations, this counselor does it all and she does it all well!”

WMCA says, “We are blessed to have two such qualified individuals who have brought and will continue to bring incredible experiences to the students that they serve. Congratulations, Celeste and Carol. ■ MAY 2009

WMCA President Amy Scully (left) and WMCA Awards and Publicity Chairperson Christine Soverow (right) present award to Celeste Cianfrani.

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

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YOUR MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DATE IS INDICATED BY YEAR AND MONTH ON YOUR ADDRESS LABEL ABOVE. To renew your membership, go to MASCA’s website, www.masca.org.

Save the Date!

MASCA FALL CONFERENCE October 6, 2009 • Holiday Inn, Boxborough Keynote and Breakout Workshop Session with Pat Nailor, ASCA President 2009-2010 Pat has been instrumental with ASCA model implementation initiatives in Rhode Island, and she presented a MASCA Fall 2006 workshop, “The R.I. Tool Kit”

By popular request: Dr. Carey Dimmitt, UMass Amherst “Solution Focused Counseling”

HOT TOPICS IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS Panels, workshops, special exhibit hall presentations.

Tentative programs include: • • • • •

Admission Testing: How Tests Are Created, Used, and Validated What to Write in a Recommendation Writing College Essays College Admissions: Who Gets In and Why Affordability: The 10 Things You Must Know About College Financing