MASCA
MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION
VOL. 51, NO. 9
An Invitation to Participate By KATE SALAS, Ed.D. School Counselor, Pembroke Community Middle School
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ASCA has approved a committee to study our current MA Model and its alignment with the new ASCA National Model. The ASCA National Model now contains the “ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success: Collegeand Career-Readiness Standards for Every Student” that guide the development of effective school counseling programs around three domains: academic, career, and social/emotional development. The MA Model was created in 2006 and con-
tains the CDE Benchmarks. This committee would investigate the ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors as well as MASCA’s CDE Benchmarks and determine if changes are necessary to ensure comprehensive school counseling program implementation for the students of the Commonwealth. Please consider joining this committee. We will be meeting virtually at your convenience. Contact me at drkatesalas @gmail.com. ■
Attention, South Shore Counselors By DONNA BROWN, MASCA Executive Director
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his September, a very useful resource will become available for students on the South Shore. Joanna’s Place is a new organization that is dedicated to promoting resilience in children who are facing some of life’s most stressful events. It was founded in memory of six-year-old Joanna Mullin, who was murdered in August of 2007. Working with Maria Trozzi, M.Ed, her parents and their young family were guided from this devastating loss, and they have transformed their tragedy into strength and support for others. Three unique programs are being offered by the organization to South Shore families at no cost. 1. Talking Points. This program offers parents and /or guardians a one-hour session designed to help them talk to their child or children when facing a life-threatening illness, separation or divorce, or death of a loved one.
2. Circle Support Groups. The groups provide comprehensive family support groups for children facing the death of a parent or sibling, their parents’ separation or divorce, or the challenges of being a “typical” sibling. Throughout sixteen weekly sessions, children are surrounded by others who are their age and stage and facing the same challenges. The children learn to master coping skills and problem-solving, while sharing their stories. At the same time, their parents participate in their own circle, which encourages growth and offers parenting strategies and experience. 3. Resources and Referrals. South Shore community resources are provided, and referrals are made for families looking for counseling, programs, and caring professionals. To learn more or to make a referral, email info@joannasplace.org or call 781413-5141. ■
MAY 2015
Lessons Learned, the Hard Way By SALLY ANN CONNOLLY MASCA Counselor’s Notebook Editor
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he winter of 2015 turned out to be both the best of times and the worst of times. With a one-two punch, Old Man Winter inflicted property damage on tens of thousands of New Englanders as well as extensive personal injury, from which many individuals — myself included — are still recovering. My humble abode, tested by the historic snowfalls, failed miserably. “Majestic” ice dams and four feet of compacted snow on the roof thawed sufficiently to leave water stains throughout the house, a storm window that hangs precariously out of its frame, and a denuded kitchen cabinet, still shedding the effects of a voluminous cascade of water. Lady luck, however, was in my corner. My insurance company responded quickly, dispatching an adjuster and, then, a team of diligent workers, from Minnesota, to steam-melt the ice dams, clear the roof, shovel paths to my doors, and spread recently-purchased ice melt. Another team from the “land of 10,000 lakes” sported moisture detectors, and they unanimously decided that my kitchen could be salvaged without (continued on page 3)