By Melinda Cripps, MASCA 2023-2024 Board Chair and Director of School Counseling, Billerica High School
This month wraps up my year as the MASCA Board Chairperson. It has honestly been time well spent, for so many reasons. Those that know me know that I am a complete RENThead. If you’re not familiar with this term, it is a person who is very passionate about the musical RENT, almost to the level of a cultlike following. Most of my life philosophy comes from this show, and I’d like to share some of my favorite quotes from the production and how they have directly tied into my experience with MASCA. As the musical prompts, “525,600 minutes, how do you measure, measure a year?” Here’s how I measure my 525,600 minutes of leadership service in MASCA:
“Only thing to do is jump over the moon”: In early spring of 2023, our Executive Director of MASCA called me up. “Mindy, I have this idea. Hear me out. What about a summer camp for school counsel-
ors? Learning! Fun! A throwback to their childhood while upscaling it to a fun and exciting adult event for a few days, held at a college so that they can relive their college experience. I think if we build it, they will come.” Gathering a group together, and installing Ali Robidoux as the chairperson of the first School Counselor Summer Camp (or SC2 as we lovingly called it) was just the beginning. We aimed high and said we would shoot for the moon. We had hoped for 30 participants. In the end, we had 61 participants, many of which were on scholarship from the generosity of colleges funding opportunities for counselors across the state and from various demographics. SC2 is one of the highlights that MASCA accomplished this year. MASCA and the committee dreamed big with creating SC2, shot for the moon, and we got there! We can’t wait for our
second SC2 this summer; consider joining us in the fun at Lasell College for a terrific and educational time. Come see why MASCA’s is a nationwide Pinnacle Award Finalist amongst school counseling associations across the country! P.s. MASCA will find out if we are chosen as the Pinnacle Award winner at the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) Conference in July.
“Anywhere else you could possibly go after New York would be a pleasure cruise”: While it might not be New York, New Jersey has always held questionable luck for me, until last October. I had the opportunity to attend a conference in New Jersey with other MASCA leaders, and we combined with other school counseling associations from the Northeast for some exciting networking and learning opportunities. My favorite part was when an older, retired gentleman gave a presentation on Generative AI. My first thought was, “Am I really going to learn something new about technology from an older gentleman who is retired?”, and my second thought was, “oh no, AI is not for me. It’s scary, and I don’t even want to explore it.” I was so wrong, AI is amazing when used carefully! I always leave conferences with little nuggets of wisdom on how I can adjust and improve my practice, and to my delight, I returned to my office with a powerful new tool to support my work in ways I never
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Melinda Cripps
GOVERNING BOARD
Chair: Mindy Cripps
Director of School Counseling, Billerica High School
Assistant Chair: Jessica Descartes
School Counselor, Tech Boston Academy
Governing Board Members:
Ed Connor
Executive Director of Admissions
Dean College
John Crocker
Director of School Mental Health & Behavioral Services
Methuen Public Schools
Andrea Encarnacao
School Counselor
Boston Latin School
Cynthia Esielionis
School Counselor
Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School
Lori Ford
School Adjustment Counselor
MLK Jr. Charter School of Excellence
Cory McGann
School Counseling Department Head
Ashland High School
COMMITTEES
Conference Committee
Ruth Carrigan
Director of School Counseling
Whitman-Hansen Regional High School
Ethics Committee
Mindy Cripps
Guidance Director
Billerican High School
Fiscal Oversight Committee
Ed Connor
Executive Director of Admissions
Dean College
Government Relations & Advocacy Committee
Juliette Coatsworth
School Counselor
Foxborough Regional Charter School
Fran Frederick
School Adjustment Counselor
Belchertown High School
MA Model Committee
Dave Elsner
School Counseling Coordinator
Medway Public Schools
Cynthia Esielionis
School Counselor
Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School
Member Services Committee
Renee Considine
School Counselor
Minnechaug Regional High School
Jacob Beaudoin
School Counselor
Rise Academy (Lawrence Public Schools)
MASCA 2023-24 DIRECTORY
Nomination and Bylaws Committee
Jessica Descartes
School Counselor
TechBoston Academy
Professional Development Committee
Ali Robidoux
School Adjustment Counselor
Apponequet Regional High School
Professional Recognition Committee
Dina Sibilia
School Counselor
West Springfield High School
Tama Lang
School Counselor
Litwin Elementary School
Publicity Committee
Chris Soverow
School Counselor
Easthampton High School
Research and Evaluation Committee
Tim Poynton
Associate Professor
UMass Boston
Technology Committee
Jennifer McGuire
College & Career Information Coordinator
New Bedford Public Schools
Ad Hoc Committee on School Counselor Gaps
Jennifer McGuire
College & Career Information Coordinator
New Bedford Public Schools
APPOINTED POSITIONS
Executive Director
Bob Bardwell
Secretary
Julia Cahill-O’Shea
School Counselor
Hamilton- Wenham Regional High School
Counselors Notebook Editor
Jean Atwater-Williams
IT Consultant
BizTech Associates
Membership Coordinator
Bob Bardwell
Mentoring Coordinator
Maryanne Margiotta
Career Facilitator
Southwick Regional High School
Program Evaluation Coordinator
Karen Marie Harrington
Webmaster
Jean Atwater-Williams
IT Consultant
BizTech Associates
LIAISONS
Affiliate Liaison
Christine Weissman
Family & Community Engagement
Counselor, Ware Jr. -Sr. High School
Counselor Educator Liaison
Megan Krell
Associate Professor
Fitchburg State University
DESE Liaison
Lisa Harney
MA Dept of Elem & Sec Education
Emerging Leader Liaisons
Cory McGann
School Counseling Department Head
Ashland High School
Graduate Student Liaisons
Alexis King
Graduate Student
Westfield State University
Leah Worth
Graduate Student
Boston College
Social Media Liaison
Jessica Almedia
School Counselor
Bedford High School
EMERGING LEADERS
Lauren Costanzo
School Counselor
Somerville Public Schools
Rani Gould
School Counselor
The Academy at Kiley Middle School
Jonathan Nardi
School Counselor
Natick High School
Paige Kenney
School Counselor
TEC Phoenix Academy
Gisele Rojas
Director of Student Support Services
Holyoke Public Schools
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (SIG) LEADERS
Career/Technical SIG
Annie McCarthy
School Counselor
Franklin County Technical School
Maryrose O'Neil
School Counselor
Tantsqua Regional High School
Lauren Robillard
School Counselor
Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical HightSchool
Counseling Directors SIG
Dana Plunkett
Director of Guidance
Wellesley High School
Ross Wolfson
Assistant Director of School Counseling
Waltham High School
Elementary SIG
Maura Ricardi
School Adjustment Counselor
East Street School, Ludlow
Emma Russell
School Counselor
The Learning Project Elementary
School, Boston
MultiLingual Learners SIG
Olivia Hull School Adjustment Counselor, Maynard High School
Heidys Mendez
School Counselor, Lawrence HS
Raffaella Almeida School Counselor, Barnstable HS
Middle Level SIG
Paige Kenney School Counselor
South Middle School Brockton
Dena Coffey
School Counselor
Pickering Middle School, Lynn Retirees SIG
Helen O’Donnell
Retired School Counselor
Anne Thidemann French Retired School Adjustment Counselor
School Adjustment Counselors/ School Social Worker SIG
Nychele Clark School Adjustment Counselor
Gardner High School
Kate Niedel
Retired School Adjustment Counselor
Anne Thidemann French Retired School Adjustment Counselor
Secondary SIG
Karen McCrillis
School Counselor
Gardner High School
Leanne Soulard
School Counselor
Franklin High School
Rachael Weinhold
School Counselor
Winchendon High School
Urban SIG
Shelby Boisvert School Counselor
Lowell High School
Rani Gould
School Counselor
The Academy at Kiley Middle School
AFFINITY GROUPS
Counselors of Color Affinity Group
Leaders: Jessica Descartes, Andrea Encarnacao & Aaron Spencer
LBGTQ+ Affinity Group
Leaders: Mindy Cripps & Jonathan Nardi
For complete contact information, please go to https://masca.wildapricot.org/GB+Staff/
MASCA Editorial Board
By Bob Bardwell, MASCA Executive Director and Executive Director of School Counseling Services Boston Public Schools
It’s June. The last few weeks of the academic year are in sight and our much-needed summer break is getting even closer.
Thank you to all of you for another great year for MASCA. We reached several important milestones including our highest membership ever (2025 in April) and best attended conference (619 & counting). Without your membership, willingness to participate in our programs and respect for our profession and our association, we would not be the awesome, incredible and thriving school counselor association that we are today. I look forward to many more equally incredible accomplishments in the coming years.
As we head into the summer break, MASCA will certainly take a break from the day-to-day activities but we do not stop working behind the scenes to plan for the next academic year and beyond. In that spirit, we are starting a new initiative, the MASCA Editorial Board. The role of the Editorial Board will be to advise and support the Counselor’s Notebook (CN) Editor and the Executive Director regarding the publications of the organization, but most importantly the Counselor’s Notebook. As you may know, the CN has been published for the past 60 years, ten times a year from September through June. By establishing an Editorial Board, we will ensure that our premier publication will only get better.
Specific tasks of the Editorial Board will be to provide input and direction for the CN, which may include identifying new content and/or special edition themes, giving feedback on past issues and making suggestions for both subject matter and po-
tential authors for future content. In addition, Board members may provide content by writing occasional features and other short articles, help solicit potential contributors, provide peer review or help to identify peer reviewers or provide second opinions on papers. We would also welcome feedback on emerging technology to ensure that our publications are current, relevant and provide the right resources for our members.
What makes a good Editorial Board member, you ask? Potential Editorial Board members should have a passion and interest in journalism, communications or marketing, although this is not a requirement by any means. Any volunteer is appreciated. Additionally, they should possess a willingness to give back to their professional association which should average no more than 1-2 hours a month either individually or in a virtual format. This is not a huge commitment of time but will undoubtedly make an incredible impact on MASCA’s publications and our future.
To be eligible for consideration, Editorial Board members must be current MASCA members and ideally are asked to commit to a three-year term but this can certainly vary depending one’s situation. This will allow for continuity and ensure that there is a smooth transition of members from one year to the next. The current plan is that the Editorial Board would meet virtually three times a year (October, February & June). Editorial Board members will not receive compensation for their service in this capacity. We anticipate having between three and five Editorial Board members depending on those who are interested and who apply. To be clear, the CN editor will continue to make all final decisions regarding content which is published.
If interested in being a part of this new and exciting initiative, please complete this form by Wednesday, June 5 by 11:59 PM. Please direct any questions about this opportunity to Jean Atwater Williams, our extraordinary CN Editor, or myself We look forward to hearing from interested members and are excited about the opportunities that this new initiative will provide to MASCA and our membership.
In the meantime, best wishes for a safe, healthy and relaxing summer break. We’ll see you again in the fall.
Robert Bardwell Executive Director, MASCA
Service
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thought possible. It turned my experience of New Jersey into a “pleasure cruise” of sorts!
“Give into love, or live in fear”: This one is much more personal for me. What I can say is that this year, as a person, I’ve undergone trials and tribulations that I never expected to face, especially during a year of active service. The friendships and bonds I’ve formed through my connections with MASCA folks throughout the state (and nationwide, having connected with folks all over the country because of my volunteerism with our organization) have kept me afloat during the tough times. They are not only colleaguesthey have become trusted and true friends. I am grateful for each and every one of you, and if we aren’t yet friends, I can’t wait to meet you. Letting others love and support you is sometimes hard, but the right ones who do are invaluable. Give in to the love and friendship that people offer- it is so worth it.
“How do you document real life, when real life’s getting more like fiction each day”: As our country becomes more divided among numerous lines, I sometimes wonder how this can be real life, and how certain views and beliefs persist into the year 2024. Meanwhile, MASCA has worked hard to break down barriers, and continues to do so. The first MASCA affinity groups, MASCA Counselors of Color and MASCA LGBTQ+ School Counselors, were formed this year, and big things are being planned by the leaders of these groups for the year ahead. We continue to expand our diversity, equity, and inclusion lens by listening to our membership and meeting their needs, while at the same time growing as people and counselors. And often, we are solidifying our commitments to inclu-
sivity and breaking down barriers by documenting updated policies, supporting legislation that aligns with MASCA’s mission and vision, and working on ourselves as individuals to be better versions of ourselves each day.
“Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other road, no other way, no day but today”: I would be remiss not to remember our dear friend, colleague, board member, and MASCA leader, Dana Catarius, who passed unexpectedly in May. If you needed something, Dana was the first to raise her hand. She was a caring and dedicated elementary school counselor, passionate about the ocean and boating, and her beloved trained therapy dog, which she brought to school and recently highlighted in her MASCA conference presentation. She had a zest for life, and a smile that beamed. The last thing that Dana said to me was that she couldn’t wait to spend more time together at MASCA in late summer. We hugged, twice, because why not more hugs?! A smile, a hand squeeze with a “see you soon!”, and then next thing I knew, I was honoring Dana in my own private way as she transitioned from this life. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. “No day but today”- live your life to the fullest now. Don’t wait. Dana didn’t, and she did everything with a full heart.
“Measure your life in love”: In the end, create a life you love. Engage in the things that make you happy and matter to you. I imagine that your work is important to you, as school counseling is a labor of love. Maybe at this point in your life, you’ve thought about dabbling in volunteerism to make your profession’s organization stronger. Maybe you’re considering taking on an intern at your school. Or maybe you only have the space in your life right now to keep on keeping on in your daily work with students. GREAT!
When you root your life in the principles of gratitude and love, not only will your work life shine, your home life will flourish as well.
So, that’s my wrap-up for the last 525,600 minutes- a whole year of service to MASCA. For me? I choose to measure my life in love. To each of you: Thank you for the last year, and the opportunity to serve as the Chairperson for MASCA. It has renewed my excitement for our profession and infused my work with a certain passion that only comes from working with amazing, talented, enthusiastic, and smart colleagues. And for those that I’ve personally met along the path, thank you for the love, care, and support you have given me, professionally and personally. I couldn’t do it without you.
And with that, I welcome Jessica Descartes, our incoming Board Chairperson. I can’t wait to see your strength and talents in action as you lead us forward in the next 525,600 minutes!
5 Things I Have Learned in my First Year as a Licensed School Counselor
by Jessica Almeida, School Counselor, Bedford High School and MASCA Social Media Liaison
In my office, a small letter board rests against my white board. Each day, it reads a number followed by “Days Until Summer Vacation!” Each day before I do anything else, I replace the number with a lower one. As the days pass by and the number creeps lower on the letter board, a bittersweet feeling has begun to grow in my chest. This time last year, I was walking across the stage at Merrimack College receiving my Masters of Education in School Counseling. Now, I am a school counselor at Quinn Middle School in Hudson, MA, getting ready to send my 7th graders off to the high school and welcome in my new class of 5th graders. It is crazy to think that almost a full school year has gone by! I have been doing a lot of reflecting over the past month as the year wraps up, and I feel the Counselor’s Notebook is the perfect place to share the top 5 things I have learned in my first year.
1. Be present & connected!
Starting in a new place with new students, staff, families, traditions, routines, expectations, and more, I knew I had two options: hide and hope everyone will come to me, or throw myself out there and let them know I’ve arrived! My instinct was to treat my office like a cave and hope that students and staff would wander their way over to me. I have since learned that the best way to fit myself into this new community is to be visible! When my schedule allows it, I stand in the hallways, visit classrooms, attend lunches, advise after school activities, attend student events, attend staff outings, watch after school sports, and more! The more I integrated myself into the school community, the more I started to feel part of the community. My office is a safe haven for students, and at times, a safe haven for myself - but to truly welcome the new community, I had to learn to
leave the safety of those four walls, and I am better now for it!
2. As you would give your students, allow yourself some space and grace!
It is inevitable that when you first start out with anything, you will make mistakes. My first year involved a lot of growing pains. You, like any other well-intentioned human being, will make mistakes. Hey, that’s okay! When our students make mistakes, we often encourage them to see this as an opportunity for growth. Why do we not afford ourselves the same kindness? Acknowledge your mistakes, do better next time, and move on - your students do not need a perfect school counselor, they just need you!
3. Be flexible!
As my fiancée once described, I am the most “Type-B Type-A person” ever. I can appear quite calm and composed, but I have to admit that I can become uneasy when something goes against what I have planned. Our students, and therefore our days, are often unpredictable and always changing. I have learned over this year to marry the two ideas - I can go with the flow, while also planning some of my day (of course, in a very visually pleasing way on Google Calendar…and in a physical planner!) This has allowed me to bounce back quicker when a crisis or other event takes precedence over what I had planned. I’ve grown to enjoy that every day is a “new” day - it adds a layer of excitement to my days that help push me along.
4. Ask for help & seek support!
During my interview, I told my future colleagues that I am not afraid to ask questions, as big or small as they may be. I held firm to this, and have probably asked my mentors (thank
you, Heidi and Melissa!) hundreds of questions throughout the school year. Leaning on my mentors for support was crucial in helping me become comfortable and confident in my new role. Beyond asking questions about my role, I learned that seeking the support of my colleagues is just as important. School counselors need each other - this job is not easy, and we often never see the positive effects of our work immediately. I spent many days this year with imposter syndrome, wondering if I am cut out for this role. On the hard days, it can feel like we can never quite do enough for our students. With the support of my colleagues, I have been able to get through the hard days.
5. Take care of yourself!
This lesson was the hardest to learn this year. There were many events in which I felt completely drained. I’m sure many of you know the feeling of driving home in silence while your head is swarming with thoughts of the workday, and being unable to fully quiet the noise until your head hits the pillow. The more frequently these days became, the more I struggled to bounce back the next. Prioritizing my self care, as silly as it sounds to some, has truly made a difference in my ability to be there for my students. Find what brings you joy and lean into it. I am an avid reader, and I find that reading and diving into the world of my books has been my most consistent refuge. If we do not take care of ourselves, how could we possibly take care of others?
I am truly grateful for this first year. I know that the growing pains will continue, and I will welcome them with open arms. Show me what you’ve got, 24-25 school yearI’m ready for you!
Dana Catarius Memorial Scholarship
We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of our friend and colleague, Dana Catarius. A school counselor at Anne Fales Elementary School in Westborough for the past 27 years, Dana was presently serving a Governing Board member, the co-chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on School Counselor Gaps, and one of the Emerging Leaders Liaisons. Dana also served on the board in the 1990s when she was beginning her career. Her dedication to MASCA and to the field of school counseling will be missed, as will her kindness and warm smile. MASCA has established a scholarship fund in Dana’s honor. Donations will be accepted until the end of June.
If you wish to contribute, you may either donate here via our website or you may mail a donation to MASCA, PO Box 351, Hampden, MA 01036. We will use any donations to support programs and/or professional development that specifically support our elementary school colleagues.
The Enough Abuse Campaign
by Susan Whalley, MASCA member and School Counselor, retired
At the heart of being a school counselor is a commitment to help protect and keep students safe while providing opportunities for growth. How can a child who has endured trauma learn, grow, and fulfill their potential? Sometimes our job is also to recognize what may not be visible to the eye.
Child sexual abuse is a complex problem that can’t be fixed with any one policy or by an individual working on their own. The mission of the Enough Abuse Campaign (EAC) is to provide tools and resources to empower organizations and individuals with the tools and skills needed to be part of the solution. The EAC constellation of programs is designed to share tools and knowledge to prevent and reduce tragedies.
The Enough Abuse Campaign was created through the offices of MassKids in 1985, beginning as an effort to raise adults’ awareness of predatory behavior and how to prevent a child from being hurt. The Campaign was launched
to mobilize and educate citizens as well as strengthen policies and legislation, all with a focus on prevention.
EAC operates in all arenas to ensure that there is a collective approach to preventing child sexual abuse by organizing state and local coalitions, advocating for legislative changes, providing education for parents and community members, facilitating training for youth-serving professionals and working with organizations to develop policies for prevention. A variety of training modules for schools have been created to support the wellbeing of children.
The school-based curriculums and trainings provide a crucial resource for school personnel to understand, address and prevent child sexual abuse.
Outcomes indicate improved skills in identifying problem behaviors in adults, assessing and responding to unhealthy sexual behaviors in children and learning steps to take if they suspect sexual
abuse. In addition to trainings, the EAC works with schools and youth organizations to assess and develop policies and strategies to prevent child sexual abuse. This involves a process of developing action steps including assessing risk of harm and strengthening identified gaps in policies and practices; educating staff, volunteers, youth, and their parents about sexual abuse and its prevention; developing codes of conduct for adults and youth; screenings for hiring employees and volunteers; modifying physical spaces to reduce risks; and reporting and responding appropriately to suspected abuse and boundary-violating behaviors.
The Enough Abuse Campaign actively seeks to partner with other child advocates to ensure they are supported in their commitment to ensure students are able to thrive.
Learn more about the frameworks and research used to create the EAC and its efficacy in the community.
Seasons of the School Year
by Lori DiCarlo Ford, MA, CAGS, School Counselor/School Adjustment Counselor, Martin Luther King Jr., Charter School of Excellence, Springfield, MA, MASCA Governing Board Member.
There are many transitions throughout each school year; I like to think of them in seasons. In the Northeast, we are lucky to experience everything from days that are cold and stormy to those that are hot and humid. My favorites are the ones in between, where the sun shines and temperatures are pleasant enough to take a walk and breathe fresh air. There is nothing better than taking a morning walk, thinking the day through, and having it happen the way I imagined. Reality is that things rarely go as imagined or as planned. That’s what being a School Counselor is all about: no predictability and never knowing which direction things will go. Just like the New England weather.
SUMMER TO FALL
We start the school year in the late Summertime with many unknowns. Days are long, sunny, bright, and full of anticipation. It’s easy to recognize the start of the school year because hallways are clean and the student’s sneakers are bright and new. There are staff changes in and out of the classrooms, students returning taller, tanned and excited for a new school year. Sadness from Summer ending begins to fade as the start of school begins and friends reunite.
School days are busy with lots to plan and organize for another successful year. Open houses are planned and schedules are changing. As much as I love summertime, the transition into the school year is an exciting adventure. Some schools start in August, while others start just after Labor Day. Whatever the start time, the same feelings of uncertainty and excitement for a new school year is shared by everyone. September brings chilly crisp mornings with warm and sunny afternoons. Just thinking of that brings me back to my days as a student. Walking to the bus stop with new sneakers on and excitement and anticipation for all that a new school year brings.
FALL TO WINTER
After leaves have changed colors and
start to fall, we begin to settle into a routine. Cooler mornings and crisp air arrives and stays throughout the increasingly shorter days. Suntans fade as sweatshirts and sweaters come out of storage to keep us cozy and warm. The reality that school has moved beyond the initial settling-in stage is apparent; students are finding their way to our offices to discuss the stress of academic pressures. Leaving school in the afternoon, you might hear the sound of a whistle from fall sport games and practices. Friday night football games become weekly social events for the students and staff, marking the start of the weekend. Jackets come out of storage and shoes now cover our feet, along with socks and boots. We begin to adjust to another school year.
Before you know it we’re into the busy rush of the holiday season. Concerts, plays and art shows bring the community into the school building, developing new relationships and potential life long friendships. These are moments we may take for granted, due to the demands and extra work they create; but we will realize how special they are years later as we look back on countless memories. The last day of school in December arrives: the midpoint indicating the school year is moving along. We nestle in for winter break and the transition of the calendar year. When we return, a New Year greets us, and the second half of the school year begins.
January is the longest, coldest and darkest month. The anticipation for snow storms and snow days are upon us, but it’s MA, and you never know what the weather will bring. We could also have a 60-degree sunny day, a reminder that Spring will eventually come. When February arrives, I get excited that another winter in New England is almost over. We have another winter break and this one is without the holiday rush. There is time to rest, travel or get some projects wrapped up. In March, the clocks change and MCAS days are fast approaching. Even if the temperatures
aren’t an indication of Spring, we know it’s closer than it feels.
WINTER TO SPRING
Before we know it, the end of the school year is upon us. For many students it is the end of a grade, bidding farewell to a favorite teacher, or a new best friend. It may be time to throw away worn out and outgrown shoes. A huge amount of time and energy go into planning for prom, graduation and end of year celebrations. With all of that comes the anticipation of summer. While many are planning for some downtime, vacations and time with family it can also bring a lot of anticipation for students transitioning to summer. Many of us long for the days of no structure, easier decisions to make, like what flavor ice cream to eat, or what closet to clean, for students it can bring anxiety around lack of structure and schedules.
However, the end of the school year also marks many accomplishments. You supported students, colleagues, schedule changes, crisis, IEP/504 meetings, facilitated parent meetings, phone calls, went through multiple boxes of tissues, documented and documented, BIPS, FBA’s, and wrote letters of recommendation. That’s just a few of the responsibilities of counselors. Now it is time for a well-deserved break!
SUMMER BREAK
What are your plans for the summertime? Does it give you a new a chance to practice the 3 Rs: 1. Revive 2. Rejuvenate
3. Reflect
THAT’S A WRAP 2023-2024 . . . Until another one begins.
How will YOU Spend the Summer?
Here are the responses to our June CN question - How will you spend your upcoming summer break? Working? Relaxing? Vacation?
Donna San Antonio, Professor of Counseling and Psychology, Lesley University
“Things are so upside down at Lesley University that I will not be able to do the time off I had hoped for this summer. I will be able to garden, get some things fixed at my house, hike, canoe, and visit with friends. I’m teaching in June. July and August will go by too quickly.”
Maria Barnes, School Counselor, Monson High School
“My upcoming Summer Break will consist of: focusing on my physical health, incorporating more yoga and time walking in green spaces. I also enjoy going on vacation to the Cape and spending time with my family and fur family. I find that these two activities are restful and restorative. I also will be working, but not too much!”
Nguyen Dorvilus, School Counselor, Cambridge Street Upper School
“It looks like this summer will be spent updating my house, being with friends and family around the pool or out somewhere. Since I joined a new school district in January, I am a part of a group who will be working on a few new things for the school so there will be some summer work happening
to prepare for September. Thankfully August will be spent traveling to different destinations.”
Maura Ricardi, School Adjustment Counselor, East Street School, Ludlow
“So many people talk about the importance of SELF-CARE, but what does self-care even look like? As we are winding down (16 days left, but who is even counting?!?!) the 2023-2024 school year, I know that my brain, body and heart are ready to relax, rejuvenate and refresh with my family and friends! Setting very explicit boundaries this year has truly helped me become a more organized, efficient, well rested, high energy School Adjustment Counselor. Maintaining those boundaries and UNPLUGGING throughout the summer months is an absolute non-negotiable for me. With that being said, we will be transitioning into our newly built home in Ludlow in the beginning of July, packing up our cars to spend 10 days at the Cape and then jumping on an airplane to spend another 8 days on a houseboat on Lake Powell! What amazing memory making I am looking forward to! I hope for the same for all of you as you wrap up your counseling duties and shift to summer fun.”
Karen McCrillis, 9th Grade School Counselor, Gardner High School
“I have a family vacation scheduled. I am going to see Mickey at Disney World with my sister-inlaw...girls weekend! I am taking an ASCA U training. I will be heading to the beach as often as possible!”
Lynne Markey, School Adjustment Counselor, Whaling City Jr./Sr. High School, New Bedford
“I plan on spending time with my children, visiting from western MA and CA, and my parents, spending time with them in FL; biking in MA and RI; and gardening.”
Luz Mederos-Dorleans, School Counselor, Boston Latin Academy
“This upcoming summer break, I plan to strike a balance between relaxation and personal development. I will turn 40 this year, and I’m planning a short vacation to Florida to spend time on the beach with two of my closest girlfriends. My two best friends have been pillars of inspiration and support in my life. Their unique qualities and the different forms of support they provide have profoundly influenced my personal growth and well-being. I am excited to celebrate this milestone with them. Lastly, I believe in continuous learning, so I plan to attend MASCA’s School Counselor Summer Camp (SC2) in July. By participating in workshops, seminars, and training sessions, I will be updated on the latest counseling techniques, educational trends, and best practices.”
JB Jones, School Counselor, Rockwall Independent School District
“I will be searching for a new challenge as I need to move on - great place to work here but need new challenges and new opportunities for me and my view of the world.”
Summer
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Judith Josephs, Retired
“I spend my summers on the North Shore and the coast of Maine during warm weather relaxation. I am also working with my class reunion committee members to highlight the importance of alumni to high schools as class speakers, award donors, and storytellers through publication or digitally.”
Kelly J. Albrecht, School Counselor, Somerville High School
“I am looking forward to spending my summer break with my almost three-and five-year-old children down the Cape! It will be a summer filled with beachcombing, long walks, bike rides, naps and black raspberry ice cream. I will also plan on completing a couple of ASCA U Specialist Training courses. I have found the courses to be a great way to get a refresher on important topics and helping me work on areas of growth. Summer will be a time of rest, learning, and reflection.”
Thank you to all who contributed this month. Look for a new question of the month in late August as we prepare for the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. Happy Summer!
Welcome to our Newest Members!
The following have joined MASCA in the last month:
Kristen Johnson
Malinda McCartney
Nicole Piccini
Ruth Price
If you know any of these new members, please extend a warm welcome and greeting. We are happy you have joined us!
June 2024
Awareness Dates
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
National Hunger Awareness Month
National Safety Month
5 World Environment Day
8 Family Health & Fitness Day
9 Children’s Day
14 Flag Day
18 Autistic Pride Day
19 Juneteenth
School counselors need to know the community they serve. To provide the maximum opportunities for students, counselors are an important part of their community. Community leaders, businesses, non-profit organizations, part-time or full-time summer jobs, and alumni provide opportunities for students. Join your local Chamber of Commerce, fundraising activities with local non-profit organizations, attend events at local training programs for students, and keep contact with Alumni. In other words, knowledge of what is going on in your community and surrounding communities are important opportunities for development of your students.
Students are key to our success. However, keeping strong contacts in the community helps to bolster success with students. School counseling activities often take time beyond school hours.
The following articles, with embedded videos, encompass the use of Digital Media in an engaging and useful manner for students and School Counselors. Digital media is useful in the field of Counseling to educate, train, improve, and entertain.
One of the ways to document success in School Counseling is to bring into the school successful role models. Role Models, with career expertise, serve to promote the field of Career Counseling. Digital Media TV shows underline the importance of careers by successful role models in the community. This is an important method of documenting careers to interested students. Students may ask questions and listen to individual stories to gain important career information.
History of Success
By Judith Josephs, Ed.D. and MASCA Retiree
mission at Salem State University is to offer possible career pathways, completion of college in a reasonable time, and provides opportunity for further education in graduate school. For example, a psychology major might further their education in School Counseling (Ed. M.), Master of Social Work (MSW), or Licensed Mental Health Counseling (LMHC).
Salem State University has the only Vice President of Hispanic Serving Institute Initiatives and Minority Serving Institutes Initiatives. President Keenan places a strong emphasis on working with an underserved population to ensure that all students have an opportunity of achieving their goals to obtain a degree, to enter the workforce, and to go to graduate school, if they choose.
The THEMES in this tape include an important issue. SSU is the only Public 4-year University on the North Shore. Paid Internships, Clinical Opportunities, and Practicums offer students experiential, hands-on opportunities. The Fair Share Act provides the most affordable times for college students. Spanish students are the fastest growing demographics on North Shore. There is value in a Liberal Arts Education. The video highlights state of art SIMS Labs, Cyber Range on Campus, and that 40% of Pell students receive free college tuition. The most popular majors are Business, Psychology, Nursing, Criminal Justice, and Education.
on Investment is a major focus at NSCC. The debt to cost ratio is kept as low as possible. NSCC focuses on applied degrees and non-degree workforce development programs. NSCC provides students with long term support after graduation to help them to
obtain good jobs. Mass Hire Agents are located within the college grounds. Cooperative Education, Internships and other forms of work-based learning play a big role in bolstering student success. When it comes to student placement and earnings after graduation, NSCC creates opportunities for students in work-based learning to promote student greater career success. Multiple and consistent opportunities are provided for graduates to acquire new skills that will ensure their long -term success in the workplace.
The THEMES highlighted in the video include the importance of the new Life Science and Nursing Building with its state-of-the-art equipment. The need for nurses in Massachusetts is so great that a free community college Nursing Scholarship Program is being offered for the Fall, 2024 school year. There is an emphasis at NSCC on career opportunities for students.
VIDEO #3 The REAL Program (READING, EDUCATION, ASSISTANCE, AND LEARNING) highlights Early Childhood Education at North Shore Community College (NSCC). Jan Plourde, Director, and Founder of the REAL Program, provides an off campus educational opportunity for NSCC students to work with early childhood students from the Brickett School in Lynn. Jan Plourde is a Professor at North Shore Community College.
The REAL program serves underprivileged students from Lynn to help them learn and love reading and offers them before and after school opportunities for extending parental initiatives. Parent participation is an important part of the REAL program. This video demonstrates that three students who were in the program have continued their ed(continued next page)
VIDEO #1 Salem State University (SSU) President John Keenan. President Keenan (SSU) highlights that the
VIDEO #2 North Shore Community College (NSCC) Dean Walter Stone. Return
Success
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ucation, and two students will become Early Childhood teachers. Three students have proved their affinity for the program by keeping in contact with Jan Plourde and the Program for many years. The program highlights three students who are working with the REAL Program and have been attending college. There is an off campus, experiential program for NSCC students to work with early childhood students. On the tv program, one NSCC student will complete an associate degree and gain experience with early childhood students. A second student is graduating from North Shore Community College and is accepted at Salem State University in the Early Childhood Program, and the third NSCC alumni student will graduate from the University of Mass/Lowell and receive his bachelor’s degree. All these students have worked in the REAL Program and continued their education in college. Highlighting successful students is evidence of success in this Laboratory School for North Shore Community College. Students who benefited from the REAL program have stayed in touch with the program for many years. The successful evidence of the program are these three students who continue to work with the program.
The THEMES of the program are helping underprivileged children with reading, experiential learning, hands-on education, Campus Work Study, Early Childhood Education, importance of books, and highlighting literacy. North Shore Community college helps students achieve many important goals. The REAL program focuses on students and their parents.
Program, Taylor Haberek, Lynn Police Department Bicycle Patrol Officer, and Amy LaFontaine STAR Program Graduate.
STAR Program offers resources and a safe place for justice involved individuals to go if they are having difficulty with substance abuse issues or need additional resources to keep from getting into trouble. The Bicycle Police Officers in Lynn and Lawrence attempt to keep young adults from getting into trouble by providing resources that might help them in their time of need. STAR stands for Supporting Transitions and Reentry Program. One objective is to help to offer a path to successful reentry into the community. The STAR Program offers a safe place for people to go who may need help to avoid problems in the Community. This program shows the new initiatives of the Sheriff’s office to add resources and new community partnerships to help prevent justice involved individuals from returning to jail and to keep them from new problems by providing needs that they may have.
This is a mental health counseling program to keep adults and students from getting into trouble. Stacie Bloxham (Ed. M) (LMHC) is a mental health counselor providing counseling at a safe location. Bicycle police patrol downtown areas of the cities to find troubled individuals and help them to find resources to keep them out of trouble. This is an outstanding mental health program. Stacie Bloxham is the counselor at the STAR Program location to help keep people out of jail and to keep them from returning to jail. This is an excellent mental health program to provide a safe place for people who have an addiction problem and need a safe place to go. Resources are provided to keep people from reverting to addiction problems.
The THEMES of the STAR Program are highlighting an award-winning initiative. Bicycle Police Officers provide resources to city teens and adults needing help to stay out of trouble. Seventy per cent of justice involved individuals have substance abuse issues. A success story was told by STAR graduate indicating the importance of counseling support and a safe place to go when addiction becomes an issue. Amy LaFontaine offers a compelling story of her need to return to the STAR location for help to
stay away from drugs. Mental health counseling is an important initiative for the increase in addiction in our community. Stacie Bloxham provides mental health counseling at the STAR safe location.
VIDEO #5 Economic Development, Job Creation, Disability Mentorship
Jim Cowdell, the Executive Director of the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC), speaks about the new GATEWAY to Lynn and the North Shore. Beauty and Ink, a permanent makeup apprenticeship focused on entrepreneurial opportunities and disability mentorship. Traci Dastou is a vendor for the Mass Rehabilitation Commission and offers mentorship services to people with disabilities in a field in which they may prosper. Noah Maslan, City Planner from MIT, and Eden Properties, oversees real estate development activities. The South Harbor Project will offer many career opportunities for Lynn students and the entire North Shore. Noah Maslan, City Planner, graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Eden Properties Senior Planner, oversees the planning of this immense project. The South Harbor Project will offer many career opportunities for students.
The THEMES of the show include economic development in the community, large-scale job development, and helping mentor individuals with a disability. There will be tremendous recreational activities in an 8-acre waterfront park. The South Harbor Project is the largest business development in the history of Lynn. School Counselors need to know that this resource will offer Lynn and the North Shore many opportunities for students in their future careers. Mass Rehabilitation Association works with Traci Dastou, Beauty and Ink owner, offering mentorship and career opportunity for disabled clients.
VIDEO #4 The STAR Program includes Sheriff Coppinger, 31st Sheriff of Essex County, Stacie Bloxham, Mental Health Counselor and Director of STAR
Implementing the MA Model 3.0: A Framework for ComprehensiveSchool Counseling Programs
by Helen O'Donnell, Ed.D, MASCA
MA Model Committee, 3.0 Writing Team Co-Chair, PD Institute Trainer
As our calendars turn to June, it is time to assess the impact of our programs by analyzing collected data and identify gaps to meet data-supported student needs. An essential part of this cycle is the ASSESS component, which is a key part of continual strengthening of comprehensive school counseling programs. The June cycle happens every year, but frequently program reflection does not include data findings, document student achievement of curriculum or program end goals, or used to guide and support action planning initiatives.
W-What are your annual program outcome targets or Ed. Evaluation SMART goals?
R-Review student achievement data of school counseling program or curriculum end goals.
A-Assist students with Tier 2 & 3 supports to achieve program or curriculum end goals.
P-Promote MyCAP portfolio development to reflect academic year CCR experiences and post high school planning.
A-Analyze compiled data to assess on-going student achievement of program goals.
S-Survey stakeholders about program and curriculum needs to
gather diverse feedback.
S-Sort survey responses by categories (students, administration, community, staff).
E-Evaluate responses and edit end goals, if needed.
S-Select and develop interventions that will strengthen programming and curriculum.
S-Summarize results of your assessment in a MARC Jr. document. (Note: Guided mentoring is availa ble. See below)
P-Present results (MARC Jr. )to your department, administration, and stakeholders.
L-Lesson and curriculum development should close identified instructional gaps.
A-Advocate for your data-supported Action Planning goals and plan implementation.
N-Now you are ready for fall. Take a summer break and relax.
Are you ready for some PD to assist with assessment? Grab your data. Let’s get started! Guided professional development mentoring is available with the capstone goal of creating your MARC Jr. (MA Accountability Report Card) Reach out to helenod@att.net (MA
Model PD in the email subject line) who will answer questions and help you register for MASCA PDP’s or graduate coursework.
PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE UNTIL JUNE 24TH OR FUNDS DEPLETED. Note: Additional PD opportunities also available.
• Be Accountable and Data
Informed (Independent PD, but guided mentoring available.)
Includes viewing several webinars, zoom/google meet sessions, individual consultations.
Outcome goal: Action Plan. Capstone project:: completion of MARC Jr. document.
• Counselors in K-12 Classrooms: Action Research and Program Assessment
MA Model Graduate Classes: Syllabi Summary available on request helenod@att.net
Summer session registration open. Classes scheduled at convenience of registrant/s. Course ends 12/31/24. Grade posted as soon as coursework completed. Registration $450 includes 45 MASCA PDP’s OR Additional $295 to earn 3 Graduate Credits from Fitchburg State University).
The mission of MASCA is to promote excellence in the school counseling profession by advocating for, connecting, supporting, and empowering school counselors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through leadership, collaboration, and professional development. Visit us on the web at www.MASCA.org
MASCA deeply values its diverse membership and is fully committed to creating an organization where each individual is welcomed, included, respected and empowered. No person will be excluded from MASCA on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation or military status, or for any other discriminatory reason.
These activities include, but are not limited to, appointment of its Governing Board, hiring or firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and the providing of services.
