Counselor's Notebook, September 2010

MASCA

MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION

VOL. 47, NO. 1

Golden Past / Platinum Future (1961-2011)

By CAROLYN RICHARDS MASCA President

CAROLYN RICHARDS

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all is a particularly resonant time for those of us working in educational settings with students and families. It is a time to reconnect and to share adventurous summer stories; a time to renew, energized by crisp fall weather; and a time of fresh possibility.

Speaking as both MASCA president and as a professional school counselor, it is with great pride that I tell you about a number of exciting recent developments in and for the school counseling profession.

On the national scene, ASCA leaders participated in “20/20: A Vision for the Future of Counseling,” a representative process in which thirty counseling associations and organizations worked over a span of three years to identify where the counseling profession wants to be in the year 2020 and what it will take to get there.

This past July at the College Board AP Conference in Washington, D.C., U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan presented “The Three Myths of High School Reform” to the conference participants.

In his presentation, Secretary Duncan referred to school counselors six times, and he directed attention to school counselors “owning their turf when it comes to college- and career-readiness counseling.”

He went on to state that school counselors should be leading advocates for students pursuing two- and four-year col-

lege degrees. And he pointed out that, nationally, there is roughly one guidance counselor for every 475 students. Such impossible caseloads, he said, and the antiquated conception of the role of counselors force many counselors to spend much of their time on non-guidance tasks.

Thank you, Secretary Duncan, for thinking of us, including us, and bringing attention to our changing role!

Locally, here in Massachusetts, MASCA leaders have been invited to participate on several state-wide committees. These include the College Readiness Project, Federal High School Graduation Initiative Grant Leadership Council, and DESE Performance Appraisal Task Force. These committees give professional school coun(continued on page 5)

SEPTEMBER 2010

Paying tribute to a school counselor

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id you have a school counselor whom you admired? Did a school counselor encourage you to accomplish your goals and follow your dreams? Do you want to express your appreciation?

You have an opportunity to pay tribute to a school counselor who has made a positive difference in your life or the lives of other students. Sign up and post your tribute on MASCA’s website, www.masca.org.

To start, click on 50th Birthday School Counseling Tributes. Tributes will be posted on the website; and during the MASCA Spring Conference in April 2011, these counselors will be honored at the 50th Birthday Reception.

Submissions are welcome from students, graduates, school systems, MASCA affiliates, and others. For more information, go to www.masca.org. ■

Massachusetts School Counselors Association 2010 Fall Conference • October 26, 2010 Holiday Inn, Boxboro TENTATIVE AGENDA 7:00 a.m.

• Registration – Exhibit Hall – Breakfast Buffet

50

2011

YEARS

8:30 a.m.

• Welcome • MARC and MARC Jr. Awards

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9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Keynoter: Dr. Carol Kaffenberger, Author of ASCA’s Making Data Work Workbook • Exhibit Hall – Concurrent Workshops 12:00 – 1:15 p.m.

• Luncheon Keynoter: DESE Commissioner Mitchell Chester 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.

• Regina Williams Tate, Esq., MA Anti-Bully Legislation and Implementation Mandates

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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

2010 – 2011 MASCA OFFICERS

MASCA

PRESIDENT CAROLYN RICHARDS Somerville High School 81 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143 Tel. 617-625-6600 x 6120 • Fax 617-628-8413 E-mail: cspangev@comcast.net PRESIDENT-ELECT MICHELLE BURKE 100 Sohier Road Beverly, MA 01915-2654 E-mail: mburke@beverlyschools.org PAST PRESIDENT CHRISTINE A. EVANS East Bridgewater High School 11 Plymouth Street, East Bridgewater, MA 02333 Tel. 508-378-5851 • Fax 508-378-8236 E-mail: cspangev@comcast.net VICE PRESIDENT ELEMENTARY JACQUELINE BROWN East Somerville Community School 42 Prescott Street, Somerville, MA 02143 Tel. 617-625-6600 x 6517 • Fax 617-591-7906 E-mail: jbrown@k12.somerville.ma.us 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 Tel. 508-533-3228 x 5107 • Fax 508-533-3246 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 RUTH CARRIGAN Whitman-Hanson Regional High School 600 Franklin Street, Whitman, MA 02382 Tel. 781-618-7434 • Fax 781-618-7098 E-mail: ruth.carrigan@whrsd.org VICE PRESIDENT COUNSELOR EDUCATORS THERESA A. COOGAN, Ph.D. Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, MA 02325 Tel. 508-531-2640 E-mail: theresa.coogan@bridgew.edu VICE PRESIDENT RETIREES RALPH SENNOTT P.O. Box 1391, Westford, MA 01886 Tel. 978-692-8244 E-mail: ralphsennott@hotmail.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DONNA M. BROWN Adjunct Professor, UMass Boston P.O. Box 366, 779 Center Street Bryantville, MA 02327 Tel. 781-293-2835 E-mail: dbrownmasca@gmail.com TREASURER TINA KARIDOYANES P.O. Box 1007, Monument Beach, MA 02553 Tel. 508-759-3986 E-mail: tkaridoyanes@gmail.com SECRETARY JENNIFER JUST McGUIRE Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School 220 Sandwich Road, Bourne, MA 02532 Tel. 508-759-7711 x 247 • Fax 508-759-5455 E-mail: jmcguire@uppercapetech.org MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR DEBORAH CLEMENCE P.O. Box 805, East Dennis, MA 02641 E-mail: DeborahClemence@verizon.net COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK EDITOR SALLY ANN CONNOLLY 19 Bayberry Road, Danvers, MA 01923 Tel. 978-774-8158 • Fax 978-750-8154 E-mail: sallyconnolly@att.net

SEPTEMBER 2010

September 2010

inside 4 6 8 9 14

Government Relations Committee Advocates for Members

By Bob Bardwell

“Wicked Awesome”: The ASCA Conference in Boston

By Donna Brown

Graduate Students: Get Involved in Your Profession

By Bethany Ortenzi

Publication Opportunity for Graduate Students

By Theresa A. Coogan

MASCA Professional Development News

By Helen C. O’Donnell

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MASCA Fall Conference Registration

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People, Places, and Programs

Published by: Massachusetts School Counselors Association 10 issues per year, September through June. The yearly subscription rate is $30.00. Individual copies are $3.00.

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.

Questions concerning submission of articles, publication deadlines, advertising rates, etc., should be addressed to Sally Ann Connolly, Editor.

www.masca.org

©2010 by the Massachusetts School Counselors Association.

All rights reserved.

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Government Relations Committee advocates for members

By BOB BARDWELL MASCA Government Relations Committee Chair

BOB BARDWELL

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he Government Relations Committee continues to be busy, promoting school counseling in the State House as well as with the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education and in the general public.

We have been monitoring HB 4523, the bill to study the possible implementation of mandatory career plans for all Massachusetts students, not just vocational students. The Committee worked during the summer to encourage mem-

bers to call their state legislators so that the bill would be voted out of the House Ways & Means Committee before the formal session ended on July 31.

As of press time, there was no action on the bill. While it could be voted on the floor in an informal session after July 31, there are no guarantees, if there are objections of legislators. The Committee is working with Rep. Todd Smola (RPalmer), a member of the Ways & Means Committee, to learn more about the legislative process and how to advance the bill, if not in the formal session, as a formal bill in the 2011-2012 session.

MASCA survey The committee conducted a survey of the MASCA membership to determine the interest level of various topics that we have been addressing. The top five responses that had either a combined strongly agree or agree response rate of 75% or higher include: • Advocating for DESE to provide professional development funding for training counselors in MA Model.

• Drafting a job description that reflects the transformed role of the school counselor.

• Providing professional development to school counselors in the lowest performing schools.

• Making changes regarding graduate program approval to include items such as the MA Model.

• Informing DESE about how school counselors can assist bullying legislation.

DESE collaboration Gail Okerman and Sharon Greenholt have been working diligently to identify the best ways to be of assistance to DESE in regard to the bullying legislation and how it will impact each school in the state.

They are working on a training module as well a resource list for the MASCA website. This list would reference best practices and resources around bullying.

Members of the Committee have also been involved with the work with Commissioner Chester and his participation in the August Leadership Development Institute (LDI).

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Leadership Forum We are moving forward with plans for a March 2011 Leadership Forum on Beacon Hill similar to last year, although we hope to have a keynote speaker to draw in both new people and returnees. An exact date will be confirmed soon.

State-level coalition Massachusetts will be serving as a model to help the other New England states develop a state-level coalition that impacts school counseling at the state level.

Lori Fresina, our grassroots organizer, will lead an advocacy training session on Saturday, November 20, as part of the ASCA North Atlantic Regional meeting in Norwood. NEACAC is paying her to do this training as well as a one-day follow-up in each of the other New England states. Although this doesn’t impact MASCA directly, we hope to serve as a model and inspiration about how to do what we have done and sustain it.

If anyone would like to attend this training, please contact me.

MASCA will continue its contract with M+R Associates, in particular with Fresina, to continue her involvement on a monthly basis with the coalition. She will assist us with our advocacy efforts during the 2010-11 school year.

Strengthening legislative contacts Additionally, we want to continue building the list of liaisons for each of the legislative districts in the Commonwealth.

The goal is to have a list of members who, when notified about an important legislative event concerning school counseling, will contact legislators in their home district. If the Government Relations Committee has quick and easy access to such a list of willing volunteers, we can be assured that all 200 legislators will receive legislative updates in a swift and efficient manner. This was started last year but did not get very far.

If you would like to join the Government Relations Committee or the Massachusetts School Counseling Coalition, or if you have any questions, please let me know. All are welcome. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

GOLDEN PAST (continued from page 1) selors a seat at the table.

MASCA’s Day on the Hill brought MASCA leaders and legislators together to work on the six-year career plan. And in May, just weeks after the Massachusetts School Bullying Prevention legislation was passed, MASCA leaders met with DESE staff to discuss how MASCA could support its implementation.

MASCA leaders will continue to forge promising partnerships and have a voice in shaping policy that affects how school counselors fit into educational reform efforts and initiatives.

MASCA turns 50 In 2011, MASCA celebrates fifty years strong — a tribute to all its past leaders, from the very first president, Bernard White, to the most recent, Christine Evans.

All of them have worked tirelessly along with committee chairs, affiliate leaders, and executive directors to bring the organization and school counseling to where they are today.

Moving forward with MASCA To continue the momentum, there is much work still to be done. I invite each of you to reflect on what YOU have to offer MASCA and find a way to contribute.

MASCA is at its best when we work in partnership to build bridges of learning and change and ensure the vibrancy, vitality, and vision of our profession. No matter what you choose to do, know that you have the opportunity to write the next chapter in MASCA’s story.

Furthermore, I challenge each MASCA member to reach out to a school counselor who is not currently a MASCA member and personally encourage that counselor to join. If each one of us brought one new member, we would double our membership and strengthen our voice.

To help spread the message of MASCA’s important work, Executive Director Donna Brown, Past President Christine Evans, President-elect Michelle Burke, and I plan to visit each affiliate.

This year can be a year of organizational as well as personal and professional growth. Together with our partners, we have the extraordinary power to transform the school counseling profession.

Won’t you join us! ■ SEPTEMBER 2010

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“Wicked Awesome”: The ASCA Conference in Boston

By DONNA BROWN MASCA Executive Director

F

rom the pre-conference workshops to the final keynote, “Owning Up: Creating a Culture of Dignity in Your School and Classroom” by Rosalind Wiseman, the 2010 ASCA Annual Conference, Celebrate School Counseling, held in Boston, July 3-6, was AWESOME! Offering over 100 workshops, a full schedule of preconference opportunities, inspiring keynoters, and an expanded exhibit hall, the ASCA Conference provided professional development, intellectual challenges, and good fellowship.

In good part, the conference was successful because of several of MASCA’s dedicated members. Jennifer Lisk, MASCA VP Secondary, served as the Onsite Chair while Kate Salas served as the Program Chair. Jenn and Katie coordinated the facilitators for all workshops, ensured presenters had what they needed, collected workshop evaluations, and organized workshop materials for ASCA. Jenn

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also assigned MASCA volunteers, solicited goodie giveaways, provided ticket takers for events, staffed the Massachusetts information table, and generally acted as the “answer lady.”

Conference workshops Additionally, there were several MASCA and Massachusetts presenters.

• MASCA VP Counselor Educators Theresa Coogan, Ph.D., and Victoria Bacon, Ed.D., of Bridgewater State College, offered “Technology as a Tool for Instruction.”

• From UMass Boston, Felicia Wilczenski, Ed.D, Amy Cook, MASCA Past President, Katie Gray, and Robert Gracia, Ph.D., presented “Urban Partnerships for Educational Equity.” Their program provided a model for collaboration between an urban school and the neighboring school counseling preparation program.

• “Using Data in Your College Ad-

mission Counseling Program” was shared

by MASCA Past President Sheila Deam and MASCA Past President and ASCA Secondary Level Vice President Bob Bardwell.

• Tim Poynton, Ed.D., of Suffolk University, assisted by several counselors from across the country including MASCA Past President Jennifer Just McGuire, showed how the EZAnalyze Time Tracker can be used by school counselors in “Tracking Your Time.”

• Another MASCA Past President, Jan Tkaczyk, an adjunct at UMass Boston, demonstrated “Accelerated Learning: Learn by Doing,” a hands-on workshop that gave attendees some classroom strategies for immediate use.

• Rich Lapan, Ph.D., of UMass Amherst, made two presentations: (1) “PLAN for College Readiness, Access and Success,” with Patricia Carbone, Master Teacher/Trainer, Teach to the Future with Technology and Thinkfinity; and (2) an extended session breakout focusing on comprehensive school counseling program implementation entitled “And the Studies Say…” This session was presented with Jay Carey, Ph.D., Director of CSCOR at UMass Amherst, Carey Dimmitt, Ph.D., Associate Director of CSCOR, and Norm Gysbers, Ph.D., Professor with Distinction at University of Missouri—Columbia.

• Senior Research Fellow, Karen Harrington of CSCOR, UMass Amherst, explained the research-based “Possible Selves Theory in Career Development.”

• “The Springfield Story: From Policy to Practice” workshop shared the experiences of the superintendent and district school counseling supervisors in implementing a new, data-based plan for the 140 school counselors and 26,000 students in Springfield in one year. Workshop presenters were Carol Dahir, Ed.D., Associate Professor, New York Institute of Technology; Yolanda Johnson, Director of Student Support Services, Springfield Public Schools; and Sonia Dinnall, Acting Supervisor of Student Support Services, Springfield Public Schools.

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

• Mara Schanfield, a school counselor in Cambridge, offered “Advisory: A Schoolwide Intervention.”

• School-based clinician and consultant Carol Wintle of Belmont presented the timely “Bullying: New Approaches to an Old Problem.”

The rest of the workshops offered attendees a variety of options from introductory training in the ASCA Model to discussions about wellness programs in international schools. Bullying, data use, the ASCA Model, social media, and Web 2.0 were among the many topics addressed. If anything, there were too many choices!

learned about scholarship opportunities, credit recovery, character education programs, colleges, test prep, and a myriad of other helpful, interesting things.

I collected brochures, bought books, chatted with exhibitors, and gathered an impressive collection of bags, pens, and other give-aways. I was blown away by some of the resources. Kimochis, funny little plush toys, are designed to help children understand their feelings. The plush characters are engaging, but the research-based curriculum that accom-

panies them is wonderful. Film Clips for Character Education was another “wow” resource.

One of the very special events at the conference was the ASCA Awards Recognition Dinner. This year, Massachusetts and MASCA were especially proud as Agawam High School’s Susan Schoenberger accepted the first-ever RAMP award.

Later in the program, Agawam Public School’s Superintendent, Mary Czajkowski, Ed.D., was named Advocate of the Year. Congratulations, Agawam! ■

Conference greeters The conference opened with greetings from ASCA president Pat Nailor and a welcome to Massachusetts by MASCA President Christine Evans.

Conference keynotes The first of three conference keynoters was Sonia Manzano, who plays Maria on Sesame Street. Her talk, “Sesame Street and Children’s Emotions: From Spilt Milk to Military Deployment — Helping Children Deal With Change and Crisis,” traced Sesame Street’s identification and handling of children’s issues for the past forty years from anxiety to divorce. She was funny and poignant as she shared her experiences as Maria and discussed the impact of the show and her character on millions of children.

Dr. Norm Gysbers of the University of Missouri was the second keynoter.

He held the audience’s attention as he presented his talk “Remembering the Past, Shaping the Future,” a capsule history of school counseling in America. A dynamic storyteller, Dr. Gysbers informed and entertained as he shared the 100-year history of our profession. Indeed, the first national “guidance” conference was held in Boston 100 years ago.

The third keynoter, Rosalind Wiseman, was the final presenter at the conference.

Her “Owning Up: Creating a Culture of Dignity in Your School and Classroom” was an overview of the philosophy and practices of the “Owning Up” curriculum.

Another wonderful resource was the exhibit hall, which featured exhibitors, ASCA bookstore, a cyber café, and a place to gather with old and new friends. I SEPTEMBER 2010

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Graduate Students: Get Involved in Your Profession

By BETHANY ORTENZI Bridgewater State College Alumna, Class of 2010

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hen the idea of presenting the research from my independent study at a professional conference was introduced to me, my immediate response was, “But I’m a graduate student. I’m not ready.

No one cares what I have to say.”

I see now that this gut reaction reflected my doubt that I would fit in at a conference where the other presenters would be practicing school counselors and counselor educators, who actually had experience with the topics they presented.

After presenting at not one but two professional conferences in two months, however, it goes without saying that my back-peddling attempt was fruitless. And

I’m glad it was.

I began my independent study experience because of my interest with research, and I wanted to get involved with an ongoing project during my master’s program. Completion of a research project or a master’s thesis is not a requirement for my program; this was an additional experience I was interested in pursuing.

I spoke with one of my faculty members about my interest and asked if there were any opportunities that I could be a part of while I was a student, and there were. I accepted an offer to team with a faculty member on an existing research

“The Intern’s Tale” A new column in the Counselor’s Notebook Join in the storytelling!

project that was examining perceptions of the professional school counselor’s role.

In our research, we wanted to shift the focus from practicing school counselors to graduate students in school counseling programs and educational leadership programs. By taking this vantage point, we sought to capture differences in the perceptions of the school counselor’s role at the training level. We assumed, for example, that if principal/superintendents -to-be hold inappropriate assumptions during their training and carry these assumptions into practice, professional school counselors will have a very hard time implementing best practices.

In addition, we wanted to look at professional identity development and program accreditation.

My role in this research project included co-editing the IRB application and the questionnaires as well as presenting a poster presentation and a session at two conferences.

A lesson for students So, graduate students, what should you take away from this?

I have found that, as in research studies, there are risks and benefits. By getting more involved in professional development and research you might be taken a bit out of your comfort zone. I definitely was. But, as cliché as it might sound, this risk actually has a huge benefit. You have an opportunity to grow and learn about both your profession and your abilities.

Other benefits include networking opportunities (so important in this economy), practical experience, a better understanding of your professional identity as a professional school counselor, resume boosters, and more.

I absolutely recommend that you get involved with professional development opportunities and/or research opportunities. Attend and participate in conferences. Join local, state, and national organizations. Learn all you can about your intended profession as a school counselor.

Good luck, and know that people do care about your unique perspective. ■

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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

Publication Opportunity for Graduate Students

By THERESA A. COOGAN, Ph.D. MASCA VP Counselor Educators

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ttention all School Counseling Graduate Students! I am excited to announce that the Counselor’s Notebook will be including a NEW column specifically designed with graduate students in mind. This column — “The Intern’s Tale”— will begin in October, and it will be showcased in four issues throughout the upcoming year.

This is a wonderful opportunity for graduate students, especially those who are at the internship phase of their training, to share some of the exciting experiences and knowledge they have pertaining to the field, and earn a professional publication for their resume as well. The column was designed to provide students with a professional forum to share and learn some of the innovative techniques, skills, and approaches in practice at schools across the Commonwealth.

Ideas of topics students could focus on include, but are not limited to: personal experiences and professional learning to improve training; exercises and activities to improve working relationships with students, parents, teachers, faculty/staff, administration, and the community; the use of technology as a tool to assist students to achieve their goals in school; curriculum development; implementation of the MASCA model or the ASCA national model; advocacy for the school counselor’s role; and innovative practices implementing any element of delivery (e.g., large group guidance, small groups, individual, etc.).

The Notebook will publish “The Intern’s Tale” quarterly, October, January, April, and June. Submission deadlines for these issues are September 1, December 1, March 1, and May 1, respectively. There are three main types of manuscripts students may choose to prepare for this column. They include: position papers, experiential papers, and theoretical applications. Descriptions for each of these types of papers are included in the “Author’s Guidelines,” which can be located in the Counselor’s Notebook section of the MASCA website.

Similar to the expectations of professional journals in our field, all manuscripts considered for publication in this column must meet the “Author’s GuideSEPTEMBER 2010

lines.” Please feel free to direct any clarifying questions to me at theresa.coogan @bridgew.edu. All final submissions for consideration will be submitted to the column’s e-mail address as described in the “Author’s Guidelines.”

I encourage all graduate students to reflect back on your experiences and the hard work you have done thus far, and

consider sharing some of your learning with your peers and colleagues through this professional forum. All students are encouraged to seek out a faculty mentor to assist them with preparing their manuscript. Faculty mentors may be college/ university faculty or internship site supervisors.

Tell us your tale! ■

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MASCA introduces Emerging Leaders 2010-2011

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s we begin a new academic year, MASCA is pleased to introduce its new Emerging Leaders (ELs). They are Peggy Fallon, Maggie Folli, Albert Mercado, Kristin Puleo, and Dina Sibilia.

The Emerging Leaders (EL) program was approved in 2007 by the MASCA Governing Board. Its main goal is to identify potential leaders within the school counseling profession in Massachusetts and get them involved with MASCA. Emerging leaders have to be a professional school counselor and MASCA member, have not been an elected or appointed Governing Board member, and have a desire to give back to our profession.

ELs must present at a MASCA sponsored conference, attend a Governing Board meeting and one of the affiliate meetings, join one of the MASCA committees, write articles for the Counselor’s Notebook, and participate in EL trainings. In return, ELs receive a free one-year MASCA membership, reduced conference registration, and free leadership training.

Peggy Fallon Peggy is entering her second year as a counselor at Westfield High School. A graduate of the UMass Boston women’s studies and anthropology programs and the UMass Amherst school counseling program, Peggy worked in the Student Development Office at Fitchburg State before being hired in Westfield. She is a certified rape crisis counselor and edu-

cator advocate as well as having been a cross-country and girls track coach. In her free time she and her husband are renovating their new home and enjoying the outdoors.

at Clinton High School and was an ESL teacher before that. Albert and his staff are actively implementing the MA Model in Milford. This summer he attended the World Cup in South Africa.

Maggi Folli Beginning her fifth year as a school counselor at Belchertown High School, Maggi completed her undergraduate degree in athletic training at Springfield College.

At Springfield she also earned her school counseling credentials and worked as a graduate assistant in the Admission Office while earning her master’s degree.

Recently, she completed her CAGS in school administration at American International College. Maggie is the junior class co-advisor and was the honorary graduation speaker in 2009. Maggie was honored as the Rising Star in 2010 by Western Massachusetts Counselors Association (WMCA).

Kristin Puleo A certified school counselor in Connecticut, California, and Massachusetts, Kristin is entering her third year at Westfield High School. She earned an undergraduate degree in biological and chemical sciences at Wells College, before earning her school counseling degree at Springfield College.

She worked briefly as a school counselor at Casa Grande High School in Petaluma, California, before returning to Western Massachusetts. At Westfield, Kristin has been instrumental in moving the school towards MA Model Implementation as well as providing college related opportunities to all students.

Albert Mercado Entering his tenth year as a school counselor, Albert Mercado works at Milford High School as the Guidance, Career and Academic Enhancement Supervisor. He completed his school counseling graduate work at Cambridge College and his undergraduate degree in Education/History at Fitchburg State College. He also completed a certificate in college counseling through UCLA. Prior to working at Milton, Albert worked as a school counselor

SAVE THE DATE! April 10 -12, 2011 MASCA Spring Conference and 50th Birthday Celebration Exhibit Hall • Events • Concurrent Workshops Receptions • Awards Sunday Welcome Keynoter: Dr. Norm Gysbers Comprehensive Guidance Program Model 10

Dina Sibilia Dina has been a school counselor at West Springfield High School for ten years, and she has been the sole counselor for all ninth grade students for the past five years. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology at Westfield State College. Prior to working at West Side, she was a fifth grade teacher and behavioral specialist. Dina is the team facilitator for the Terrier House, which means coordinating team meetings, designing and implementing team goals, and reporting data to the administration. She is a graduate of the MASCA MA Model Institute and holds a National Board of Certified Counselors Certificate.

This year the EL’s will join the MASCA MA Model Committee. They will help promote the implementation of the Model across the state by providing resources and examples of best practices. All five have already begun their involvement by attending their first MA Model Committee meeting. We are certain that they will provide energy and excitement for both the MA Model Committee and MASCA. Welcome aboard.

If you have any questions about the Emerging Leaders Program, please contact Bob Bardwell at bardwellr@ monsonschools.com or at 413-267-4589 x1107. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

SEPTEMBER 2010

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Bullying Prevention and Intervention in Public and Non-Public Schools

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n May 3, 2010, Governor Patrick signed into law comprehensive legislation to address bullying in public and non-public schools. An Act Relative to Bullying in Schools, Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010, requires school leaders to create and implement strategies to prevent bullying, and to address bullying promptly and effectively when it occurs. The law, which took effect immediately upon signing, includes timelines for a number of activities to be undertaken by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and schools for the 2010-2011 school year.

KEY REQUIREMENTS Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plans • Each school district, charter school, non-public school, Department-approved private special education school, and collaborative school must create a Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (Plan) that prohibits bullying, cyberbullying, and retaliation. The Plan is to include information on reporting, notice to parents and guardians, notice to law enforcement as necessary, and counseling strategies and procedures for creating safety plans for victims. Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plans must be updated every other year. (See M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, added by Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.)

When developing the Plan, school districts, charter schools, Department-approved private special education schools, and collaborative schools must give notice and provide for a public comment period.

Non-public schools must allow for notice and a comment period for families that have a child attending the school.

• Public schools must amend school handbooks to include an age-appropriate summary of their new Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan. (See M.G.L. c. 71, §37H, as amended by Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.)

The Department is working in cooperation with the Department of Public Health, the Department of Mental Health, the Attorney General, the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association, and experts on bullying, to create a model bul-

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lying prevention and intervention plan.

(See M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O(j), as added by Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.) The Department will post this model plan on its website this summer.

By September 30, 2010, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education must adopt regulations to implement the new law's requirements regarding principals' duty to report instances of bullying or retaliation to parents and guardians, and to law enforcement when necessary.

Draft regulations will be available for public comment this summer.

Internet Safety • Public schools (including school districts, charter schools, and collaboratives) that provide computer access to students must have an internet safety policy to protect students from inappropriate materials and subject matter. The policy, and standards and rules enforcing it, must be determined by the school committee in cooperation with the superintendent, or by the board of trustees of a charter school. Parents must be notified of the policy and related rules. (See M.G.L. c.

71, § 93, added by Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.)

Bullying Prevention Instruction • Each school district, charter school, Department-approved private special education school, and collaborative school is required to provide age-appropriate instruction on bullying prevention for students in each grade that is incorporated into the curriculum of the school or district. The curriculum must be evidencebased, and information about it must be made available to parents and guardians.

(See M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O(c), as added by Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.)

After consultation with other agencies and experts on bullying prevention and intervention, the Department will post on its website at www.doe.mass.edu/ssce/ bullying prevention and intervention resources, and throughout the summer will continue to update this information and include evidence-based curricula, best practices, and academic-based research.

The Department will also update these tools and resources biennially. (See M.G.L.

c. 71, § 37O(j), as added by Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.)

In addition, the Department will publish guidelines for the implementation of social and emotional learning curricula in grades kindergarten through 12, inclusive, by June 30, 2011.

Professional Development • School districts, charter schools, Department-approved private special education schools, and collaborative schools must implement, for all school staff, professional development that includes developmentally appropriate strategies for bullying prevention and intervention, research findings on bullying, and information on cyberbullying and internet safety.

(See M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O(d), as added by Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.)

The Department will provide schools with information on ways to fulfill the law's professional development requirements, including at least one resource that is available at no cost to schools. By August 31, 2010, the Department will issue a report on cost-effective professional development resources.

Requirements for Students with Disabilities • For students identified with a disability on the autism spectrum, the IEP Team must consider and specifically address the skills and proficiencies needed to avoid and respond to bullying, harassment, or teasing. (See M.G.L. c. 71B, § 3, as amended by Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.)

• Whenever the IEP Team evaluation indicates that a student’s disability affects social skills development, or when the student’s disability makes him or her vulnerable to bullying, harassment, or teasing, the IEP must address the skills and proficiencies needed to avoid and respond to bullying, harassment, or teasing. (See M.G.L. c. 71B, § 3, as amended

by Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.)

Guidance from the Department on implementing the new law for students with disabilities is forthcoming.

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Editor’s note: For implementation timelines, go to http://www.doe.mass.edu/ ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

SEPTEMBER 2010

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MASCA Professional Development News

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

A

s MASCA celebrates its 50th year, we salute and recognize the dedicated service provided by trained, licensed professional school counselors in Massachusetts schools. To keep current with our celebration plans, go to MASCA’s website and select the 50th Birthday logo.

Once there, you can read Oscar Krichmar’s reflections about the founding year of MASCA. These were originally published as a series in the Counselor’s Notebook.

To honor and recognize school counseling colleagues, both past and present, MASCA invites you to participate in TRIBUTES. Click on the TRIBUTES link on the website to read the details. For a donation of fifty dollars, you can post a fifty-word tribute about the impact of a school counselor. A photo is optional.

MASCA welcomes participation by colleagues, affiliates, schools, businesses, communities, families, and individuals.

It is never too late to say “thanks.”

This year, MASCA professional devel-

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opment at conferences, institutes, and workshops will focus on MA Model implementation, anti-bully initiatives, careerand college-readiness for all students, and other relevant topics planned by and for school counselors. As always, Certificates of Attendance/Evidence of Learning Forms will be available with registration packets. After a minimum of 10 hours of professional development, the certificates can be submitted to schools or MASCA for PDPs. MASCA’s protocol is posted on the website, where you can also find the most current updates on programs, conferences, and professional development.

Current and planned PD events include: • Fall Conference, October 26, Holiday Inn, Boxboro. Invite your principals and administrators to join school counseling colleagues for this PD event. Pay by credit card, check, or purchase order.

For frequent updates, go to MASCA’s website, www.masca.org. Keynoter: Dr. Carol Kaffenberger, author of ASCA’s

Making Data Work Workbook. Luncheon speaker: Dr. Mitchell Chester, DESE Commissioner. Afternoon Institute Trainer: Regina Williams Tate, Esq., Massachusetts anti-bully legislation and implementation mandates.

• Spring Conference, April 10-12, 2011, Crowne Plaza Boston North Shore.

TRIBUTES Reception to honor school counselors. Special 20th Birthday Celebration events at Monday luncheon.

If you want to be a conference sponsor—platinum, gold, silver, or bronze— or an exhibitor, check out the 2010-2011 packages posted on MASCA’s website.

Contact me at pdchair@masca.org.

• MA Model Summer 2010 Introductory and Advanced: Graciously hosted again by Dean College in Franklin, the Introductory Institute was attended by fifteen participants representing ten schools.

The Advanced Institute, hosted by Milford High School and Dean College, had eight attendees representing five schools.

Trainers for this cohort were Dr. Linda Dagradi, Donna Brown, and Dr. Helen O’Donnell. To hear about their implementation successes, visit the MA Model poster sessions at MASCA conferences.

• MA Model Fall 2010: under consideration.

• Website Listing of MA School Counselor Graduate Continuing Education (GCE) opportunities • Bully prevention materials submitted by colleagues for website posting.

Social skill development lessons, activities, and interventions for classroom programs. Check for specific topics, materials, and lessons.

• Afternoon workshops series on Bully Prevention: offered at several sites.

• Seminar for Emerging Guidance Directors: The PD committee is considering a spring 2011 course offering (pending graduate approval). This graduate seminar is being developed for and targeted to emerging guidance directors. The syllabus is being developed and the class will have sessions online and face-to-face.

• Website MA Model Tab: Materials available for all in addition to a secure section for MA Model Institute Participants (past and present) showcasing their initiatives. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

SEPTEMBER 2010

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50

2011

YEARS

MASCA Fall Conference Registration

1961

Building 21st Century Academic and Employability Skills Holiday Inn, Boxboro, MA • October 26, 2010 To qualify for member registration rates: MASCA membership must be current (i.e., paid) by 10/1/2010. POs are NOT considered paid.

To check your membership status: Counselor’s Notebook address label, webmaster@masca.org, or membership@masca.org.

• • • • • •

Request online registration: webmaster@masca.org. All registrations will be confirmed electronically.

Paper registration: Print clearly, one registration form per person. Mailed form MUST be accompanied by check or PO#.

Payment options: (1) online with credit cards (MC or Visa; no debit), (2) offline with check or purchase orders.

If you are employed as a full-time school counselor, you are NOT eligible for the graduate student rate.

Registrations after 10/22/2010 will be charged an additional $20 fee.

Refund policy: Written requests by 10/20 to pdchair@masca.org. A $20 processing fee will be charged. NO REFUNDS after 10/20 without written approval by conference chair (Ex., bereavement). Payment is expected for registrant non-attendance.

• Registrant name and work mailing addresses will be shared with select sponsors. To opt out: e-mail pdchair@masca.org.

• If you have special needs or require an accommodation, notify us by 10/20/2010.

• Hotel room reservations: Ask for MASCA rooms, 978-263-8701. For AV rentals, 978-263-8701.

First name __________________________ Last name____________________________________________ E-mail address: ______________________________________________ (required for automated on-line or registrar confirmations)

Preferred mailing address: School/Work (include school name) Home Check here if NEW address School _______________________________________________________________________________ Street address ________________________________________________________________________ City/town ______________________State ______ ZIP ____________ Phone_____________________ Position Title: ___________________________________________________ Elementary

Middle School

High School

Administrator

Registration Type (check category and options) 2010 registration includes: morning breakfast, snack, luncheon buffet, keynoter, workshops, exhibits, and afternoon Institute.

Early Bird Rate (ends 10/1/2010) MASCA member and on-line registration or 10/1 postmark Regular registration (after 10/1/2010) WALK-IN registration: Add $20 to total MASCA 2010-2011 PDPs: Add $25 to total PO processing fee: Add $10 per invoice Total Amount Due

TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED $____________

Retired

MASCA Professional Member by 10/1

Grad Student

Non-MASCA member

Counselor Educator

Retiree Graduate Student* (*not employed as a school counselor)

Member

Non-member

$115

$170

$ 60

$ 80

$125 $ 20 $ 25 $ 10

$180 $ 20 $ 25 $ 10

$ 70 $ 20 $ 25 $ 10

$ 90 $ 20 $ 25 $ 10

$_________

$_________

CHECK No.____________

$_________

$_________

**PURCHASE ORDER #________________

**For POs, you will be sent an invoice electronically for YOU to submit for payment via your school/business office protocol.

Make check payable to MASCA. Please list registrant names on PO and payments.

Mail to: Joe Fitzgerald, Registrar, 5 Progress Street, Weymouth, MA 02188 • registrar@masca.org

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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

ED’S VIEWS

By ED BRYANT, NCC MASCA Life Trustee Some final thoughts. How do we stand on a national English program for our schools? This academic year will be busy for MASCA. Will you pull or push the wagon, or just ride in the wagon?

Have a great school year. And remember: 21st Service Academies / ROTC Night, November 3, Danversport Yacht Club, 6:00 p.m. ■

Mark your calendar!

21st Service Academies/ ROTC Night Danversport Yacht Club November 3, 2010 6:00 p.m.

ED BRYANT

S

o far the summer has been a bummer for me: sick, hospital, physical therapy, cancer on the nose, bacteria in the left retina. Oh yeah, and time for the dentist. The “golden years”? The good Lord promised me 89 years. The YMCA will help me return to golf.

Summer is a good chance to read. Paul McQueary, a Rotarian in New Mexico, talks to fifth graders on the dangers of methamphetamine. He states that dealers lace candy with meth and give it to kids on school grounds to develop a clientele.

The Rotary Club founded “Don’t Meth With Us.” McQueary claims that users can become addicted the first time they try it. Meth is made from toxic materials such as antifreeze, drain cleaner, and battery acid, and it is more potent than cocaine. It is smoked, snorted, or injected and eats away brain tissue. Is meth a problem here?

On the lighter side. Mark Goulston, a psychiatrist, identifies signs of a “Jerk.”

It’s a toxic person who (1) interrupts, (2) doesn’t take turns, (3) takes advantage of people who are down, (4) gloats in victory, (5) is sullen in defeat, (6) is not fair, (7) lacks integrity, and (8) is the kind of person you will avoid if you possibly can. To responde to a toxic person, Goulston gives three good responses: “Huh?”; “Do you really believe what you just said?”; and “I can see how this is good for you. Tell me how it is good for me.” For more information, consult the August issue of Bottom Line.

Is your high school involved with Boys State? This American Legion program is now 75 years old. It offers a week-long program to young men on the workings of a democratic government.

SEPTEMBER 2010

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ASCA National Conference Boston • July 3 - 6, 2010 Agawam school personnel accept ASCA honors

MASCA leaders attend ASCA Delegate Assembly

Representing MASCA at the ASCA Delegate Assembly were (from left): Karen D’Amour, Donna Brown, Carolyn Richards, Bob Bardwell, and Christine Evans.

MASCA Fall Conference Holiday Inn, Boxboro • October 26, 2010 www.masca.org 18

PEOPLE, PLACES, AND PROGRAMS Teens at Work information The Massachusetts Department of Public Health would like to share its latest publication, “Teens at Work: Injury Surveillance Update,” an overview of workrelated injuries to teens in Massachusetts from 2003 through 2007. The findings in this report are from data collected from workers’ compensation claims, hospital emergency departments, and interviews with injured teens.

To access the report, click on http:// www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/ occupational_health/teen_surveillance_ update_10.pdf.

If you have questions about the TAW project or if you would like hard copies of this report or other TAW materials, go to www.mass.gov/dph/teensatwork or send an e-mail to teens.atwork@ state.ma.us.

For information about recent changes to the Federal Child Labor Laws, visit the Department of Labor’s website at www.dol.gov/whd/childlabor.htm.

National Guard offers training More than 12,000 children in the Commonwealth are part of military families.

To assist both educators and counselors, the Massachusetts National Guard Family Program will offer two training sessions. The training will be held at the Hampton Inn in Natick. CEUs and graduate credits are available.

September 14-15: Guard and Reserve Institute: This course is designed to prepare school personnel to recognize and address issues that children face when a family member is deployed.

November 17-18: Living in the New Normal: This course will prepare educators and other concerned adults to support children during times of uncertainty, trauma, and grief.

For more details and to register, visit the Military Child Education Coalition website: www.militarychild.org. ■

Diversity Challenge Conference Boston College • October 15-16 www.bc.edu/isprc COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

SEPTEMBER 2010

19

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

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:

NEWBURYPORT, MA PERMIT NO. 96

..........................................

NAME

..........................................

ADDRESS

..........................................

STATE

CITY

ZIP CODE

Send this form to: Deborah Clemence P.O. Box 805 East Dennis, MA 02641

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.

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MASCA Fall Conference

2011

YEARS

1961

Building 21st Century Academic and Employability Skills Holiday Inn, Boxboro • October 26, 2010

Keynoter: Dr. Carol Kaffenberger, author of ASCA’s Making Data Work Workbook Luncheon Speaker: DESE Commissioner Dr. Mitchell Chester Afternoon Institute Trainer: Regina Williams Tate, Esq., Massachusetts Anti-Bully Legislation and Implementation Mandates

DR. CAROL KAFFENBERGER

DR. MITCHELL CHESTER

REGINA WILLIAMS TATE, Esq.

Register by mail using the registration form included in this issue of CN or register online at webmaster@masca.org.

Make checks payable to MASCA and mail to: Joe Fitzgerald, Registrar, 5 Progress Street, Weymouth, MA 02188 • registrar@masca.org