Counselor's Notebook, September 2012 by Sally Ann Connolly

MASCA

MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION

VOL. 49, NO. 1

SEPTEMBER 2012

A Welcome from the President By JENNIFER LISK, MASCA President

elcome back! As you read this, I hope you are embracing the enthusiasm that comes with the beginning of the school year, a new group of students, and if you are like me, new school supplies. As president of MASCA this year, I am excited to work with all of you as we tackle new challenges and new opportunities. We have done tremendous work in this state over the past couple of years, and we are building strong partnerships to continue that work to help all students. I am grateful to the leaders who have come before me who have pioneered these efforts and continue to work on initiatives. I believe it is important to acknowledge the accomplishments and groundwork that has been laid while we move forward and change as an organization and a profession. To do this effectively,

JENNIFER LISK we need to strike that balance of never forgetting where we have come from, but always being open to new ideas. Graduate students have as much to offer as do practicing school counselors as do veterans of our profession, and I wel-

come all of you to get involved or contact me with any ideas or questions. There are openings on the Governing Board that we are actively looking to fill. Positions include VP Middle/Jr. High, VP Administrators, VP Counselor Educators, and Graduate Student Liaison. If you or any colleagues are interested in learning more about taking on one of these positions, please contact me. In addition to the MASCA website and the Counselor’s Notebook, we will be using social media to share items of interest to school counselors and gather feedback. MASCA’s Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/Mass SchoolCounselor, and I invite you to “like” MASCA. Best wishes for a productive and fulfilling school year. ■

Task Force Calls for Better Integration of Career Readiness MALDEN, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, June 2012 — A task force of the state’s leading educators, employers, and academic and labor experts has called for a renewed focus on career readiness to better prepare students for success beyond high school. To achieve this goal, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s task force on Integrating College and Career Readiness (ICCR) is recommending the creation of a comprehensive statewide system comprised of structured, aligned, and strategic partnerships to support students’ “fluid movement” through elemen-

tary, secondary, and higher education into successful careers. “The failure to integrate college and career readiness in our public schools is an immediate and growing crisis,” said Board member and Year Up founder and CEO Gerald Chertavian, who chaired the task force. “Too often, teens can’t find work, college students are underemployed, and businesses can’t find individuals with the training, professionalism, and social skills necessary to fill entry-level positions. It’s imperative that we act now to expand opportunities for all students to

lead successful lives and to help Massachusetts’s businesses grow.” Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester says: “We need to do a better job of introducing students to multiple success pathways by exposing them — in middle and high school — to career options and workbased learning experiences, and by more tightly linking academic achievement with college and career readiness standards.” The task force’s report is available on the Department’s website at http://www. doe.mass.edu/boe/docs/2012-06/item1 _report.pdf. ■

Race to the Top Fall Summit • October 22, 2012 MASCA Fall Conference • October 23, 2012 Go to www.masca.org for information and registration.

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

FOCUS ON HEALTH AND SAFETY 2012 – 2013 OFFICERS

Moving to Curb Distracted Driving

PRESIDENT JENNIFER LISK Medway High School, Medway, MA 02053 Tel. 508-533-3228 x 5107 • Fax 508-533-3246 E-mail: president@masca.org PAST PRESIDENT MICHELLE BURKE Beverly High School 100 Sohier Road Beverly, MA 01915-2654 Tel. 978-921-6132 x 11107 E-mail: mburke@beverlyschools.org PRESIDENT-ELECT THERESA A. COOGAN, Ph.D. Bridgewater State University Bridgewater, MA 02325 Tel. 508-531-2640 E-mail: theresa.coogan@bridgew.edu 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 TBA VICE PRESIDENT SECONDARY CARRIE KULICK-CLARK Braintree High School 128 Town Street, Braintree, MA 02184 Tel. 781-848-4000 ext 2273 • Fax 781-848-7799 E-mail: jd02375@aol.com

By SALLY ANN CONNOLLY, Counselor’s Notebook Editor

he facts are sobering. Each year, distracted driving causes approximately 6,000 fatalities and a half million injuries. The number one distraction is cell phone use. The National Safety Council says that cell phone use by drivers has joined speeding and drinking as a major cause of accidents. At any time of the day, according to estimates of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11 percent of drivers are talking on cell phones. These drivers are four times more likely to cause crashes that involve injury. While talking on a cell phone, whether handheld or hands-free, a driver misses both auditory and visual cues. The impairment—inattention blindness — is equivalent to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent. In other words, driving drunk.

In response to what he calls an epidemic, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has initiated a Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving. Part of his national campaign encourages the passage of more restrictive laws. Handheld cell phones are already banned in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Massachusetts needs to follow their lead. Until then, and until all cell phone use by drivers is banned, educators need to inform drivers about what constitutes distraction, why distraction is dangerous, and how distraction can be managed. All distractions are dangerous. Safe drivers keep their eyes on the road. And unlike everything else, safety can’t wait. ■

VICE PRESIDENT POSTSECONDARY JOHN MARCUS Dean College 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Tel. 508-541-1509 • Fax 508-541-8726 E-mail: jmarcus@dean.edu

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation

VICE PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATORS TBA

www.Distraction.gov

Information on Distracted Driving

VICE PRESIDENT COUNSELOR EDUCATORS TBA VICE PRESIDENT RETIREES JOSEPH D. FITZGERALD, Ed.D. 5 Progress Street, Weymouth, MA 02188 Tel. 781-264-3426 E-mail: jdfitz02188@comcast.net 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: executivedirector@masca.org TREASURER ASHLEY CARON 25 Belmont Ave., Stoughton, MA 02072 Tel. 508-212-0676 E-mail: ashcicero@hotmail.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: membership@masca.org 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 2012

Preventing Injury from Magnets Washington, D.C., July 25, 2012 — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission took rare action to prevent ongoing harm to children from powerful, small magnets. Maxfield & Oberton were issued an order that the firm stops selling Buckyballs and Buckycubes, notify the public of the defect, and offer consumers a full refund. Since 2009 dozens of injuries caused by powerful, small magnets have been reported, and despite the attempts to warn purchasers, warnings and education are ineffective and cannot prevent injuries and incidents with these rare earth magnets. CPSC has received reports of toddlers finding loose magnets left within reach and placing them in their mouths. It can be extremely difficult for a parent to tell if any of the tiny magnets are missing from a set. In some of the reported incidents, toddlers have accessed loose mag-

nets left on a refrigerator and other parts of the home. Use of the product by tweens and teenagers to mimic piercings of the tongue, lip or cheek has resulted in incidents where the product is unintentionally inhaled and swallowed. These ingestion incidents occur when children receive it as a gift or gain access to the product in their homes or from friends. When two or more magnets are swallowed, they can attract to one another through the stomach and intestinal walls, resulting in serious injuries, such as holes in the stomach and intestines, intestinal blockage, blood poisoning and possibly death. Medical professionals may not diagnose the need for immediate medical intervention in such cases, resulting in worsening of the injuries. — http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml 12/12234.html ■

Let’s Get Cooking! Preparing for the New Year By THERESA A. COOGAN, Ph.D. MASCA President-Elect

or those of you who know me, you know that one of my passions is cooking. And I see this passion and my upcoming journey in MASCA as blending nicely together. As I take my first steps into a “new kitchen” as President-Elect of MASCA, I am filled with excitement, energy, and courage, ready to engage in the process. There have been many incredible strides in recent years putting MASCA at the larger education table and strengthening her voice. Thank you to our past presidents and MASCA leaders who helped to forge the way! I know this leadership hopes to continue on that journey. I am suited up as “Sous Chef” ready to embark on this upcoming academic year with our President (“Executive Chef”) Jennifer Lisk. She is a positive and dynamic person, and I am very excited to continue working together moving into the academic year.

THERESA COOGAN Jenn’s vision is focused on growth for the organization and its members. Opportunities for involvement at various levels of MASCA are available for school counselors, graduate students, and school counselor educators to come and join us in “the kitchen.” There is a place for everyone to share ideas, get involved, and give back to the Massachusetts school counseling community. One way that everyone in the MASCA

MASCA Advocacy Committee seeks volunteers New committee members or short-term volunteers are needed so that the Advocacy Committee can fulfill its mission. Projects include: • Planning the annual advocacy event at the State House, • Tracking bills relevant to the field, • Keeping MASCA membership informed, • Organizing e-mail and call campaigns to legislators, • Organizing speakers for legislative hearings, • Organizing and/or providing written and oral testimony at legislative hearings, • Staffing the Advocacy Table at MASCA conferences. Involvement in the Advocacy Committee is an exciting way to gain insight into cutting-edge educational issues and influence proposed legislation in support of students in your town and across the state. Essentially, the goal is to create a communication network among MASCA members so that we can join in the conversation at the legislative level as well. All are welcome. If you are interested, please write ShannonDonanEdu@gmail.com. ■

membership can get involved right now is by supporting the tremendous work and effort by our Advocacy Committee. A big THANK YOU goes out to Bob Bardwell and Shannon Doran, specifically, for their recent efforts. Currently, there is a bill proposing a pilot study on 6-year career plans (H. 3931) that needs your support. Additional information about this and other related efforts are posted in the Advocacy Works section of the MASCA website. To make a call, get involved on this committee, or learn more about the process, contact me or Shannon Doran.

A message for graduate students I would like to extend a hand specifically to all graduate students to join us in “the kitchen.” As a school counselor educator, I am partial to your involvement, and I want to see even more students get involved. MASCA is not exclusive to practitioners in the field. Many resources and supports are in place for you during your professional training. For example, “The Intern’s Tale”— a column specifically for graduate students — is included in almost every issue of the Counselor’s Notebook. Publications are a great addition to your resume for when you begin job hunting. See the “Student Counselor Resources” tab on the MASCA website for more details and “Author Guidelines” or contact me directly. I look forward to meeting new folks this year and reconnecting with old friends. I’m easily reached via e-mail: theresa.coogan@bridgew.edu. Please feel free to contact me at any time. Now, let’s get cooking! ■

Renew your MASCA membership online at www.masca.org COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

SEPTEMBER 2012

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

Keeping MASCA in Mind By MARIE ANDERSON MASCA Membership Services Chair

The expiration date of your membership can be found on the back page of your Counselor’s Notebook.

MARIE ANDERSON

elcome back to the 2012-2013 school year. I encourage you to use the benefits of your MASCA membership to improve your professional skills and enhance your effectiveness. Important membership benefits include: • Networking opportunities • Professional development opportunities • Professional conferences • Reduced fees on events • Members-only content on website • Directory of School Counselors in Massachusetts • Important e-mails from MASCA to stay current in your profession • The Counselor’s Notebook • MA Model for Comprehensive School Counseling programs • Advocacy and legislative action Members are reminded by e-mail thirty days and fifteen days before membership expires. An e-mail is also sent after membership has expired. The Counselor’s Notebook mailing label lists member expiration dates. Be sure to go to the MASCA website to make any needed changes to your contact information, so that you can be part of the MASCA membership communication network. If you are a member and have not been receiving MASCA e-mails or the Counselor’s Notebook, your contact information may need updating. If you have questions or comments about becoming a member, please contact me at marieganderson@yahoo.com. Have a great year. ■

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

THE INTERN’S TALE Effective Collaboration Equals Success By TRICIA PLEISS, Master’s Student in School Counseling, Bridgewater State University

n order for a school department to achieve the best outcomes for its students, the internal entities must collaborate. The success of students can be measured by their academic excellence as well as their emotional and social well being. A balance in these areas requires collaboration and ongoing cooperation among school teachers and school counselors. As an intern during the past eight months, I have seen this ongoing collaboration result in student success, and I want to share some of the effective collaboration. One effective technique was the communication of information about students that could be provided without breaking confidentiality. This kept lines of communication open with teachers and made teachers aware that keeping them updated was a priority. This also allowed teachers to ensure that extra work was provided to students who needed it, as in the case of absence due to issues at home. I also observed weekly meetings between counselors and teachers, where they could check in on the students and how they were doing. If a student was struggling and a meeting was scheduled with the student’s parents, both the teacher and school counselor would attend. That way everyone could understand and have input on the plan for the student moving forward. These meetings helped counselors build relationships with the teachers, while also getting more information on the students. The meetings also enabled them to have a voice in the student’s plan. After the weekly meetings, school counselors and teachers created a list of students who were excelling in their classes, and they sent letters home to their parents to inform them. Students were very appreciative of the letters and felt that their progress was being acknowledged. During all the collaborations that I observed, the school counselors were able to listen to the teacher’s point of view, and, at the same time, they were able to advocate for the students and find a way to reach a common agreement. I saw how the collaboration between the teachers and the school counselors helped earn mutual respect and trust.

SEPTEMBER 2012

And I learned that going the extra mile and helping out a teacher with an errand or a phone call home to arrange a meeting for a teacher, can appear minor, but it can open the door to a great working relationship. I recommend that other interns be

open to working with and collaborating with teachers. Be open to hearing the teacher’s point of view and suggestions for the student’s plan. A complete picture of the student can be presented and the best plan of action can be formulated. Effective collaboration can ensure success. ■

A New Role, A Familiar Face By JOE FITZGERALD, Ed.D.

ast June I was elected MASCA’s Vice President Retirees, and I want to introduce myself. Over my career in public education, I have worked as a teacher in Boston, a guidance counselor in Randolph at all levels, and Director of Guidance in Milton until my retirement. I am not a new face in MASCA, having served on the Conference Committee for a long time and as VP Secondary. Most recently I have been Chair of the Technology Committee and Registrar for the MASCA conferences. Now I am working with the MASCA leadership on what my role will be as the representative for retirees. I have some ideas and will write about them in upcoming columns. For a few years before I retired, I began taking technology-related courses at my local community college and became very interested in this area. While there, I discovered the SeniorNet Program, which introduces technology to 50+ adults. I volunteered to coach and teach in that

shop on the iPad at SCLC would be possible. Although I was a little hesitant, we scheduled it. Initially only two people signed up. When the class started, ten people were there and nine had their own iPads! This fall we are running a six-week course using the book. The following is the course description:

JOE FITZGERALD program, and last year we formed the Senior Computer Learning Center (SCLC) in Abington, which essentially has the same goal. In this new program I am doing curriculum and teaching. In both programs, I have taught basic and introductory computer courses to older adults and have found it to be very rewarding. For the most part, the courses use Windows personal computers and the programs that go with the Windows 7 operating system. Although it is voluntary on my part, it has been a great experience for me. I get to work with adults who are appreciative of the learning experience, and I get to do something that I love. Last spring I wrote about the Studio Visual Steps program (www.visualsteps. com), which publishes books on computers and computer programs specifically for seniors. We are using more and more of their books and the teaching methodology that goes with it. To see my article in the CN, go to the www.masca.org homepage and check back issues. This is the program that we have been using in the SCLC program. More information about the various programs being offered can be found at their website: www.seniorcomputerlearningcenter.org. I bring this up because they recently published a great book, iPad for Seniors. It has everything you need to use your iPad more effectively. When I bought my iPad2, I thought it was a wonderful device and I still do. I never thought, however, that I would attempt to use it with a class of eight-ten seniors. Last spring one of the instructors (almost 80 years young) asked me if I thought a two-day work-

---------------

Exploring the iPad This hands-on course will help you get up and running with your iPad and become more comfortable in using it in your daily life. In each session, you will use a book designed for seniors entitled iPad for Seniors, which is a wonderful guide for everything necessary to use the iPad effectively. It covers all three versions: iPad 1, iPad 2, and iPad (the most recent one). If you have an iPad, it is suggested that you bring it to each class. Participants will learn how to set up and customize their iPad to their particular needs and for ease of use. The classroom text will serve as a guide, and we will cover such topics as the location and use of the home button, the on-screen keyboard, installing iTunes on your computer, downloading free apps, synchronizing your iPad with your computer, establishing a wireless connection for web browsing and email, and some of the many other functions of this user-friendly device.

--------------There is a reason that I have included this book and course for your perusal. This book is a wonderful introduction to the iPad for anyone and particularly for those of us of a certain age. It also is related to what I want to do as the MASCA representative for retirees. The book is $23.00 but you can buy it on Amazon for about $15.00. If you live on or near the south shore, you can take the course. Information is on the SCLC website. Email me at jdfitz02188@comcast.net with your concerns or ideas. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

MASCA Seeks to Fill Leadership Roles Governing Board The Governing Board has openings for professionals at the following levels to represent their colleagues: • Vice President Middle /Jr. High • Vice President Administrators • Vice President Counselor Educators The Board is also looking for one or more graduate students to work with the Governing Board and graduate student colleagues around the state:

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Professional Development October 22, 2012 (Monday)

RTTT Fall 2012 College and Career Summit Boxboro

October 23, 2012 (Tuesday)

MASCA Fall Conference Boxboro

April 7-9, 2013 (Sunday-Tuesday)

MASCA Annual Spring Conference Hyannis

April 9, 2013 (Tuesday)

RTTT Spring 2013 College and Career Summit Hyannis

• Graduate Student Liaison

Emerging Leaders Program The Emerging Leaders (EL) program seeks to identify potential leaders in the school counseling profession in Massachusetts and to get them involved with MASCA. Emerging leaders have to be a professional school counselor in Massachusetts and a MASCA member. They cannot have served previously as an elected or appointed Governing Board member, and they must have a desire to give back to our profession. ELs must join and participate in at least one MASCA committee, present at a breakout session at either the fall or spring conference, and attend a MASCA Governing Board meeting. ELs also must attend an affiliate meeting and write articles periodically for the Counselor’s Notebook. In addition, they must attend training sessions throughout the year. In return, ELs receive a free, one-year MASCA membership, reduced conference registration, leadership training, an assigned Governing Board mentor, and access to a network of colleagues. If you would like to become an Emerging Leader, send a letter of interest, resume, and letter of recommendation from your supervisor by September 21, 2012 to Jenn Lisk, MASCA President, Medway High School, 88 Summer Street, Medway, MA 02053; Fax 508-533-3246; E-mail, lisk@ medway.k12.ma.us. To apply for an opening on the Governing Board or for Graduate Student Liaison, e-mail lisk@medway.k12.ma.us. ■ SEPTEMBER 2012

Visit MASCA on the Web Current announcements and articles found on the home page: • Emerging Leaders Program • Walk to Prevent Suicide • 2013 National Conference on Bullying • 2012 Diversity Challenge • MASCA signs on! • and more www.masca.org

PEOPLE, PLACES, AND PROGRAMS MASCA leaders offer assistance In early May, sixteen MASCA members met at the historic Colonial Inn in Concord to reminisce about MASCA’s past fifty-one years and to discuss its future. In attendance were six past presidents and six O.S.C.A.R. recipients. Attendees included Oscar Krichmar and his wife, Babs; John Gould and his wife, Barbara; Donna Brown and her husband, Kevin; Carol Ryan-Tarka and her husband, Andy; Mary Chouinard; Lillie Davis; Florence Athanasia and her husband, Charles; Sally Ann Connolly; Judith Josephs; and Mary Westcott and her escort, George Hickey. Not satisfied to rest upon their laurels, attendees decided to volunteer their services to the MASCA Executive Board in any capacity that was deemed to be pro-

ductive. MASCA Executive Director Donna Brown agreed to carry this message back to the Board for discussion. A follow-up meeting was tentatively scheduled for the fall of 2012, and another mini-reunion will be held at the same time next year at the same location. Everyone is welcome to attend.

NECA honors counselors Northeast Counselors Association held its final meeting of the year in May at Danversport Yacht Club. Dean College sponsored the Awards Night. Receiving recognition were: Administrator of the Year Val Viscosi, Methuen Schools Counselor of the Year Melinda Loosian, Beverly High School Rising Star Award Jillian Lingel, Whittier Regional Technical School Torch Award Nancy Maravelias, Bishop Fenwick High School Special Award Roberta Bixby, Amesbury High School

Diversity Challenge planned The Institute for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture at Boston College is pleased to present the 12th annual Diversity Challenge, “WHAT TO DO ABOUT RACE AND CULTURE AND VIOLENCE.” The Institute will consist of two days of presentations and workshops. Invited participants include teacher educators, researchers, mental health professionals, community members, and students. Date: October 19-20, 2012. For more information and registration, go to isprc@bc.edu. Free DVDs for veterinary students The American Veterinary Medical Association, with the help of GlaxoSmithKline, is providing free veterinary DVDs to students who are interested in the veterinary field. The Agency for Instructional Technology is distributing these DVDs. To benefit from this offer, go to http://avma.ait.net. ■

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

SEPTEMBER 2012

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

.......................................... CITY

STATE

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.

MASCA Conference Keynoter

SAVE THE DATES! Monday, October 22, 2012 RTTT Fall 2012 College and Career Summit Holiday Inn, Boxboro, MA

SIRDEANER WALKER

irdeaner Walker will be the keynoter at the MASCA Fall Conference. Walker’s son, Carl, committed suicide in 2009 due to relentless bullying. A board member and spokesperson for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Walker has testified before Congress, advocating for the Safe Schools Improvement Act, which would provide schools with resources to deal with bullying. Walker says that bullying is “a national health crisis that is facing our young people …. Now with the Internet and social networking sites, bullying is taking place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” Walker was instrumental in lobbying Massachusetts legislators to pass bullying legislation in Massachusetts. In addition to sharing her and Carl’s story, Ms. Walker will discuss the role school counselors have in eradicating and dealing with bullying behaviors in our schools. ■

Tuesday, October 23, 2012 MASCA Fall 2012 Conference Holiday Inn, Boxboro, MA Keynoter: Sirdeaner Walker, Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network Afternoon Extended Session, Counselor Evaluation Rubric: Katie Gray Programming information, registration, and Exhibitor /Ad / Sponsorship forms can be found on MASCA’s website, www.masca.org.