School Counselor Connection
Monthly updates for Arizona School Counselors
April 2023
ADE has two exciting opportunities for School Counseling Professional Development this summer. Registration is now open! Hotels are filling quickly, please book ASAP!
School Counselors' Institute
June 5-6
Location: JW Marriott Starr Pass in Tucson
Hotel Info: JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa will be offering a limited number of hotel rooms at the prevailing State rate – currently $104.00 per night plus additional parking and resort fees through May 4th. This is a great rate, so feel free to bring friends and family for a summer getaway. The rooms are filling quickly, so book ASAP! Book here.
Registration: $525, https://www.azed.gov/leadingchange/schoolcounselorsinstitute
This two-day training is specifically designed to meet the needs of school counselors in implementing a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model. We are very excited to bring the expertise of The American School Counseling Association (ASCA) to lead school counselors in this interactive and engaging professional development opportunity. School counselors will leave with the knowledge and understanding of the four components of the ASCA National Model: Define, Manage, Deliver, and Assess, as well as tools related to specific topics.
The School Counselors’ Institute will offer two full days of training including:
June 5th: Model Day (pick from the following full day workshops)
· Session 1: School Counseling Program Assessment How-to's
· Session 2: Get Started With the ASCA National Model
· Session 3: Data-Informed School Counseling
June 6th: Breakout Sessions (pick two from the following half-day sessions)
· Session 1: School Counseling Classroom & Group Lesson Development
· Session 2: Career Development & Post-Secondary Readiness (K-12)
· Session 3: Trauma & Crisis Management
Please note: There is only one registration link regardless of which sessions participants choose to attend.
July 16-18
School Counselors Luncheon July 17
Location: Hilton El Conquistador in Tucson
Registration: $525, https://arizonactecon.com/
- Click here to view the sessions for the 2023 CTE Summer Conference School Counselor Track
- Click here for hotel information
Professional Development Opportunities
Processing Speed and Executive Function Seminar
Date: Friday, April 7, 2023
Time: 8:00 am–4:30 pm
Fee: $120.00 (Breakfast and lunch included)
Location: Desert Willow Conference Center
4340 East Cotton Center Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85040
Processing Speed and Executive Function
In this practical strategies seminar, you will learn dozens of techniques for supporting students in developing independent executive function skills and increasing processing speed. Executive function (EF) challenges, slow processing speed, and behavior deficits often go hand-in-hand. EF skills are the core cognitive skills involved in planning and self-directing toward the successful completion of academic and other goals. EF skills point our attention to where we need to go, keep the action plan in mind within working memory, block distractions, filter out extraneous information, and help us to resist temptations and to exhibit goal-driven self-control.
Processing speed difficulties can limit productivity and executive function skills to complete routines, follow instructions, finish homework, listen/read and take notes/summarize, integrate and encode information, write assignments that require complex thought, transition between tasks, acquire new material, and reason under time demands. Slow processing speed can bog students down in the details, and they cannot distinguish relevant from minor details and see the big picture. Learn practical ways to help students to develop independent EF skills and to improve their processing speed to increase the automaticity with which they can follow routines and directions, complete tasks, and manage complex assignments.
About Our Speaker:
Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP has over 25 years of experience in the treatment of executive dysfunction. Sarah is an internationally recognized expert on executive function and presents seminars on the programs and strategies she has developed with her co-director, Kristen Jacobsen. She has presented to over 1,600 public and private schools and organizations worldwide.
Registration:
Registration for this event must be completed in the Arizona Professional Learning and Development (APLD) registration system. You must be logged in to your ADE Connect account to complete the registration. If you do not have an ADE Connect account, you will need to create one before you register for the course.
Register for Processing Speed and Executive Function
For questions regarding this training, please email our AT inbox.Multi Tiered Behavior Supports
Are you concerned about the current rate of suspensions and expulsions at your school or district? Do you feel students are losing valuable class time due to disruptions and other behavior problems? Are teachers struggling to be successful with classroom management? Are administrators spending too much time dealing with discipline issues? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then you might find the solution in Multi-Tier Behavior Supports.
Multi-Tier Behavior Supports (MTBS) is a three-year training series that will assist district, charter, or school teams with the development of a school-wide approach for positive behavior management practices. This training is based on School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (SW-PBIS) evidence-based elements. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) notes that “the IEP team shall, in the case of a child whose behavior impedes the child’s learning or that of others, consider the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports, and other strategies, to address that behavior” (20 U.S.C. §1414(d)(3)(B)(i)).
Several free informational webinars are being offered to outline additional details about the MTBS model, the three-year training sequence, the readiness requirements, and the process for applying. Attendance at one of the informational webinars is the first readiness requirement necessary for participation in the training series.
If you are interested in learning more and/or starting the readiness process, review the attached flyer and register to attend one of the following free webinars:
Register for March 27 from 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Register for March 27 from 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Register for April 13 from 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Register for April 13 from 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Directions for applying for the training series will be provided during the webinar. Registration is limited to ten teams and only one team from each public education agency. Applications earning the highest scores in the evaluation process will be approved until all seats are filled. Completed applications must be submitted by April 27 at 5:00 p.m.
The special education director is required to attend the readiness webinar for a PEA/district team. The principal is required to attend the readiness webinar for a school team.
For information regarding MTBS, please contact Celeste Nameth.
Trauma Sensitive Schools Symposium
Hatching Results
Virtual Events: https://www.hatchingresults.com/virtual-events
Use of Data in School Counseling Institute: Virtual learning session on April 12, 2023
https://www.hatchingresults.com/uodsci
April 12, 2023
September 20, 2023
March 11, 2024
The Use of Data in School Counseling 2e: 7-Part Series:
Wednesday, September 15, 2023 - Data Mining & SMART Goals
Wednesday, October 20, 2023 - Time Management
Wednesday, November 17, 2023 - Tier 1 School Counseling Programming
Wednesday, December 8, 2023 - Writing Pre and Post Tests
Wednesday, January 12, 2024 - Tier 2 Interventions and Root Cause Analysis
Wednesday, March 8, 2024 - School Counseling for Systems Change
Wednesday, April 26, 2024 - Sharing Results and Flashlight Presentations
New School Counselor Institute: October 5, 2023
The Use of Data in School Counseling 2e: Intermediate/Advanced: April 19, 2024
Continuing Education Classes: https://arizona.hatchingorders.com/
High School Specific Resources
Arizona Decision Day
Arizona Decision Day recognizes and celebrates seniors for their postsecondary plans. It also encourages younger students and their families to prepare early for college. It is important that we celebrate this big step for seniors, and involving all your students will help build a college -going culture at your school. Arizona Decision Day is held in conjunction with National College Signing Day and takes place on May 1. May 1 coincides with the date many seniors must inform a college of their plans to attend.
The tool kit is available to support you with implementing Decision Day celebrations. Please use this as a guide for your celebration activities, deviating where needs to fit the needs of your school and its seniors. Adjust your planning to accommodate your event, on or around May 1.
Please share your successful strategies with us! We hope to celebrate your achievement on our social media channels. Contact Roxanne Murphy at roxanne.murphy@azregent.edu with stories, photos, and celebrations!
Thank you for celebrating your seniors’ next educational steps. We hope Arizona Decision Day becomes a tradition at your school that will continue for years to come, encouraging all students to continue their education beyond high school.
Graphics:
Spring SEC College Tour Heads to Mesa, Phoenix, and Las Vegas
Our SEC College Tour registration is now live! We are hosting both counselor breakfasts and student college fairs.The 2023 Spring SEC College Tour will welcome high school students in Mesa, Arizona; Phoenix, Arizona; and Las Vegas, Nevada, from April 18-21. There will be evening college fairs that gives students and their guests an opportunity to interact with representatives from each SEC university to ask questions about all SEC universities — or just to their favorite.
In addition, school counselors are invited to join SEC officials for breakfast programs designed to equip them with a variety of facts about the Southeastern Conference and its member universities.
Send an email to info@seccollegetour.org if you have any questions about these events or our visit to your area.
Counselors can register here: https://www.seccollegetour.org/spring-counselors/.
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix/Mesa
1011 West Holmes Ave. Mesa, AZ 85210
8:30-10:30 a.m. (Counselor Breakfast)
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Hyatt Regency Phoenix Hotel
122 N 2nd St. Phoenix, AZ 85004
9-11 a.m. (Counselor Breakfast)
Students can register here: https://www.seccollegetour.org/spring-students/
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix/Mesa
1011 West Holmes Ave. Mesa, AZ 85210
6:30-8:30 p.m. (College Fair)
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Hyatt Regency Phoenix Hotel
122 N 2nd St. Phoenix, AZ 85004
6:30-8:30 p.m. (College Fair)
ECAP Updates
Each year ADE requests that you submit two ECAP documents. Please use the EMAC system to upload the two documents into your EMAC 2023 ECAP Monitoring Instrument by April 28, 2023. The two documents are:
1. A copy of the school-wide implementation action plan or calendar (action plans or calendars should include: What, Where, When, Who to present a clear picture of your ECAP process for ALL students).
2. A copy of a completed ECAP Plan from one student from the graduation class of 2023 with all identifying student information removed to be FERPA compliant).
New for SY21-22 – If your school is a registered user of My Future AZ you do NOT have to submit a student ECAP Plan; all you need to submit is the implementation action plan.
For ECAP best practices and upload instructions for EMAC please watch this video: https://azed-gov.zoom.us/rec/share/JqQJOK_XcpNHAW_fjRikYG3q2FlCxLZEA7SDWzHF4nzApVPlEhg9iaGT1bDKj8an.2FvPrAmvQGESi28N
Arizona Friends of Foster Children
AFFCF is pleased to bring you the latest information about the resources you need to help you and your student get ready for post-secondary studies.
Below are resources that students who are freshman, sophomores, and juniors and their caregivers can take advantage of to learn about post-secondary education.
Below are resources for summer programs and scholarships.
Steed
Steed is a new EdTech startup from Phoenix, AZ that is dedicated to helping young adults deeply explore careers and ultimately find a path that is right for them! Through collaboration with advisor physicians and medical students, we have developed our first product, the Doctor Career Quest. This online mini-course guides aspiring medical doctors through a series of engaging, bite-sized videos and teaches them the key information they need to decide whether or not to pursue this career.
Once Steed gains traction with the doctor career path, we plan to quickly expand to help students navigate the full range of medical careers…and beyond!
National Technical Institute- Phoenix
Arizona Registrar of Contractors Construction Science Technology Fair
Scholarships A-Z
Undocumented Youth Empowerment Initiative (UYEI)
The Undocumented Youth Empowerment Initiative (UYEI) seeks to help Arizona Undocumented youth find pathways beyond high school. UYEI will provide year-round support and online programming to Undocumented youth through consistent spaces where they can build community and have the opportunity to thrive.
In 2023, UYEI will offer workshops and community spaces to Undocumented youth starting in March. Enrollment is now open and will be open year-round. ALL Undocumented youth in Arizona are eligible to apply.
To register, youth must complete the linked google form. After they submit an application, someone in our team will contact them to finalize the process. For additional questions, please contact our Student Support Fellow at darleneperalta@scholarshipsaz.org
All Grade Levels Resources
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) Judging Opportunities
April 3-5, 2023 FBLA State Leadership Conference
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the largest and oldest business student organization in the world, with a quarter million students preparing for careers in business and business-related fields! FBLA is in over 170 schools in Arizona and has over 7,000 members.
Conference Held at:
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
3800 E Sunrise Drive
Tucson, AZ 85718
Judge’s Link: https://fblaarizona.wufoo.com/forms/pnn85bc04thlmx/
April 11-12, 2023 SkillsUSA State Leadership And Skills Conference
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. We help each student excel. A nonprofit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle school, high school, and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. SkillsUSA Arizona has over 13,000 members.
Conference Held at:
Phoenix Convention Center South Building
33 S 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Judge’s Link: https://www.cognitoforms.com/SkillsUSAArizona/_2023CallForLeadershipJudges
June 8-10, 2023 FFA State Leadership Conference
Future Farmers of America” (FFA) was founded to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways, including biologists, chemists, veterinarians, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
Conference Held at:
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa and
University of Arizona – Centennial Hall
1020 E University Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85719
Judge’s Link: https://arizonaffa.wufoo.com/forms/arizona-ffa-slc-judging-interest-form/
Mindfulness First
Teen Lifeline
Every year, the hotline sees a spike in hotline calls/texts during the weeks between spring break and the end of the school year. With finals and standardized testing, prom and graduation, the fourth quarter is one of the most stressful times for students. That's why this April, we're encouraging educators, counselors, parents, and peers to check in with the students in their lives and let them know you're there for them.
For National Telephone Day on Tuesday, April 25, we're sharing text prompts and graphics for social media to help start that conversation with a teen. (Learn more about National Telephone Day on our website at teenlifeline.org/national-telephone-day). We hope you'll share these important messages with your school community this month!
Option 1:
Spring is one of the most stressful times for students. Let’s make sure the students in our lives feel supported! National Telephone Day is this month, and there’s no better way to celebrate than to use your phone for its best possible purpose—to check in on and connect with your loved ones. In today’s post, we’ve included some easy, quick messages you can use to check in with someone and let them know you care.
And remember: if you or someone you know needs extra support during this time, we see you and we are here for you. Teen Lifeline and its teen peer counselors are also here to help by call or text at 602-248-8336.
Option 2:
Whether it’s through calls, texts, video calls, or DMs, phones give us so many ways to connect with those we love. Tuesday, April 25 is National Telephone Day and there’s no better way to celebrate than to use our phones for their best possible purpose—to check in with our friends and family about how we’re all really doing. A quick call or text can remind someone they’re cared for and even sometimes save a life!
Here are a few sentences to start the conversation:
“Just checking in, how are you doing?”
“How was your day?”
“Haven’t talked in a while and wanted to say hi!”
“How’s school going? Are you feeling good about finals or do you need some support?”
“No need to respond, but just wanted to say hey! I’m glad you’re in my life.”
“I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately. Want to meet up soon?”
And remember, you’re not alone. If you need support, we are here for you. Teen Lifeline is also here to listen and help by call or text at 602-248-8336.
Graphics:
notMYkid-AmeriCorps Arizona
notMYkid Family Navigation and Peer Support AmeriCorps Program partners with sites in Maricopa county and provides them with Family Navigators and Peer Support AmeriCorps members to help the community they serve. Our program builds HEALTHY FUTURES by addressing youth drug use and mental health challenges. See flyer for more information.
School Counselor Spotlight
Email Distribution List
Do you have colleagues who didn’t receive this email? Please click here so we can add/update their information in our database.
Emily Brown- School Counselor Director
Email: Emily.Brown@azed.gov
Website: https://www.azed.gov/cte/counselors
Location: Arizona Department of Education
Phone: 602-542-5353
Andrea Glenn- Director of Post-Secondary & Community Engagement
Email: Andrea.glenn@azed.gov
Website: https://www.azed.gov/ccr
Location: Arizona Department of Education
Phone: 602-364-4799