October 2024
From ArSCA President- Kelli Dockery
I want to thank all of the board members, region representatives and past presidents that attended the 2024 Presidents’ Retreat and Leadership Development institute. We had an opportunity to discuss and make necessary decisions about the concerns regarding ArSCA, celebrate successes as well as brainstorm ideas that will continue to increase membership and guide ArSCA's future. I also want to give gratitude to Degray Lake Lodge for their hospitality and venue. I am highly appreciative of Renaissance Michael Ward and Debra Simpson for providing lunch and sharing valuable information about their programs that will support school counselors.
Kelli Dockery
ArSCA President 2023-2025
Hurricane Creek Elementary/Bryant School District
Contact Kelli Dockery, ArSCA president, at president@arschoolcounselor.org
Save the Date: June 23-25, 2025
I’m excited to announce the date for the 2025 Arkansas School Counselor Association Conference. As you know, everything I plan has intentionality and I put deep thought into what to offer counselors this summer. Therefore, I can promise you professional development, collaboration, interaction and fun at the conference next summer. The theme is “In The Rhythm of the Night!” and it will be a conference you will remember! We are planning a sneaker ball Monday, June 23, 2025! You will not only have fun, but you will also be able to earn at least 1.5 hours of professional development and win up to $500 in cash and prizes. So, get your sneakers and dance moves ready!!!! More details in upcoming newsletters.
Red Ribbon Week
ArSCA President's Counselor Spotlight
I appreciate all of the effort that you put into your students and families each day, and I truly believe in giving people their flowers while they can still smell the sweet smell. I am continuing the Counselor Spotlight this year and I am accepting nominations. Please nominate a counselor that you feel is giving it their all and deserves to be recognized for the work they do. Up to 2 counselors will be selected each month and will be celebrated in the spotlight in the newsletter. The counselors will also receive a gift in the mail 🙂.Enter Your Nominee Here
Red Ribbon Week: October 23-31
Access Red Ribbon Week Downloads from redribbon.org
Division of Elementary & Secondary Education
DESE School Counseling
The Division of Elementary & Secondary Education has a host of resources and information for school counselors located on their School Counseling page.
2024 Summer/FallMessages to Counselors
For more information, please contact:
Lupe Peña de Martínez [understanding my name]
Director of Student Support Services
Office: 501.682.0652
Cell: 501.646.6401
lupe.pena@ade.arkansas.gov
to share Google documents: lupe.pena@pdarkansas.net
Meet the Student Support Services (S^3) Team
Today is a great day to work together to make a meaningful impact towards ensuring comparable educational outcomes for EACH of the 475,207 K-12 learners in Arkansas.
Email: Lupe.Pena@ade.arkansas.gov
*** Lupe is the Director of Student Support and is the contact during this time of searching for a Counseling Program Director***
Reminder: Comprehensive School Counseling Program Requirements
Comprehensive School Counseling Program Requirements Each public school district shall provide a developmentally appropriate comprehensive school counseling program to aid students in academics, social/emotional needs, and career exploration and planning. The district Comprehensive School Counseling Plan, which is a reflection of the program, shall be posted on the district website under “State Required Information” no later than August 1 of 2024 and each following year thereafter. The requirements for the comprehensive school counseling program plan can be found in the Arkansas School Counselor Toolkit and in the Arkansas Comprehensive School Counseling Program Guide which are posted on the Arkansas Department of Education – Division of Elementary and Secondary Education - Guidance and School Counseling webpage. http://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/divisions/learning-services/guidance-and-school-counseling For specific accreditation requirements visit Standards for Accreditation
Per A.C.A. § 6-15-2911- Commissioner's Memo LS-24-042, the four major components of the Student Success Plan are:
Guide the student along pathways to graduation
Address accelerated learning opportunities
Address academic deficits and interventions
Include college and career planning components
Additionally, each student's Student Success Plan shall be reviewed annually and revised as necessary to identify the courses to be taken each year until all required core courses are completed. Upon completion of the review, the student's Student Success Plan shall be signed by the:
(a) Student;
(b) Student's parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to the student; and
(c) School counselor.
2023 legistated changes(see pp 14-16)
Presentation on SSP from DESE Summit
Review the Success Ready Pathway Guide. This guide outlines what a success ready pathway looks like for all students in grades 9-12, however it is a useful tool for students in middle school who are initiating their Students Success Plans. The Success Ready Pathway Guide:
Outlines each pathway course sequence.
Identifies the merit and distinction demonstration for each pathway.
**"Completion of a success-ready pathway leads to eligibility to earn State Distinction, by demonstrating readiness at the culmination of that pathway. Schools will have an opportunity to earn points in accountability for students graduating with merit or distinction.
Provides additional information regarding merit and distinction opportunities for students.
This tool should be used to assist connecting Students Success Plans to student goals post graduation. Becoming a success ready graduate is a multi-year process that begins well before high school. As we continue to build career ready pathways and ensure all Arkansas graduates are success ready.
The Unspoken: Victims' Rights & Resources
Schools and their social media/ websites often are the most viewed in a local community . Learn how you can help empower victims of crime via legitimate websites and vetted organizations. Plus, learn about laws impacting victims’ rights and resources. Great resources provided to help fulfill human trafficking training /healthy relationship education for Arkansas schools educators and students.
Laura's group presents for free on the neuroscience of trauma, resiliency, victims' rights, law basics, healthy relationships education , the vagus nerve, generational trauma, ACES, PACES etc. and much more. From building CFA Cares , I can also help the school build a type of "injury prevention" partnership with their community service providers.
*** This virtual session was on from our ArSCA Conference this year. ***
Laura's Card Journey Victim: Survivor: Thriver
Victims' Rights Arkansas Website
Laura Abbott contact # 501-992-7171
ArSCA Conference Certificates
The 2024 ArSCA & DESE School Conference Certificates have been emailed out. If you have not received yours, please check your spam folder. The email containing the certificate would be coming from Conference Tracker. Thank you.
If you need further assistance please email technology@arschoolcounselor.org
ArSCA Membership
ArSCA Membership
Arkansas School Counselor Association (ArSCA) supports school counselors’ efforts to help students focus on academic, personal/social and career development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. Membership in the state and national associations is highly recommended. ArSCA adheres to the Code of Ethics and policy statements of the American School Counseling Association (ASCA). Who We Are
We have six regions across our state. Here is a list of our ArSCA Board of Directors.
As a member of ArSCA you have the opportunity to subscribe to the ArSCA Listserv. This resource is a perk of membership. If you are a current ArSCA Member and have not subscribed, you can subscribe here: http://lists.state.ar.us/mailman/listinfo/arsca
ArSCA Connects
ArSCA Connects: Learn and Share Webinar Registration
Arkansas School Counselor Association is hosting a series of informative virtual meetings for school counselors. Each meeting will provide information to assist school counselors working with students, parents and staff, followed by a question and discussion session. This is an excellent opportunity to network with other school counselors across the state. A zoom meeting link will be provided to those registered. Registration cost is free to members and non-members.
Watch the ArSCA Listserv for dates and times.
ArSCA Connects is October 15 @ 3:55pm. Our speaker this month is Nathan Watkins, Bryant School District. Topic: How to Implement a House System. The link to register is https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenirRQt1ydcbZms-hXgKPulUMcDt0tblPXD_reLvfPHqjV_Q/viewform?usp=sf_link.
Triand (Rollcall) Webinar for System Administrators
Triand (Rollcall) for New System Administrators
October 29, 2024
10:00 am
Registration Link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xNlzdssATdK-pxC_XkPi5g
Triand (Rollcall) for New System Administrators
October 30, 2024
1:30 pm
Registration Link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ml17dZ-gSQyRQM4HekR3mw
Contact Information: Angel Peugh Angel.Peugh@ade.arkansas.gov
ArSCA Sponsors
TasselTIME- Free Counselor Membership
TasselTIME is a comprehensive website designed by a former school counselor for school counselors. TasselTIME has been provided to Arkansas School Counselors for free for 21 years. TasselTIME is available to purchase for school use for the entire district. Many districts in Arkansas are using TasselTIME. Find out more by going to www.tasseltime.com
Sign-up for your free counselor membership here.
*Lots of schools have asked about my Keeping Kids Safe presentation for parents. I do come to schools to present that session. **
ROX Helps You Help Girls
Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) is the nation's only nonprofit organization that supports the complex needs of girls by conducting large scale research and offering an evidence based SEL curriculum for girls in grades 5-12.
Scholarships are available to start a new ROX program at your school.
Learn more about the school-based ROX Program for Girls
Interested in ROX? Get in touch here?
From The Capital: Updates from Jeffrey Hall
From The Capital: Updates from Jeffrey Hall
The Arkansas Education Department releases the provisional cut scores on Arkansas Teaching
and Learning Assessment System (ATLAS) end-of-year exam, which replaces the ACT Aspire.
Talk Business wrote an article regarding the test scores which layouts the departments plan.
The department plans to release more information before November 1. You can go to
Talkbusiness.net to read the article.
With the department creating the new testing system and cut score standards, we can expect
continued discussion during the upcoming legislative session regarding the LEARNS Act.
Currently, budget hearings started October 8 and will continue through November 21, as
Arkansas Legislative Council with Joint Budget Committee will participate in these hearings.
As a reminder, never miss an opportunity to get to know your State Representative and/or State
Senator.
Looking ahead towards the 2025 Regular Legislative Session here are some dates to
remember:
November 5, 2024 – General Election
November 15, 2024 – pre-filing bills and resolutions, this is the first day legislators can
file bills and/or resolutions for introduction.
October 8, 2024 – November 21, 2024 – pre session budget hearings. The budget
hearings of the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) will also include Joint Budget
Committee (JBC) in participating in the hearings.
January 13, 2025 – General Legislative Session will convene.
We will continue to monitor committee hearings and keep you updated on educational issues
that may be brought before a committee. If you hear of any legislative issues, please contact
me at jefferythall@gmail.com.
ARSCA Regional News
ArSCA Central
Central Region Fall Conference: October 30th at Arch Ford Coop- Register at ESC Works- Session 542420
Deanna Robbins - President
Nick Williams - President Elect
Jennifer Lee - President Elect Elect
Diana Wiese - Treasurer
Brooke Tayloer - Secretary
Hannah Gorman - Elementary Delegate
Lequieta Grayson - Middle Delegate
Erica Moore - Secondary Delegate
Central Region Fall Conference - more details coming soon!
ArSCA North Central
ArSCA Northeast
Northwest ArSCA
The Northwest Regional Fall Conference will be November 1, from 8-2pm. Northwest Members can attend the conference at no charge. The cost for Non-Northwest members is $25. You can register here https://forms.gle/coJEJi1qsXegTrWi8.
See our Northwest Region Flyer Below
Follow everything NW Region on social media.
Twitter: @arsca_NWA
Instagram:@arsca_NWA
Facebook: Arsca - Northwest Region
Southeast ArSCA
See the flyer below about our Fall Counselor Meeting on November 6th.
Southwest ArSCA
Please See our ArSCA Southwest Region Flyer Below.
President-Jana McWhorter
President Elect-Allie Sage
Secretary-Becky Hedges
Treasurer-Samantha Herbner
Past President-Nathan Watkins