Each year, the Defense Department celebrates military children during the month of April. There are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents' service. While military members serve around the world, we often forget the challenges faced by their children. Military families move on average every two to three years, impacting military children through changing schools and support networks. Each year, the DOD joins national, state and local government, schools, military serving organizations, companies and private citizens in celebrating military children and the sacrifices they make. To show support for military children, April 17th is known as "Purple Up!" day.

The Purple Star Campus Designation application for the 2024-25 school year will open on April 1. TEA is offering an application training webinar on March 28 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM to help you prepare. Register today at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5NfKOmbbSbyU3PCis1vc_A#/registration

As a school counselor, you play a vital role in supporting students' mental health and well-being. However, it can be easy to get caught up in the demands of the job and forget to take care of yourself. That's why we are here to remind you of the importance of self-care, especially in the new year.

It's important to take care of yourself, especially during stressful times. One way to do that is by practicing mindfulness. Just take a few minutes each day to focus on the present moment and clear your mind. This can help reduce your stress levels and improve your overall well-being.

4/16/24 - Safe & Healthy School Office Hours - 338202

4/17/24 - Multicultural Awareness: Understanding the National Diversity of Cultures in our Texas Schools - 338199

4/23/24 - 2023-2024 Counselor Zoom #5: Counseling Resources & Tools - 338179

Check out a comprehensive list of available scholarships by scanning the QR code below! To view the list of scholarships, create a free account on Wakelet.

Each student will need to satisfy the following graduation requirements: EOC requirement, speech requirement, proper interaction with a peace officer, CPR training, and financial aid requirement.

The CLNA required for the Perkins Grant. It will cover the baseline data necessary to complete the needs assessment for both the district and the state. Please reach out to Tj Arndt or Becky Lane for more information.

Resources that support implementation of refreshed programs of study beginning in the 2024-2025 school year are available on the TEA website.

This month's Stellar Counselor is Kari Bennett from Belton ISD! Your dedication, compassion, and unwavering support have not gone unnoticed, and your commitment to guiding and empowering students through their academic and personal journeys is truly commendable. You consistently go above and beyond to ensure that every student feels valued, understood, and equipped with the tools they need to succeed. Your impact reaches far beyond the walls of our school, shaping the lives of those you touch in profound ways. Thank you for your outstanding service and for being an inspiration to us all.

Each month, we'd like to highlight one of our Region 12 Counselors for the fantastic things being done to support students and teachers. We are thankful for the hard work put in each day and look forward to the great things happening! If you know a counselor deserving of recognition as our "ESC Region 12 Stellar Counselor of the Month", please get in touch with jennifer.serrato@esc12.net or jjanek@esc12.net.

The website offers a wealth of resources to help implement the 5th edition of the Texas Model for School Counseling, including templates and lessons. Be sure to bookmark and visit frequently.

If you need to update your Apply Texas Counselor Suite accessibility, please contact me at jennifer.serrato@esc12.net.

o: 254-297-1124

e: jjanek@esc12.net

o: 254-297-1172

e: jennifer.serrato@esc12.net

o: 254-297-1137

e: becky.lane@esc12.net

Coordinator of Migrant Services & McKinney Vento

o: 254-297-1167

e: tramos@esc12.net

Contact TJ Arndt for more information about CTE services.

Coordinator of CTE

o: 254-297-1199 | c: 254-313-7225

e: tarndt@esc12.net

Contact Monica Johnson for more information about transition services & graduation.

Educational Specialist

o: 254-297-1158

e: monica.johnson@esc12.net

Coordinator of School Safety

o: 254-297-1166 | c: 979-324-1344

e: hwheeler@esc12.net

Contact Crystal Robinson for more information about Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).

Education Specialist

o: 254-297-1217

crobinson@esc12.net