May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Throughout the month, NAMI actively participates in this national movement, dedicated to eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering public education and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

We'd like to extend a BIG congratulations to this year's HOTCA award winners!

• Outstanding Elementary School Counselor - Cara Fisher
• Outstanding Junior High/Middle School Counselor - Cindy Cates
• Outstanding High School Counselor - Stephanie Woodard
• Outstanding College Counselor - Amy Ames
• Outstanding Private Practice Counselor - Salley Schmid
• Professional Development Award - Shelly Rogers-Sharer
• Human Rights Award - Julie Spiech

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.

The Greater Waco Chamber is piloting a professional development opportunity for teachers to connect their classroom to the workplace through a paid externship. This summer program pairs teachers with a local host company to learn about industry trends, career opportunities, and the skills required for our emerging workforce. Through this direct experience, teachers will have the opportunity to build industry partnerships and enrich their teaching as they prepare students for college and/or careers. The Teacher Externship program is part of the Greater Waco Chamber’s Business to Education initiative. Whether students choose to obtain industry-based credentials and enter employment upon graduation or enroll in college, the goal of this initiative is for students to graduate with a postsecondary plan that promotes career success.

With the 80/20 requirement for school counselors in Texas, it can be difficult to navigate the requirements of SB 179. We designed a "Counselor Time Tracking Reporting & District Analysis Checklist (based on the law) to help you with this process.

Please click HERE to learn more about it and print/download for your own use. You may make aa copy of the Google doc for your own use.

We also have a School Counselor Requirement & Resource Document that shows all the times that a school counselor is listed in statute (Texas Administrative Code and Texas Education Code). This was designed to help school counselors know and see when they are listed in statute.

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.

Congratulations to our Stellar Counselor of the Month, Holly Mayes from Belton High School! Your dedication and hard work with our students have not gone unnoticed. Your ability to connect with and support our students in their personal and academic journeys is truly admirable. Your commitment to their well-being and success is evident in everything you do, and we are incredibly grateful for your contributions to our school community. Keep up the fantastic work!

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.

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

Education Service Center Region 12

o: 254-297-1124 | f: 254-666-0823

e: jjanek@esc12.net

Education Service Center Region 12

o: 254-297-1172 | f: 254-297-2960

e: jennifer.serrato@esc12.net

Education Service Center Region 12

o: 254-297-1137 | f: 254-297-2960

e: becky.lane@esc12.net

Contact Tonya Ramos for more information on the Migrant Education Program and McKinney Vento services.

Coordinator of Migrant Services & McKinney Vento

o: 254-297-1167 | f: 254-666-0823

e: tramos@esc12.net

Contact Tj Arndt s for more information CTE services.

Coordinator of CTE

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

e: tarndt@esc12.net

Contact Heather Wheeler for more information about Safe & Health Schools.

Coordinator of School Safety

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

f: 254-666-0823 | e: hwheeler@esc12.net

Contact Monica Johnson for more information about transition.

Educational Specialist

o: 254-297-1158 | f: 254-297-2961

e: monica.johnson@esc12.net

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

Education Specialist

o: 254-297-1217

crobinson@esc12.net