Hey there! Can you believe we're already halfway through the first semester of the school year? Time really flies, doesn't it? With the winter holidays approaching quickly, it's a great chance to reflect on what you've accomplished over the past few months and think about what's ahead for the rest of the year.

And remember, we are here for you if you need any help or support. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all. You've got this!

Military Family Appreciation Month is a time to honor and recognize the sacrifices and contributions of military families. They play a vital role in supporting our nation's military.

Senate Bill 175, passed by the 81st Texas Legislature, allows The University of Texas at Austin to limit automatic admission to 75 percent of the university’s enrollment capacity designated for first-time resident undergraduate students.

The University has determined that it will automatically admit all eligible summer/fall 2025 and spring 2026 freshman applicants who rank within the top 6% of their high school graduating classes. A letter from University President Jay C. Hartzell is attached to this correspondence.

This information should be shared with all high school junior-level students and their parents.

Attachment – Notification Letter from The University of Texas at Austin President Jay C. Hartzell

Please see this amazing resource that encourages unity and acceptance. There are options for becoming a "No Place for Hate" school if you would like to learn more.

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.

Join our "Building Resilience: Growing a Systemic Campus SEL Program" training series to empower your entire campus community with the vital skill of resilience. Whether you're just starting or well on your way to implementing a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program, this opportunity is for you. Together, we'll craft, evaluate, and refine a concrete plan of action, ensuring your campus becomes a hub of resilience and emotional growth. Don't miss this chance to transform your campus into a haven of strength and adaptability, regardless of where you are in your SEL journey. Your students and staff deserve to thrive in the face of adversity, and this series will guide you every step of the way.

The website provides comprehensive resources for implementing the Texas Model for School Counseling, 5th edition including templates, lessons, and more. Bookmark and visit frequently.

Ilse Brindley and Susan Badgett, two remarkable counselors at Belton Independent School District, are a true inspiration. Their unwavering commitment, perseverance, and eagerness to assist during challenging times have left a lasting impact on their district. We are thrilled to recognize their outstanding efforts this month.

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

Education Specialist

o: 254-297-1217

crobinson@esc12.net

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

Education Specialist

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

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

Contact Tonya Ramos for more information on the Migrant Education Program.

Migrant Counselor

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

e: tramos@esc12.net