R10 Counselor Conversations

As the holiday season approaches and the year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for the incredible work you do day in and day out. Your dedication to the well-being of students does not go unnoticed, and as the holiday break approaches, we encourage you to take a well-deserved pause to rest, rejuvenate, and engage in some much-needed self-care.

It's an opportunity to step back, reflect, and recharge for the adventures that lie ahead in the new year. Remember, taking care of yourself is not only a gift to you but also to those you serve. In the spirit of the season, let's embrace the joy, find moments of peace, and enter the new year with renewed energy.

Wishing you a restful and joyful holiday break!

For Apply Texas access or technical support, please contact Elaine Fackler at elaine.fackler@region10.org

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), branded as the "Better FAFSA," is all new for 2024-25 and includes the biggest changes to the form and process in decades. Set for a delayed launch by December 31, 2023, the Better FAFSA will translate to a shorter and simpler form, increased eligibility for Pell Grants, and a reduction in verification, allowing more students access the financial aid they need to attend college.

Do not wait to Register! Sessions will fill up fast! For questions on these training opportunities, contact Gina Moraida at gmoraida@cftexas.org

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Tobacco Education Resource Library shared an interview with Dr. Susan Walley, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Tobacco Control and expert in the prevention of youth tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. Topics include misperceptions of e-cigarettes, who to reach out to help quit nicotine use, and other advice. Teachers can use this interview and other lesson plan resources as activities in their classroom.

Truth Initiative teams up with actor and comedian, Chris Parnell to illustrate how vaping nicotine increases symptoms of depression and anxiety and interfere with sleep through informational videos. The information speaks to youth to engage in conversation and share tools to help encourage smoking cessation.

The semester is almost over, and we hope you will join Texas Oncourse for an informal learning session with other educators who are working to improve college and career advising efforts across the state. Participants will choose from breakout rooms that focus on topics from our professional learning series.

December 12, 2023 10:00AM Register Here

Help your students narrow down their choice from over 6,000 colleges, and explore resources to plan, prepare, and graduate from college. Helping your students find the right college can be daunting, to learn more about the College Board tool and additional college resources, follow the link: https://www.ccmrwithmsthrash.com/college.

Even when conflict happens thousands of miles away, videos and images in the news and on social media can be traumatic, especially for children.

Help your students navigate what they’re seeing, hearing, & feeling with @nctsn’s guide: https://nctsn.org/sites/default/files

When schools provide mental health support for students:

📚Academic outcomes improve

⬇️Discipline referrals are reduced

🎓Both attendance & graduation rates increase

Here's how schools can support students' mental well-being:

https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/topic-research/environment/mental-health

The Crime Stoppers model has the ability to make communities and campuses safer. Every child in Texas should experience preventative education at no cost across the state is the mission. The Statewide team offers in-person and virtual presentations to meet the needs of students, school staff, and parents. Their team of educators works to spread awareness and valuable education on personal and school safety subjects. For more information see the Safe School Institute’s Statewide Newsletter.

Legislative Updates

School Counselor Ethics

Crisis Support

Comprehensive Guidance Planning

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Social and Emotional Learning

Apply Texas Account

Transcripts and much more!

Email: nickisha.fowler@region10.org
Phone: 972-348-1208

Counseling Consultant

Email: amanda.knight@region10.org
Phone: 972-348-1216