GKCSCA Winter Newsletter 2024

Hey everyone- welcome back to 2nd semester. I hope you've had a restful break and are ready for the busy semester ahead with enrollment, state testing and all of the things that come with 2nd semester. I know that 1st semester was stressful and challenging, but we made it! Thank you for going above and beyond for your staff and students, your work is not going unnoticed.

We have a lot coming up in our region, from MSCA and from ASCA. I've packed this newsletter with lots of good information.

Cheers to a new year!
With gratitude,

Ashley Paul- GKCSCA President

It's not too late to join! We have so much to offer this semester! Please fill out the form below to register, or click on the button for the paper copy. Please reach out if you have any questions! Please remember, you must be a member to be able to join or PD events.

We have an exciting opportunity for our PD event this time! We will be doing break out sessions! The sessions will focus on data to enhance your program, minute meetings, motivational interviewing and the builders association. Please click the links below for the flyer and lunch sign up.

Form- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JKn09Rgq5hyyHQA37unEWLNxLbfm_zw1/view?usp=sharing

RSVP for lunch- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdM0pIi1kpkR8RRxNfByIjO6Q_CURhLZb18BTiBVVduySf0cg/viewform

We will be having an appreciation breakfast to celebrate YOU and (if you would like to-) your Administrator(s) that support you. We will also be celebrating our Counselors of the year. Please RSVP and join us!

RSVP (also linked to the picture)- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5qHa-Ftw2XGbziIyKfcAUh062rIWURLlXHBg0WwKSLolizA/viewform

We have been working on bringing GKCSCA into the post-COVID era. We have been working on updating the Bi-laws and have started a DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging) committee. It is very exciting work. We will provide updates at our Feb. PD event. If you would like to join, we'd love to have you! Please email me or one of the board members to get started.

We are now accepting nominations for Greater Kansas City school Counselor Association's Counselor of the Year! We are accepting nominations in four categories:

1. Elementary/Middle/Secondary Counselor of the Year

2. Counselor Advocate

3. Director of School Counseling

4. Supervisor/Administrator

*counselors must be a current member of GKCSCA, certified and practicing as a school counselor for three years.

*nominations are due January 26th.

*how do I nominate?

-----> Counselor of the Year Nomination Packet 2023-2024

-----> Advocate, Director, Supervisor, Administrator

*please see the email sent from Cara Long with more details. (clong@gvr5.net)

Did you know that MSCA offers PD events throughout the school year? You must be a member, and they are virtual. They send out the information through their Monday Memos. They are live, and are recorded- so you can watch later if needed.

MSCA will be providing biweekly updates on the legislative issues that are happening. The legislative session just opened up. There are a multitude of issues they are expecting to have to address- including SEL in schools. MSCA works with The Penman Group- who are lobbyists advocating on our behalf. The Penman Group will be helping with the updates.

Please see the attachment on an advocacy day coming up. Let's show up and make our voice heard!

MSCA's Take Ten Conference has been planned! Friday March 22nd from 9am-3pm. It will be at the Courtyard Marriott in Jeff City. See the flyer below for the sessions being offered.

There are promo codes, for school counselors who have been practicing for:

-5 years or less- 5PERCENTOFF

-5-15 years- 10PERCENTOFF

-15 years+ - 15PERCENTOFF

https://counselor-accents.newzenler.com/?affiliate=e86DE8&fbclid=IwAR0aYgpHKAcXEu75lHezG1ph-4ct8dwokDyMxr6cNIV_aOou20VUGmxns40

January 19th- Coping skills for children and teens with anxiety

February 16th- Play therapy techniques in the school setting

www.bestlifetherapykc.com

Greater Kansas City PFLAG and GLSEN Step Up Scholarship

The Greater Kansas City chapters of PFLAG and GLSEN have again teamed up to award scholarships to LGBTQ+ seniors in the greater KC metro area. The Step Up Scholarship relies on nominations from educators. They will nominate students using this form. Nominations are due by February 28, 2024 (11:59 PM).

Missouri Courage Scholarship

The Missouri Courage Scholarship is available once again this year. You can learn more and find the link to the application to share with students here. Students apply on their own for this scholarship and it is due March 1, 2024.

February 5-9th, 2024

Standards Based, Student Focused

IN KANSAS CITY!!!

July 13-16, 2024

Fired UP

We encourage all of our members to follow us on our social media platforms to keep up to date on the latest information from GKCSCA.

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/GKCSCA

Twitter (X)- https://www.twitter.com/MOGKCSCA

Website- http://www.gkcsca.net/