MAY
May14, 2024
ArSCA Elementary Counselor of the Year
Elementary Winner: Nathan Watkins
School Name: Robert L. Davis Elementary
School District: Bryant School District
Congratulations to our Arkansas Elementary School Counselor of the Year, Nathan Watkins, who has been a counselor in Bryant since 2017. Nathan’s Annual Student Outcome Goal last year was to equip a group of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade boys with skills necessary to make better decisions. After reviewing data, he identified a group of boys that lacked emotional regulation, were usually
disrespectful towards adults and students, and had reports of several arguments
and altercations between themselves and other students or adults.
Nathan collaborated with two other male staff members with the resolve of
making an impact on these boys; working with them to be more successful in
their behavior and decision-making capacity. They began the group by assigning
mentors to Check-In/Check-Out Daily and had each boy set two behavior goals
and one academic goal. Additionally, each day, the students’ teachers rated their
progress toward each goal and a parent signed off on their goal sheet each night.
The learning from working toward this goal, the small groups, the mentoring, and
student goal setting, along with THRIVE training, led him to develop an incredibly
successful house system at Davis Elementary that helps ALL students.
The school currently has 530 students and all staff members divided into 6 houses
which are named after Capturing Kids Hearts Monthly Concepts. Grade levels are
mixed and they are seeing results from tier one lessons, friendly competition and
their point reward system. The House System is addressing not only the
behavioral, emotional and social needs of students, but the project is also
addressing academic needs and has curbed attendance problems. The House
System has helped both students AND staff to have more of a sense of belonging.
Way to go, Nathan!
ArSCA Middle Level Counselor of the Year
Middle School Winner: Cherri Byford, NBCT
School Name: Darby Middle School
School District: Fort Smith Public School District
Congratulations to our Arkansas Middle Level School Counselor of the Year, Cherri Byford, who is finishing her 15 th year in Fort Smith. Cherri’s Annual Student Outcome Goal last year was to decrease office referrals for 7th and 8th grade African American students with 3 or more office referrals by 15% from 183 to 156.
Her goal was established after thoughtful review of the previous school year’s discipline data and finding that although African American students only make up 15.69% of the Darby population, almost 70% of those students received an office referral. Cherri conducted a Root Cause Analysis asking “WHY” 5 times with the staff at her school. The activity opened up much needed discussion regarding implicit bias and cultural diversity and has led to change in practices that have continued today. Her goal was met by 17%! While they continue to hold students accountable for their actions, the staff has moved toward a more restorative practice of doing so.
Cherri is an advocate for practicing mindfulness and implements both a Mindful
Monday activity during Darby’s Monday Morning Announcements, and also
shorter breath activities that teach self-regulation each school day. After some
initial reluctance, this is the most requested activity by her students. Her training
with Mindful Schools initiated this practice and she has shared techniques with
other counselors in her district as well as the state.
In 2018, Cherri attended her first ASCA Conference and realized the benefits of
following the ASCA National Model. As a district lead counselor, she began
training other counselors in Fort Smith in disaggregating data to create annual
student outcome goals and results reports. Administrators then began to see
counselors as valuable experts who orchestrate systemic change aligned with the
school's continuous improvement plan. Her next step was to ask for and receive
considerable funding to hire consultants to work with all district counselors to
implement the ASCA national model with fidelity. Through the consultants’
guidance and Cherri’s leadership, Fort Smith Public Schools became the first in
our state to have schools achieve Recognized ASCA Model Program status. Cherri
is passionate about creating a change in our state and is eager to train other
counselors in implementing the ASCA National Model and applying for RAMP
status.
ArSCA Secondary Counselor of the Year
High School Winner: Jeanette DeJesus
School Name: Cabot High School
School District: Cabot Public School District
Congratulations to our Arkansas Secondary School Counselor of the Year, Jeanette Dejesus! Jeanette’s Annual Student Outcome Goals last year were to decrease the percentage of 10th grade students who failed English 10 or Geometry by 10% from 271 to 119, and also to decrease the percentage of high school students who failed three or more classes by 10% from 114 to 102. After carefully reviewing data from the 2021-2022 school year, she found a large gap in achievement regarding students grades due to skill loss from COVID-19. While a large portion of Cabot High School’s student body returned to school in the spring of 2021, the constant quarantines caused huge gaps in skill acquisition. With the majority of students back in physical school for the 21-22 school year, teachers returned to teaching as they did pre-COVID. In working with both teachers and students, Jeanette learned that teachers felt pressure to teach the standards and get test scores back up, however, the students were missing not just academic
skills, but also imperative study skills.
In working with the data and meeting with the various stakeholders, Jeanette
learned there was a clear disconnect between the students, teachers, and
administrators. Students did not have the necessary skills to meet the teachers expectations. Teachers were under the assumption that they were to return to normal. Building administrators had somewhat returned to normal and they were just looking at numbers. There was very little discussion with teams to discuss the cause of the gaps. Advocating for small changes such as support and communication with teachers about the clear expectations from the
administration was the change that was needed to not only impact student
achievement but also morale for both students and teachers. Through Jeanette’s
efforts, her goals to decrease areas by 10% actualized in a decrease of 34% in Both areas by the end of the 2023 school year!
In Jeanette’s words, “Systemic change is impossible without a team approach.
School counselors see the big picture, but it takes collecting data and bringing
that data to the table to advocate for that change.” Now that she has seen the
measurable impact she can have on student achievement, she is working with the
same approach toward behavior and attendance to develop tier two and tier
three interventions in these areas. We can’t wait to see your results, Jeanette!
End of the School Year Motivation
End of the School Year Motivation
Blessings to All, Arsca!
I cannot believe it is already May! Where did the time go???”
My first year as ArSCA president has been full of emotion, learning and gratitude. Although I have been a member of the ArSCA board for the last 5 years (Elem. VP, President-Elect, and President,) this year has been the most rewarding! I have received in-depth leadership development training through the years with our ArSCA and ASCA board members, and putting it all together this year has been “REAL!” And I have enjoyed every moment of it 😀.
I had so many uncertainties and anxiety when the school year began of how I would follow the leadership of our amazing Past- Presidents. My goal is to continue to create an environment of belonging, encouragement and service to all. I made a commitment to reach out to members to find out how we could best celebrate and recognize counselors for the dedicated work they do every day. I thank everyone for all of the feedback I received from Counselor Spotlight surveys and region meetings this year. I will continue to brainstorm and survey counselors and create innovative ways to serve as your President.
As we close the 2023-2024 school year and begin our “short” summer vacation, I want to send you off with a poem for continued encouragement. Unfortunately, I was not able to find the author’s name.
The Weaver’s Loom
Life is a loom, where threads are spun,
Weave your success till the work is done.
Each thread is a choice, each pattern a dream,
The weaver of destiny, let that be your theme.
With purpose as the shuttle, determination as the thread,
Craft a tapestry where success is spread.
In the intricate design of your fate,
Weave a story that’s truly great.
Have a safe and wonderful summer, ArSCA! I’ll see most of you in June in Hot Springs!
Contact Kelli Dockery, ArSCA president, at president@arschoolcounselor.org
Our Stage, Our Story
2024 May Conference Update
The 2024 ArSCA/DESE Conference Committee is excited about the plans for the upcoming conference, “Our Stage, Our Story.” We currently have over 250 attendees and over 30 vendors signed up to attend. With over 50 break out presentations planned and two dynamic keynote speakers, we believe this conference will one to inspire and motivate our attendees to grow in knowledge and skills and to be renewed in our commitment to helping our students, their parents, and our communities.
If you have not yet made plans to attend the conference, we hope these planned presentations and the opportunity to network with counselors from across the state will encourage you to join us June 24 - 26, 2024, in beautiful Hot Springs, AR..
Hotel: Embassy Suite Hotel Registration- Full (some have still been able to book the hotel)
2024 Conference At A Glance
2024 ArSCA/DESE Conference at a Glance
Please note: Presentations are subject to change. If changes are made to the schedule, conference attendees will be notified.
Some of the sessions will be provided virtually through our Conference App.
Kanesha Adams, Sharing the Stage Monday, June 24, 2024
Kanesha Adams is a Ph.D. student in the Educational Leadership department at the University of Alabama. She is an educator, advocate, and “change agent.” She currently serves as the CEO and Founder of Bearapy Bookshelf, which is an edtech company she created to teach students the importance of storytelling and creativity by creating strong foundations, stable families, and secure futures. Bearapy is an acronym for Books, Bears, and Therapy. Read More Here
Dee-1, Sharing the Stage, Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Award winning Rapper. Educator. Activist. Business owner. World-renowned keynote speaker. National Social Emotional Learning Consultant. Nasir Jones Hip Hop Fellow at Harvard University. Tufts University Professor. The name is Dee-1.
He is the Billboard Top 10 charting, game-changing MC with a persona to match his penmanship. Dee-1 has transitioned from being a middle school math teacher in Louisiana to a hip-hop heavyweight with much more to still accomplish. Read More Here
ArSCA Central
ArSCA North Central
ArSCA Northeast
Northeast Region Summer Workshop will be held on June 20, 2024 at Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro.
The workshop will run from 7:30-3:30 with breakfast and lunch being provided.
Please register by using this form: ArSCA Northeast Summar Workshop
Northwest ArSCA
The NW Region Mixer will be held at Mojito's in Fayetteville on May 23 from 5-7. This is a time to unwind from the school year and network with regional members. Appetizers will be provided. northwest@arschoolcounselor.org
Southeast ArSCA
Sign up now to work the booth at the ArSCA/DESE conference June 24 - 26, 2024, in Hot Springs. Our times to work are Tuesday, June 25th from 8:00 - 9:00 and 9:00 - 10:00. If you are willing to help, please sign up using this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfm3quW43j_TIUtcCRNqADmqv4jctxpOawSzyqcIVEosA6u5A/viewform?usp=sf_link
or send me an email at southeast@arschoolcounselor.org.
Please be looking for an email from our President Elect, Kanechia Sergeant, with the updated bylaws proposed changes later this week. Members are asked to review and ask questions before we vote during the week of the conference. All current members will receive an electronic form to cast their vote.
Wanting to get more involved in our organization? Consider running for our open President Elect position. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024-25 school year. Nomination Form is being sent to all Southeast Region members. Voting will take place by electronic ballot that will be sent to all current members during the week of June 17, 2024. Voting will end June 24, 2024, so that our results can be announced during the conference business meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
Southwest ArSCA
Joy Higdon, Hope Academy of Public Service Counselor
The spotlight is shining bright on Joy Higdon this month! Joy is a school counselor at Hope Academy of Public Service.
Joy is kind to everyone she meets. She works to provide emotional support to both her staff and students.
Joy has 28 years of experience in education. She has served in various roles. Her current role is 5-8 counselor school counselor/test coordinator and 504 coordinator at Hope Academy of Public Service. She has served as a coach for Arkansas Leadership Academy, a facilitator for Arkansas Blue Ribbon Commission Town Hall Meetings, and presented professional development at the Arkansas School Counselors’ Association for several years. Additionally, She has performed the national anthem at district, regional, and state basketball and baseball tournaments. She is a doctoral candidate in Education Leadership at Texas A&M University. She has also completed the coursework for building and district leadership. Most importantly she truly cares about the well-being of our students. She promotes the importance of respect for others and integrity daily. Joy is a wife and mom. She has 2 children and 2 grand-children.
Joy was nominated by Mrs. Marilyn Marks, Principal
Thank you for everything that you do for students and our profession, Joy.
Kenya Lewis, Howard Perrin Elementary- Benton Counselor
The spotlight is shining on Kenya Lewis this month! Kenya is a school counselor at Howard Perrin Elementary in the Benton School District. Kenya goes above and beyond for her kids and teachers! Kenya is constantly coming up with ideas for small groups, class activities, and fun contests. She cares so much about her kids and is always looking for ways to help and gaps to fill. She always helps with the school culture with her teachers and treats them to snacks and goodies often with her “Sunshine Cart!”
Kenya’s hobbies include running her 10 year old son around for his various sports lol. She loves reading, being outside and around family. She's been married for 17 years and has an 18 year old daughter at ASTATE in the nursing program. What Kenya loves most about counseling is making learning social and emotional skills fun! She incorporates a hands on experience or activity to help connect the topic.
Thank you for everything that you do for students and our profession, Kenya!
ArSCA Connects: Learn and Share Webinar Registration
Arkansas School Counselor Association is hosting a series of informative virtual meetings for school counselors. Each meeting will provide information to assist school counselors working with students, parents and staff, followed by a question and discussion session. This is an excellent opportunity to network with other school counselors across the state. A zoom meeting link will be provided to those registered. Registration cost is free to members and non-members.
Watch the ArSCA Listserv for dates and times.
The Division of Elementary & Secondary Education has a host of resources and information for school counselors located on their School Counseling page.
For more information, please contact:
Rodney Ford, Program Advisor
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Four Capitol Mall, Mail Slot 13
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-5144
Email: Rodney.B.Ford@ade.arkansas.gov
Lupe Peña de Martínez, Director of Student Support Services
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Four Capitol Mall, Mail Slot 13
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501.682.0652
Cell: 501.646.6401
Email: Lupe.Pena@ade.arkansas.gov
Per A.C.A. § 6-15-2911- Commissioner's Memo LS-24-042, the four major components of the Student Success Plan are:
Guide the student along pathways to graduation
Address accelerated learning opportunities
Address academic deficits and interventions
Include college and career planning components
Additionally, each student's Student Success Plan shall be reviewed annually and revised as necessary to identify the courses to be taken each year until all required core courses are completed. Upon completion of the review, the student's Student Success Plan shall be signed by the:
(a) Student;
(b) Student's parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to the student; and
(c) School counselor.
ArSCA Membership
Arkansas School Counselor Association (ArSCA) supports school counselors’ efforts to help students focus on academic, personal/social and career development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. Membership in the state and national associations is highly recommended. ArSCA adheres to the Code of Ethics and policy statements of the American School Counseling Association (ASCA). Who We Are
We have six regions across our state. Here is a list of our ArSCA Board of Directors.
Become a Member Here This link is for membership and for conference attendance both, but you can still be a member if you are not attending the conference.
Arkansas Mental Health Access for Pediatric Primary Care (ARMAPP)
The Arkansas Mental Health Access for Pediatric Primary Care (ARMAPP) is a team of professionals dedicated to providing education and consultations on mental health conditions for both pediatric primary care providers and school-based personnel across the state. Our goal is to improve access to pediatric behavioral health resources and to increase the number of primary care physicians and school-based health professionals who are trained to identify and treat mental health conditions. We are committed to improving the number of children and families accessing mental health services in Arkansas.
ARMAPP is proud to present the 2024 School Based Mental Health Symposium on July 31, 2024. The goal of the symposium is to train and support diverse stakeholders and a multidisciplinary workforce on understanding, promoting, and advancing pediatric mental health in Arkansas. There is no registration fee. You can register here: https://redcap.link/ARMAPP24.
In the Fall, ARMAPP will provide interactive behavioral and mental health educational sessions through the iECHO platform for school based health professionals. Our team of psychiatrists and psychologists will also be able to provide consultations specifically for medication recommendations, behavioral management, mental health resources or adjustment to diagnosis recommendations.
TasselTIME- Free Counselor Membership
TasselTIME is a comprehensive website designed by a former school counselor for school counselors. TasselTIME has been provided to Arkansas School Counselors for free for 21 years. TasselTIME is available to purchase for school use for the entire district. Many districts in Arkansas are using TasselTIME. Find out more by going to www.tasseltime.com
Sign-up for your free counselor membership here.
Presentations at ArSCA Conference
Keeping Kids Safe Online/Keeping Teachers Safe on Social Media (3 hour sessions offered at coops)
TasselTIME for Secondary
AI in Education (3 hour & 6 hour sessions offered at coops)
TeachingTIME and TasselTIME Professional Development Opportunities
May Mental Health Awareness Month- Arkansas Department of Human Services
May is Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM), an observance to educate the public about mental health to fight stigma and make people aware that help is available. The goal of MHAM is to raise awareness about how common mental health issues are, providing coping mechanisms that positively impact the quality of people’s lives, and to direct individuals to the many resources available to them. Please use the materials on this page to learn more and to help spread the word about mental health treatment. (Arkansas Department of Education 2024) Read more here
We would love to hear what you are doing for MHAM. Please send information and any pictures or graphics for our May newsletter to technology@arschoolcounselor.org
