April 2025
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner…and gift card !!
I just realized that I did not announce the winners of the “National School Counselor Week in Arkansas” entry winners. Please charge it to my “head” and not my “heart.” I want to thank the 11 counselors that participated by writing such heartfelt responses. The prompt was,
What was your most remarkable aspect of School Counselor Week?
I wish I could choose everyone and give all a gift, but I can only provide 3 gift cards this month. Please give me a drumroll and help celebrate our winners!!!
“The most remarkable aspect of School Counselor Week for me was the sense of community and appreciation that emerged throughout the celebrations. It was inspiring to see students and staff come together to recognize the hard work and dedication of school counselors. Their impact on students’ lives is often profound, and during this week, it felt especially meaningful as stories and testimonials highlighted the positive changes they help foster. Additionally, the activities and events that encouraged collaboration and dialogue around mental health and academic support reminded everyone of the vital role counselors play in shaping a supportive school environment.” Jessica Jefferson
“I made a giant sign that says "Counseling is for Everyone" and had student names with sticky notes on it. Our district communications team took a photo of me in front of it, and did a little writeup on our website about me/my role/my program, which was a really great chance for me to advocate for my program! I also had trivia each morning in the announcements, and hosted an optional art and essay contest. I had so many students participate. I feel like I was able to truly promote and advocate all week long!! “ Meagan Harness
“One of the things I spent the week doing was delivering different acronyms to staff with information relating to my position and getting feedback from them. I had one paraprofessional, in particular, that was new and she just kept telling me how much she was learning and how she never knew all of the things that we did. It made me feel super seen in the sense of people really don't realize how many things we do as school counselors. She asked me what made me get into this career field and we were able to have some really amazing conversations, all prompted by a simple informative acronym." Natasha McFeeters
Kelli Dockery
ArSCA President 2023-2025
Hurricane Creek Elementary/Bryant School District
Contact Kelli Dockery, ArSCA president, at president@arschoolcounselor.org
Mallory Jacobs
"Mallory Jacobs, an esteemed counselor and advocate, has left an indelible mark on Kansas' school counseling domain. Hailing from Holton, Kansas, her counseling odyssey commenced over a decade ago, profoundly impacting numerous students, families, and staff members. Currently a lead elementary counselor at Whitson Elementary in Topeka Public Schools, Mallory also aids other district counselors and was honored as 2023-2024 Kansas School Counselor of the Year. Beyond her school, she is helping shape statewide counseling standards. As a counselor leader- coordinator for KSDE, she influences policies. Mallory extends her reach through radio and social media, spreading motivation and inspiration, advocating for counseling's pivotal role in education."
Mallory’s hobbies are traveling, connecting with others, and having FUN!
Her family includes her mom, dad, and two brothers. They are both married with three kids and she is the proud aunt of 6!!!!!!!
Sean Buchannan
Ramp
Going through the RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) process at both the elementary and middle school levels has been a valuable and eye-opening experience. While the foundational goals of RAMP stay the same—supporting student success through a well-rounded, data-driven counseling program—the way it plays out looks very different depending on the age group.
In elementary schools, the focus is all about helping kids build social-emotional skills early, creating a welcoming school climate, and setting strong academic habits from the start. Counselors spend a lot of time in classrooms leading counseling lessons, supporting students with emotional and behavioral growth, and working closely with teachers and families to meet each child’s needs.
Middle school, on the other hand, brings a whole new set of priorities. Students are learning to be more independent, figuring out who they are, and starting to make choices that shape their academic path. At this stage, counselors shift their focus to things like career exploration, course planning, and managing peer relationships. There's also more one-on-one and small group support, and data becomes even more important for tracking patterns in attendance, behavior, and achievement.
Even though the structure is similar, the RAMP process is flexible enough to meet students where they are. It evolves with them, making sure the support we offer is not only age-appropriate but also meaningful and targeted.
Reminder: Comprehensive School Counseling Program Requirements
Comprehensive School Counseling Program Requirements Each public school district shall provide a developmentally appropriate comprehensive school counseling program to aid students in academics, social/emotional needs, and career exploration and planning. The district Comprehensive School Counseling Plan, which is a reflection of the program, shall be posted on the district website under “State Required Information” no later than August 1 of 2024 and each following year thereafter. The requirements for the comprehensive school counseling program plan can be found in the Arkansas School Counselor Toolkit and in the Arkansas Comprehensive School Counseling Program Guide which are posted on the Arkansas Department of Education – Division of Elementary and Secondary Education - Guidance and School Counseling webpage. http://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/divisions/learning-services/guidance-and-school-counseling For specific accreditation requirements visit Standards for Accreditation
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.
2023 legistated changes(see pp 14-16)
Presentation on SSP from DESE Summit
Review the Success Ready Pathway Guide. This guide outlines what a success ready pathway looks like for all students in grades 9-12, however it is a useful tool for students in middle school who are initiating their Students Success Plans. The Success Ready Pathway Guide:
Outlines each pathway course sequence.
Identifies the merit and distinction demonstration for each pathway.
**"Completion of a success-ready pathway leads to eligibility to earn State Distinction, by demonstrating readiness at the culmination of that pathway. Schools will have an opportunity to earn points in accountability for students graduating with merit or distinction.
Provides additional information regarding merit and distinction opportunities for students.
This tool should be used to assist connecting Students Success Plans to student goals post graduation. Becoming a success ready graduate is a multi-year process that begins well before high school. As we continue to build career ready pathways and ensure all Arkansas graduates are success ready.
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.
2024-25 ArSCA Membership You will now register through the conference app, even if you are not going to the conference. There is a selection for membership only.
ArSCA Listserv Changes- Very Important
ArSCA Member Counselors,
Our new counselor listserve address: https://groups.google.com/a/arschoolcounselor.org/g/arsca-listserv For right now you won't see this group listed in your list of Google Groups (if you are a Google school). We are still looking at settings on this, but for now the messages will only be in email form.
In order to be part of the ArSCA Listserv your ArSCA Membership needs to be current. If you have questions about your membership you can contact office@arschoolcounselor.org
If you have questions about the listserv please email technology@arschoolcounselor.org. Check your SPAM folder, if you have not received a message that you have been added to the listserv. If you find that email in SPAM then mark it as NOT SPAM, so that your email client can learn it is a legitimate email address/group.
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.
*Lots of schools have asked about my Keeping Kids Safe presentation for parents. I do come to schools to present that session. **
Here is my information on Professional Development Offerings for 2025
Face-to-Face presentations at the ArSCA/DESE 2025 Conference: Keeping Kids Safe, TasselTIME, AI for Counselors.
IF you are wanting a full day of AI training be sure to look in the Professional Development listing. The pre-conference training at HSTI includes a computer!
ArSCA Central
Deanna Robbins - President
Nick Williams - President Elect
Jennifer Lee - President Elect Elect
Diana Wiese - Treasurer
Brooke Taylor - Secretary
Hannah Gorman - Elementary Delegate
Lequieta Grayson - Middle Delegate
Erica Moore - Secondary Delegate
ArSCA North Central
President: Shayne Thompson,
President Elect: Priscilla Johnson
Elect-Elect: Paige Clary
Treasurer: Julie Gilbert
Secretary: Suzanne Paul
Past Pres: Michelle Curtis
ArSCA Northeast
ArSCA Northeast Summer Conference will be held on June 12, 2025 at Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro, AR from 7:30-3:00.
We would love for anyone and everyone to attend. Our lineup is top notch this year!!
After several years, Dr. David Christian from The University of Arkansas is returning! His presentation over adventure therapy is dynamic and engaging!
Lindsay Ledgerwood from DESE will be presenting any updates we as counselors need to know. Dr. Carl Mangum from The University of Mississippi Medical Center will be presenting on how loneliness affects our students. And last but not least two of our own, Jessica Jefferson and Shavon Lowe will be presenting on how we as counselors need to refuel, recharge, and reimagine. If you know Jessica or Shavon, you already know their presentation will be educational and FUN! We are SUPER excited about this year's workshop!! CLICK HERE to register!
Northwest ArSCA
Follow everything NW Region on social media.
Twitter: @arsca_NWA
Instagram:@arsca_NWA
Facebook: Arsca - Northwest Region
Southeast ArSCA
Southwest ArSCA
If you are not receiving emails from ArSCA Southwest, please contact Jana McWhorter at southwest@arschoolcounselor.org and she will be happy to make sure you are added to the member list.
President-Jana McWhorter
President Elect-Allie Sage
Secretary-Becky Hedges
Treasurer-Samantha Herbner
Past President-Nathan Watkins
