R10 Counselor Conversations

With spring on the horizon, we're reminded of the beauty of new beginnings and the importance of self-care. Amidst our dedication to guiding students, let's not overlook our own well-being. Just as flowers require nourishment to bloom, we too must prioritize self-care to thrive. Take time this month for activities that replenish your spirit, whether it's a stroll in nature, a moment of mindfulness, or indulging in a favorite hobby. Remember, by nurturing ourselves, we're better equipped to support others. Here's to a month filled with growth, balance, and self-discovery.

Grateful for you,

Amanda and Nickisha

This Self-Care Checkup can help you consider the frequency and quality of your self-care in five important life domains:

■ Emotional

■ Physical

■ Social

■ Professional

■ Spiritual self-care

To learn more about IGC implementation and documentation, join a webinar on March 7, 2024. The March 7 IGC webinar will be held at 2:00 pm (Central). Individuals must register for the webinar in advance. The registration link will also be available on the Individual Graduation Committees webpage. Updated IGC guidance addresses the following categories:

• Student Eligibility
• IGC Role
• IGC Membership
• Parent/Guardian Notification
• IGC Timelines
• IGC Determinations
• IGC Planning and Review
• Documentation
• Transfer Students
• Considerations for Special Populations
• Resources

TEA Webinar

March 14th 11:00-12:30

Tier 1 Approaches for Enhancing School Mental Health

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7yf6Ggn3R6CSaiBo20wfEg#/registration

On Monday, April 8, 2024, parts of Texas will experience four and a half minutes of total darkness during the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. More than one million people are estimated to visit Texas to view this rare, natural phenomenon. The TxSSC has created a situational awareness brief to help districts prepare for this event, ensure you are well informed, and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of remaining open that day.

Download the Brief

🔒 Enhance School Safety: You're Invited!

📅 Mark your calendars for April 17th and join us for an essential event tailored to school leaders and staff!

🛡️ Elevate your school's security measures by participating in dynamic discussions and workshops. Explore crucial topics like threat assessment tools, mental health support strategies, and effective coordination with law enforcement agencies.

💼 Discover innovative solutions to safeguard your school environment, including the role of school marshals and addressing issues like human trafficking. Plus, gain insights into securing funding for local education agencies.

💬 Engage directly with subject-area specialists to delve into key areas such as school facility upgrades, crisis response tactics, and legal considerations for implementing safety policies.

Don't miss this opportunity to empower your school community and ensure a safer tomorrow.

Williams Elementary

Garland ISD

Brittany was recently awarded a $3,000 grant to support her students. Brittany applied for the grant by detailing the need for and use of calming corners in all the classrooms at Williams Elementary. These calming corners will provide students with a safe space in the classroom to use their coping skills. This will help students to practice self-regulation without losing valuable instruction time.

🎉Congratulations Brittany! 👏

Calling all counselors in Region 10! 🌟 We're on a mission to spotlight the incredible initiatives happening across our region. Whether you've orchestrated a stellar program, organized a memorable event, or teamed up with colleagues for a triumph, we want to hear about it! Share your success stories and let's celebrate the fantastic work happening in our schools. Your creativity and dedication deserve the spotlight – spill the details and inspire others in the process. Together, let's showcase the greatness within Region 10!

Thank you for participating in this survey. Your insights are invaluable in identifying the professional development needs of school counselors across various educational levels. The survey covers your preferences for session formats and focuses on specific areas: Responsive Services, Individual Planning, Guidance Curriculum, and System Support. Please take a few minutes to provide your feedback.

“Women’s History Month is a celebration of strong, resilient trailblazers everywhere and a chance to look back with intention on the oft-overlooked contributions of women in our country,” says Shannon Evers, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington and mother of two. “This is important for girls in particular because there is great power in seeing the example of those that came before you, especially when you can recognize yourself in their stories.”

Here’s everything kids need to know about this important celebration, including some engaging and inspiring Women’s History Month activities to keep the fun and learning going all month long.

SEL Day is a global, grassroots campaign for social-emotional learning to support children’s academic recovery, mental health, and well-being. Since its inception in 2020, #SELday has reached over 40 million views.

SEL check-ins, with visual cues and creative images, foster self-awareness, emotional vocabulary, and classroom support. Easily integrated into daily routines, they create a stable, engaging environment that bolsters instruction and student emotional growth.

Therapeutic spring activities embrace the spirit of hope, renewal, and rebirth.

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

The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is now available for students to submit electronically! Texas has extended the financial aid priority deadline to April 15, 2024. Students can find more info and submit the online TASFA here: https://hubs.la/Q02mSBB10

Did you know the PSAT score report offers personalized recommendations for AP courses? That's right! Your PSAT score isn't just a number; it's a key that unlocks insights into your academic potential. Whether aiming for that five on the AP Calculus exam or striving to excel in AP English Literature, your PSAT score can guide you toward the right AP courses to maximize your success!

Find this invaluable information in your PSAT score report here: ccmrwithmsthrash.com/college-board-psat-sat-ap/psat.

Your course choices shape your future! Here's why they matter:

1. College Admissions: Advanced classes like AP, IB, or honors show colleges you're ready for higher education.

2. Major Relevance: Tailor courses to your desired major to demonstrate passion and dedication.

3. Exploration Opportunity: Use high school to explore various subjects and discover your strengths and passions.

4. Personal Growth: Choose challenging courses that foster intellectual and personal development.

Make informed decisions now to pave the way for future success. Seek guidance, explore options, and embark on your journey to success!

🔗 https://ccmrwithmsthrash.com/high-school-courses

College preview days are organized events by universities to showcase campus facilities, academic programs, student services, and campus life to prospective students and families. They provide insight into campus culture, academic offerings, student services, financial aid, scholarships, and networking opportunities for students, parents, guardians, counselors, and educators. They're invaluable for making informed decisions about college enrollment.

Find a list of college preview days on the College page here:

https://ccmrwithmsthrash.com/college/.

FREE RESOURCES AVAILABLE

PAXIS and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have partnered to offer free training to those working with children or families in both in-school and out-of-school settings throughout Texas.

The PAX Good Behavior Game® (PAX GBG) is a school-based, classroom preventative intervention used by educators to teach self-regulation. PAX GBG is not a set of lessons or a curriculum but strategies teachers use throughout their day to build students’ behavioral skills and stamina for focused attention and on-task behavior. Training opportunities include live-virtual and online options. All Region 10 LEAs have free access to this resource.

Spring training dates have been posted on the Pax website. Pax is also taking reservations for cohort (20 or more staff to be trained at the same time) training for the end of year and summer.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Fabian Hypolite - Fabian.hypolite@region10.org

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

Twitter: @Nicki_Fowler24

Counseling Consultant

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

Twitter: @MsAmandaKnight