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R10 Counselor Conversations

🔘 Forty-Ninth Edition: April 2024 🔘

R10 CounselorConversations🔘 Forty-Ninth Edition: April 2024 🔘

🌸 Embrace the Blossoming Opportunities 🌿

As April graces us with its gentle warmth and vibrant blooms, we are reminded of the inherent beauty of new beginnings and growth. Just as nature awakens from its winter slumber, so too do we find ourselves invigorated with renewed energy and purpose in our roles as advocates for student success.


In this season of transformation, let us cultivate a spirit of resilience and optimism, embracing each day as an opportunity to inspire, empower, and uplift those we serve. As the world around us bursts forth with life, may we also nurture the seeds of potential within our students, guiding them towards a future filled with promise and possibility.


Together, let us celebrate the arrival of April and all it represents: a time of growth, renewal, and endless potential. With hearts full of hope and minds ablaze with creativity, let us embark on this journey together, united in our dedication to nurturing the bright futures of the next generation.


Wishing you all a month filled with joy, inspiration, and abundant blessings.


Amanda and Nickisha

2023-2024 School Counselor Spring Training Calendar
Mental & Behavioral Health Webinar Series - Family & Caregiver Engagement
Apr 11, 2024 11:00 AM
In this session participants will learn about approaches to family and caregiver engagement in relation to school mental health.
Mental & Behavioral Health Webinar Series - Elevating Mental Health & Wellness
May 9, 2024 11:00 AM
Participants will learn about best-practice strategies for elevating mental health awareness.
Spring 2024 Advanced Academics & GT Offerings
Section 504 & ADA Summer Symposium
May 28, 2024 9:00AM - 4:00OPM
400 E. Spring Valley Road Richardson, TX 75081
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Wilkinson Middle School

Mesquite ISD


In a remarkable display of teamwork, Wilkinson Middle School's counselor, Tashaun Dupree, and 7th-grade science teacher, Jamila Harris, are spearheading B.A.W.M. (Beautiful And Wonderfully Made), an initiative that integrates social-emotional learning and leadership development into the school's fabric.


Every Tuesday, during advisory sessions, students are treated to a unique experience as B.A.W.M. gathers to promote social-emotional learning and positive character traits. Led by Dupree and Harris, these sessions transcend the typical classroom environment, fostering an atmosphere of growth and inspiration.


What sets B.A.W.M. apart is its ability to harness the power of advisory time, transforming ordinary Tuesdays into extraordinary opportunities for personal development. Through engaging activities and meaningful discussions, students are encouraged to explore their passions, embrace their strengths, and strive for greatness.


For those eager to get involved or contribute to B.A.W.M.'s mission, Mrs. Dupree welcomes inquiries at tdupree@mesquiteisd.org. With B.A.W.M. leading the way, Wilkinson Middle School is fostering a culture of empowerment and positivity that is sure to leave a lasting impact on its students.

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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!


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SCHOLAR 📩 School Counselor Handbook Online Resources
The site supports each aspect of implementing the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling, 5th edition. Bookmark and visit the site often for resources, templates, lessons, and more.
NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL & HEALTH AWARENESS DATES 2023-2024 CALENDAR
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Connect with Hope Squad

Register for an upcoming informational webinar or sign up for a 1:1 meeting with a team member if you're interested in learning more about Hope Squad.

How do you align your School Counseling work with MTSS?

  • MTSS Strategies for School Counselors

  • Trauma Informed MTSS

  • MTSS Guides and Toolkits

  • The Responsive Counselor and MTSS

  • Video: MTSS in Secondary Schools

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Dr. Collier's TIER Interventions

Prevention works when applied consistently, to the entire community, and tailored to students' needs. KnowYourNeuro curriculum is designed for all tiers, faculty, and families!

https://knowyourneuro.org/schools

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Helping Kids Who Struggle with Executive Functions

Child Mind Institute published an article where authors share ways to help children build organizational skills. Topics discussed include what executive function skills are, what strategies help kids who struggle with executive functions, and how parents can help kids feel motivated. Child Mind Institute also offers a 10-minute recording to follow along and listen to as you read through the article.

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Spring Attendance Slump

Ever noticed that student attendance drops in the spring & continues downward until the end of school? By preparing for the #SpringSlump, schools & teachers can implement strategies to encourage attendance & participation. Find resources:

https://www.attendanceworks.org/resources/spring-attendance-slump/

💐"Spring Renewal: Self-Care Activities for School Staff"🪷

Self-Care Bingo


Self-Care Quote of the Week


Showing Gratitude Create an easy-to-use system for staff to show gratitude to one-another or create a system for the community to anonymously share gratitude for the school, staff, or students. These thoughts of gratitude can then be shared at staff meetings, in school announcements, or staff newsletters.


Practicing self-care: 5 tips for teachers


Treat Yourself with Kindness: 50 Self-Care Ideas for Teachers & School Counselors


Ok you


Mindful Moment - Rose Bud Thorn (video) - Reflection Activity

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School Employee Wellness

This quick-start toolkit is provided as a supplement to Healthy School, Healthy Staff, Healthy Students: A Guide to Improving School Employee Wellness, designed to increase the capacity of district and school staff in addressing school employee wellness, to improve the health of all school employees, and to improve student health and academic outcomes.

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Earth Day Activities for School Counseling

If you enjoy incorporating holidays into your school counseling curriculum, Counselor Keri has fantastic suggestions for you! Discover Earth Day social-emotional learning activities that are ideal for school counseling sessions!

🎓Graduation Toolkit🎓
The foundation high school program and endorsements help students focus their interest, select their coursework, and better plan for their postsecondary training and education.
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For Apply Texas access or technical support, please contact Elaine Fackler at elaine.fackler@region10.org

TxCAN Financial Aid Resource Hub
Easily access financial aid training and resources at any time during the 23-24 school year.
2024–25 FAFSA Roadmap
Big changes are coming to the FAFSA next year! Federal Student Aid released the Better FAFSA Implementation Roadmap, which has provided some clarity for the release of the FAFSA application, demos, and resources.
Online TASFA
Use the online TASFA to submit one financial aid application to multiple colleges in Texas.
Texas OnCourse Quick Guide to Financial Aid Application Changes
Texas OnCourse Quick Guide to Financial Aid Application Changes
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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.

Effective Advising Framework
In a K-12 setting, effective advising is delivered through the individual student planning system of a comprehensive school counseling program.

Effective Advising Framework enables students to engage in personalized career and academic planning, while providing educators with the necessary tools to support them effectively. It utilizes internal and external partnerships, along with quality materials and assessments, to ensure comprehensive postsecondary preparation for all students.


Aligned with the Effective Schools Framework and Effective District Framework, the EAF supports districts in systematically enhancing individual planning systems for students. By defining district commitments, levers, essential actions, and key practices, it establishes a common vision and actionable goals to improve system effectiveness and student outcomes.


Please contact amanda.knight@region10.org or nickisha.fowler@region10.org for more information about Effective Advising Framework.

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ccmrwithmsthrash.com

Ms. Thrash, with her expertise in College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR), offers tailored support for students' post-secondary plans. From freshman to senior year, her comprehensive guides provide step-by-step guidance on college exploration, career pathways, standardized testing, financial aid, and scholarships. With personalized advice and extensive knowledge in admissions, career exploration, and academic planning, Ms. Thrash is dedicated to empowering students to make informed decisions for their future.


If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Thrash at support@ccmrwithmsthrash.com.


https://ccmrwithmsthrash.com/freshmen

https://ccmrwithmsthrash.com/sophomores

https://ccmrwithmsthrash.com/juniors

https://ccmrwithmsthrash.com/seniors

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Mental Health Resource Toolkit
Mental Health Resources in Spanish

Free Online Courses Related to School Mental Health
PAX Good Behavior Game
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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


YAM Youth Aware of Mental Health
Region 10 MENTAL/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Newsletter
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Dear School Mental Health Leaders,

As we dive back into our routines, we want to ensure that our mental and behavioral health remains a priority for our school community.

Attached, you will find our latest Mental and Behavioral Health Newsletter. In this edition, we've curated a wealth of resources and opportunities to support the well-being of both students and staff alike.

Need to be added to our list serv? Fill out the form below:

https://forms.gle/cAmnWzXkMJgaS8gW9

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School Safety Resources
School Behavioral Threat Assessment: 88th Legislative Session Update
How to Recognize and Report Child Abuse or Neglect
House Bill 3 Transfer of Student Records
Texas Legislature Bills About School Counseling
As you know, the 88th Legislation recently ended and there were items passed that will effect all school counseling programs. Check out this resource to help you follow along with all the changes.
Updated TEA Help Desk
The TEA Help Desk has a few new or updated buttons, such as curriculum, CTE, and certification. Find them all here: https://helpdesk.tea.texas.gov/
Texas Virtual School Network
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides online courses to eligible students through the Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN).
Updated LOTE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An updated FAQ document for LOTE curriculum and graduation requirements has been published on the TEA LOTE webpage.
Texas SPED Support Website
Discover resources and learning opportunities from experts in the field.
Career and Technical Education

Programs of Study Update

Refreshed Career and Technical Education programs of study will be implemented beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. The current programs of study went into effect in the 2020-2021 school year, allowing Texas to meet the federal program approval requirements within the Strengthening CTE for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V). The Texas Perkins State Plan included a commitment to reviewing programs of study every four years to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the Texas workforce. As the culmination of that four-year review cycle, the refreshed programs of study are now final.

Resources that support implementation of refreshed programs of study beginning in the 2024-2025 school year are available on the TEA website.

Individual Graduation Committees

Updated guidance and frequently asked questions on IGCs are now available to provide districts and charter schools with additional support for implementation and documentation of IGCs.

  • Individual Graduation Committee Guidance Power Point Presentation

  • Individual Graduation Committee Guidance and Documentation

  • Individual Graduation Committee Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact us for support in the following areas:

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!

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Nickisha Fowler, M.S.

Counseling Consultant

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

Twitter: @Nicki_Fowler24

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Amanda Knight, M.S.

Counseling Consultant

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

Twitter: @MsAmandaKnight

March 2024 Newsletter

February 2024 Newsletter

January 2024 Newsletter

December 2023 Newsletter

November 2023 Newsletter

October 2023 Newsletter

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How Can Region 10 Serve You?
Need Direct Services, Consultation, or Specialized PD? Please fill out this form.
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