R10 Counselor Conversations

🔘 56th Edition: January 2025 🔘

Starting Strong: A Fresh Focus for the New Semester

Welcome to 2025 and the start of an exciting second semester! As we dive back into the hustle and bustle of the school year, we know the demands on your time and energy will only grow. The second semester is a whirlwind of activity—supporting students’ academic success, guiding post-secondary planning, and balancing countless responsibilities. It’s a season of momentum, but also one where your dedication truly shines.

While the days ahead may feel hectic, remember the incredible impact you have on the lives of the students, families, and communities you serve. You are a beacon of hope and guidance during pivotal moments in their journeys.

Take a moment to breathe, prioritize self-care, and embrace the opportunities that come with a fresh start. Lean into your partnerships with colleagues, families, and community resources—they are your allies in this work. Together, we can tackle the challenges, celebrate the milestones, and create meaningful connections that inspire growth and success.

We are here to support you every step of the way. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and passion for making a difference. Let’s make this semester one of purpose, perseverance, and positivity!

Wishing you a fantastic start to 2025!

Warm regards,

Amanda & Nickisha

2024-2025 School Counselor Spring Training Calendar

Friday, February 6, 2024 9:00AM - 10:00AM

Contact: rachell.lucas@region10.org

Saturday, February 1, 2025 10:00AM - 2:00PM

Virtual

Below you will find registration links to important financial aid training webinars. These webinars do reach capacity, so counselors should register for the ones that are needed and mark their calendars.

FAFSA Q&A

When: February 13 from 10:00-11:00

Description: This participant-driven, peer-learning session is designed for practitioners who are supporting students with the FAFSA and are looking for a space to answer questions and work out tricky scenarios.

Registration Link

Gratitude and Highlights from R10 Counselor Connection Meeting 2

Thank you to Celina ISD, Community ISD, Crandall ISD, and Grand Prairie ISD for graciously hosting our R10 Counselor Connection Meeting 2! Your support truly made this gathering both seamless and impactful.

Together, we explored small groups, guidance lessons, and the potential of AI in enhancing our counseling practices. The depth of discussion and sharing of strategies was inspiring, and the energy in the room reflected our shared commitment to student success.

The success of this training is a testament to the power of district partnerships. By coming together, we continue to build a strong community of counselors who share resources and bring professional development closer to home for maximum convenience.

Your collaboration and dedication are what fuel the success of our events and initiatives. Let’s keep this momentum going as we work to support the personal, social, and academic growth of every student in our region.

Thank you again for making this event a true success!

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!

Child Abuse Prevention Month Resources

Request materials and resources by January 20th.

Top Tools for Building Mindfulness in the Classroom

Digital Well-Being Lessons for Grades K–12

Family Tip Sheet: Building Healthy Digital Habits

Family Tip Sheet: Building Healthy Digital Habits (Spanish)

Goal Setting - Texas Model Student Competency I.B.iii

The First Five - Free Daily Resources

As we plan for the future, we want to know what needs you have in your districts. The following subjects are divided up by domains within the Comprehensive School Counseling Program. We want to make sure we are providing you with the professional development and resources you need to develop effective programs on your campus and in your districts.

The information in this survey is anonymous, and the data may be shared with stakeholders at the state level.

Please check all that apply.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this assessment!

School Counselor Work Time- FAQ

● 2nd Annual Audit on Counselor Work Time (80/20)

● The number of Region 10 randomly selected districts doubled this year.

Sample Assessment Submission

The School Counselor and Section 504 Plan and Process

Academic Achievement Record

Each school district must report the academic achievement record (AAR) of students who have completed a minimum, recommended, advanced (distinguished), or foundation high school program. The transcript forms must include the required standard content for the AAR. The words “academic achievement record” and “transcript” are interchangeable. The form must serve as the academic record for each student and must be maintained permanently by the district.

The following documents provide information regarding AAR minimum standards:

2024 Minimum Standards for the AAR (PDF, 446KB)
2012 Minimum Standards for the AAR (PDF, 315KB)
2009-2010 Minimum Standards for the AAR (PDF, 173KB)
2008 Minimum Standards for the AAR (PDF, 159KB)

Child Abuse Reporting

As mandatory reporters, Texas educators should review and refresh on child abuse prevention. Visit TEA for important facts and resources.

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.

Texas Model Alignment Checklist

Plan your work and work your plan for the 24-25 school year.

School Counselor Requirement & Resource Document

A Multi-Tiered Approach to Promoting SEL

Internet Safety Presentation Request

Thank you for your interest in the Dallas Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Internet Safety Presentation. Our presentations are designed to educate and empower parents, schools, community groups, and organizations on the critical topic of online safety for children and teens.

To request a presentation, please fill out the form with your organization’s details and preferred dates. The team will review your request and get in touch to confirm the details.

Together, we can help keep our children safe in the digital world.

🎓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.

October 1st marks the date when districts that have an executed MOU will receive authorization for new counselors and updates for existing accounts within the Counselor Suite.

APPLY TEXAS - Counselor Suite Access

● Verify your district’s Apply Texas status here

● Contact Apply Texas for additional information: ApplyTexasMOU@highered.texas.gov.

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

TWU's new FAST Academy is a short-term, summer residential bridge program that is specifically designed to help foster-care alumni succeed and thrive! Through hands-on activities and experiential learning, TWU faculty provide specialized instruction in math and English that will help ensure you are prepared for the rigors of the college classroom.

Coursework is designed to catalyze creative and analytical thinking while providing space for first-time college students to learn how to successfully navigate college.

Verification Letter for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth for the Purposes of FAFSA

TxCAN Financial Aid Resource Hub

Online TASFA

Financial Aid Graduation Requirement - FAQs

Texas OnCourse Professional Learning Series

Effective Advising Framework

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

Focusing on the Future–The College Admission Decision Waiting Game

The November and December college admission deadlines are two of the most common for colleges and universities. There are several things students can do during the waiting period for receiving admission decisions:

* Check end of semester grades and grade point averages. Colleges may request first semester grades when reviewing applications, so grades and grade point averages are important for consideration, and for graduation requirements.

* Complete FAFSA/TAFSA and CSS Profile if required. Reach out to the financial aid offices if the student has completed these documents, to confirm information or ask questions.

* Apply for scholarships. Check college financial aid websites for additional scholarship opportunities and scholarship websites such as www.fastweb.com, resources from the Texas Comptroller Index of Scholarships, Texas Scholarship Directory, parents employment etc. Most schools have counseling and career centers with additional scholarship options.

Remind students to ask the financial aid offices how they apply scholarship money from outside sources .

*Take a deeper look at the organizations on the campuses from their lists of applied schools. Learning about campus life will give students more insight for decision making before their final commitment.

* Relax, as the hard work of getting applications completed is over. Students should continue to keep grades up and participate in the school activities of their final semester.

Use My Texas Future’s 12th-grade timeline to keep seniors on track with their college applications.

TEA Fall Mental and Behavioral Health Newsletter

R10 Mental and Behavioral Health Newsletter

As the holiday season approaches, this offers a unique time to pause and reflect on the importance of wellness and gratitude within our school communities. This month, we focus on strengthening our support for students, staff, and families as we enter a season that can bring both joy and stress. In this issue, you'll find resources to help you foster a culture of care, insights on creating trauma-sensitive environments, and tools to empower your teams in promoting mental well-being for all. Thank you for your dedication to building resilient, compassionate school communities—together, we are making a difference every day.

Mental Health Resource Toolkit

Mental Health Resources in Spanish

Free Online Courses Related to School Mental Health

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

PAX Good Behavior Game

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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kate Forisha - kate.forisha@region10.org

YAM Youth Aware of Mental Health

North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA)

Region 10 Community Resources Database

Texas School Safety Center - A Guide to Preventing Bullying Video Series

• Provides anti-bullying tools for students, including how to report a bullying situation.
• Content aligns with Texas Model student competencies in IV.C.

TEA School Safety Resources

School Behavioral Threat Assessment: 88th Legislative Session Update

How to Recognize and Report Child Abuse or Neglect

The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC)

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.

Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth

Resources and services to ensure that all Texas children living in homeless situations have the opportunity to enroll in, attend, and succeed in school.

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.