Wayne County Counselor Connection
August/ September Newsletter Publication
Welcome Back to School!
Greetings, Wayne County School Counselors,
Welcome back! I hope your summer provided opportunities for rest, renewal, and time with those who matter most.
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the essential role you play in supporting the academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and college and career readiness of our students. Your compassion, advocacy, and commitment make a meaningful difference across Wayne County every day.
Wayne RESA looks forward to partnering with you throughout the year by providing professional learning, resources, collaboration opportunities, and ongoing support. Together, we will continue strengthening comprehensive school counseling programs and creating pathways that help every student thrive.
Wishing you a successful, rewarding, and impactful school year. Welcome back!
Stacia
National Education and Health Awareness Dates
Great news! Registration for our 2026–2027 professional learning sessions is now open, featuring SCECH opportunities in career, college, military, and SEL.
New this year, we’re excited to offer quarterly Counselor Networking Sessions to foster connection, collaboration, and shared learning across our counselor community.
Take a look at the offerings and secure your spot today!
September Offerings
9/18/2026 10:00-11:00 Online
Explore practical strategies to help students overcome career indecision, build self-efficacy, and make informed decisions about their future. Participants will receive 1.0 Career SCECH.
SCECH Category Offerings
This document provides a breakdown of the SCECHs awarded for the various professional learning course offerings at Wayne RESA during the 2026–2027 school year.
Wayne County School Counselor Collaborative
Join the Wayne County School Counselor Collaborative, a dynamic quarterly virtual learning experience designed to connect K–12 counselors, exchange effective practices, and strengthen student outcomes. Participants will gain practical strategies, valuable resources, and renewed energy to advance college and career readiness, mental health supports, and counselor leadership.
Session dates
10/9/2026 12:00-1:00 PM
12/9/2026 12:00-1:00 PM
2/9/2027 12:00-1:00 PM
5/7/2027 12:00-1:00 PM
All sessions will take place virtually and will award 1.0 general SCECH (or will be content-specific depending on the session topics).
New Counselor Academy
Safe and Healthy School PD Offerings
Columbia Suicide Prevention Protocol (Virtual)
When: September 17, 2026
Description: The Columbia Protocol, also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), supports suicide risk screening through a series of simple, plain-language questions that anyone can ask. The answers help users identify whether someone is at risk for suicide, determine the severity and immediacy of that risk, and gauge the level of support that the person needs.
Cost: $10
SCECH, SW and Nursing CEs available.
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training (Virtual)
When: 9/22/2026
No Cost for this offering.
Description: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is an evidence-based, practical, and proven suicide prevention training program. Suicide is the most common psychiatric emergency and a leading cause of death in America. By learning QPR, you will come to recognize the warning signs, clues, and suicidal communications of people in trouble and gain skills to act vigorously to persuade someone to get help, refer them to the appropriate resource, and prevent a possible tragedy. QPR is an emergency response to someone in a suicidal crisis. Early recognition of warning signs and early intervention with early professional assessment and care can save lives.
SCECH, SW & Nursing CE's available.
Community Mental Health Support for Children and Families (Virtual)
When: 9/23/2026
Description: Join us for an informative workshop focused on providing crucial mental health and support to children and families in our community. We will spotlight various mental health providers, including community mental health organizations, practitioners, and clinicians operating in Wayne County. The session will feature an in-depth discussion on services and resources available to those in need. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights, learn new skills, and contribute to a healthier community for all.
No Cost for this offering.
SCECH & SW CEU's available
When: 9/30/2026
Cost: $25
Description: This interactive session provides a clear, practical overview of the federal laws underpinning Section 504, including the impact of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and related regulations. Participants will gain a concise understanding of the legal foundations of Section 504 and what they mean for today’s schools, and consider Section 504 requirements, with a focus on implementing effective procedures that ensure district compliance with federal mandates. We will examine eligibility criteria, clarify the roles and responsibilities of team members, and outline best practices for documentation, evaluation, and service delivery. Through real-world case scenarios, participants will apply their learning to strengthen decision-making and problem-solving skills. The session also includes a review of the Wayne RESA Section 504 toolkit and sample forms, along with practical “dos and don’ts” to help districts build consistent, compliant, and student-centered Section 504 processes.
504 Evaluation Teams are encouraged to attend this training together.
SCECH, SW, Nursing & ASHA CEUs available
Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) Levels 1 & 2
When: 10/1/2026
Cost: Wayne County Educators $25/Non-Wayne County Educators $75
Description: This workshop covers the practical process of investigating a threat, determining whether it is serious, and taking appropriate calibrated proactive action. Important topics such as the FERPA restrictions on records, coordination with Special Education services, effective disciplinary practices, and dealing with public fears and concerns are discussed. Participants gain practical skills in using the CSTAG decision tree, interview protocols, documentation forms, and procedures for developing safety plans as they work together in teams to apply what they've learned to a series of case exercises using the CSTAG model. Typical school-based teams include principal or assistant principal, school resource officer, and school health professionals (counselor, social worker, psychologist, nurse). Some schools may also choose to include teachers, aides, and other staff.
CSTAG is aligned with the Guide Framework of the United States Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center and is appropriate for use in the K-12 setting.
SCECH, SW & Nursing CEs available.
Human Trafficking Awareness for Education Professionals (Virtual)
When: 10/7/26
No Cost for this offering.
Description: Join us for a professional learning session focused on Human Trafficking Awareness, tailored for school professionals. This workshop will delve into key aspects of human trafficking and its impact on our communities. The session will help participants to more clearly understand what Human trafficking is and equip them with the knowledge and tools to recognize, respond, and empower those impacted by this pervasive issue. Key topics covered include: understanding Human Trafficking, identifying vulnerable areas, recognizing red flags, taking action, shedding light on victims unveiling perpetrators, and debunking misconceptions. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your awareness and contribute to the fight against human trafficking in our community.
SCECH, SW & Nursing CEs available.
Support for Social Emotional Learning (Virtual)
When: 10/20/26
No cost for this offering
Description: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is essential for creating a positive school environment where all students feel healthy, safe, supported, engaged, and challenged. This series is designed for K-12 education professionals of all SEL experience levels, from beginners to experts, who want to implement or strengthen SEL initiatives for students and families. Each session will explore different facets of the five core SEL competencies identified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). Participants will gain practical strategies and tools to effectively develop SEL skills in learners of all ages. The series also provides a collaborative forum for school professionals to share their SEL successes, challenges, and ideas. Participants must use a computer or tablet with a working camera and microphone; audio and video must stay on with each participant's face visible for the entire session.
SCECH & SW CEs available
When: 10/21/2026
No cost for this offering
Description: This insightful workshop focuses on addressing compassion fatigue and promoting self-care among school health professionals. In this session, we will explore the concept of compassion fatigue, discussing its prevalence and impact on caring professions like school social work, school nursing, and school counseling. Participants will learn to recognize the common signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue and understand how it can affect their well-being and effectiveness in their roles. Additionally, we will delve into the importance of self-care and provide practical strategies for implementing self-care practices in daily life. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your well-being and effectiveness in your role.
SCECH, SW & Nursing CEs available
Your Feedback in Action: 2025–2026 Professional Learning Impact Dashboard
We are excited to share the 2025–2026 Professional Learning Impact Dashboard, which highlights the reach, quality, and impact of this year’s professional learning opportunities for Wayne County school counselors.
Across 13 sessions, we received 176 evaluation responses from participants representing more than 37 districts and organizations. Counselors reported meaningful knowledge growth and consistently rated the sessions as relevant, practical, engaging, and responsive to their professional needs.
Thank you to every counselor who participated and shared thoughtful feedback. Your voice is essential in helping us identify emerging needs, enhance resources, and plan future learning experiences that strengthen counseling practice and improve outcomes for students.
We appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to learning and growing together!
Resources For Counselors
This document describes when counseling can be used as a related services as well as the difference between school social work and counseling services.
Medicaid Outcomes For Students
If you hold a license through LARA (such as an LPC or LLPC), the school-based services you currently provide may be eligible for Medicaid reimbursement. This serves as a valid supplemental funding mechanism that multiple school districts have successfully utilized in recent years.
Staff members who hold this licensure and are included on their district's Direct Services Staff Pool List (SPL) of eligible ancillary providers are required by the district and Wayne RESA to comply with the following Medicaid reimbursement protocols:
- Random Moment Time Studies (RMTS) surveys
- Medical Plans of Care (MPOC).
- Medicaid billings.
Mandatory Regulatory Update:
Per a recent mandate from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), all ancillary providers must obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number and enroll in the Michigan Medicaid CHAMPS system by July 1, 2027. Failure to comply by this deadline will result in removal from the SPL and a prohibition from billing Medicaid services until compliance is achieved.
In the near future, Wayne RESA will provide specific instructions regarding national NPI and MDHHS CHAMPS enrollment to your student services or special education directors. Tip sheets for enrollment will be sent directly to the district’s licensed direct service staff pool list providers.
For more information, please visit the Wayne RESA Caring 4 Students page.
Personalized Curriculums
The personal curriculum is a tool that is provided to students for modifying the MMC in order to individualize the rigor and relevance of the state graduation requirements. All students are eligible for a Personal Curriculum with different populations of students falling under different rules for modifications allowed. For more information on personal curriculums please see the resources below. If you'd like support on the process or have questions, please send me an email at weekss@resa.net.
Additional Professional Learning Opportunities
Did you know? MCAN offers free professional development webinars!
Shared on behalf of the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN). MCAN recently shared a number of updates for the 26/27 school year including info on many of their professional learning opportunities and other postsecondary-focused programs. Welcome to the 26-27 school year! MCAN's High School Innovation team has been working hard all summer to prepare resources, trainings, and opportunities that will equip you and your school to empower students as they explore, understand, and access postsecondary options. We're so excited to share these with you.
Virtual Events
- 9/2 - FAFSA Completion for Adult Learners (MCAN)
- 9/2 - CollegeBoard Fall Counselor Workshop (CollegeBoard)
- 9/3 - Tiered Supports for Suicide Prevention (Hatching Results)
- 9/10 - CollegeBoard Fall Counselor Workshop (CollegeBoard)
- 9/10 - Demystifying Cybersecurity with NCWIT Counselors for Computing (NCWIT)
- 9/11 - ELD Counselor Tech Assistance (Oakland Schools)
- 9/14 - Introduction to Financial Aid (MCAN)
- 9/15 - Kickoff to Michigan College Month With MI College Match (MCAN)
- 9/15 - CollegeBoard Fall Counselor Workshop (CollegeBoard)
- 9/15 - Designing Schools That Work for Neurodivergent Students (Hatching Results)
- 9/16 - Career Development Practitioners Meeting (Oakland Schools)
- 9/17 - New Counselor Academy Session - Build Your Circle: Counselor Identity, Role, and Belonging (Oakland Schools)
- 9/17 - Beyond Documentation: Maximizing Time, Data, and Student Impact (IgnitED Consulting)
- 9/17 - The Take It Down Act: Help Students Deal with Deepfakes and Image-Based Abuse (ASCA)
- 9/18 - Guiding the Undecided: Career Pathways for Grades 6-12 (Wayne RESA)
- 9/22 - Forum Session - Prioritizing Tier 1 School Counseling Activities (Oakland Schools)
- 9/22 - Become an ASCA-Certified School Counselor (ASCA)
- 9/23 - Start of Year: Summer Updates and What's New in Xello (MCAN)
- 9/24 - RAMP Office Hours (ASCA)
- 9/25 - School Counseling Kick-Off Conference (Hatching Results)
- 9/26 - ACSC Office Hours (ASCA)
- 10/1 - Screening for Clarity: Using Universal Data to Make Confident Decisions (IgnitED Consulting)
Tools You Can Use
Resources for Students and Parents
Wayne RESA
Email: weekss@resa.net
Phone: 734-899-8492
To request a School Counselor Consultation or Support, please complete this Google form.