October 2025

Happy Fall, Everyone! We are entering the Holiday season and a time to be with family and friends. With Thanksgiving coming up next month, I wanted to say how thankful I am to all of you for being involved in our ArSCA organization. Together we enrich the lives of our students and their families, but let’s not forget about each other. My theme this year is “Be The Spark.” Shout out to Nick Ridenoure at Springdale High School for helping me to put what I wanted to say into words and for helping me come up with this theme. Being a School Counselor is tough work! We get pulled in so many directions, and it can be easy to fall into burnout or just feel down and exhausted. Not only are we the Spark in our students’ lives, but we can be the Spark in our co-workers' lives, as well. When we are there for each other to listen and lift each other up there is nothing we can’t achieve. I have had the blessing of getting to work with so many great School Counselors during my career. There is no way I would still be in the position of School Counselor without them. They encouraged me and taught me so much. They were a warm hug or a great listener when I needed it. They revived the Spark in me to keep going when times were hard. During the school year, we typically spend more time in the day with our co-workers than we do with our own family. Let’s “Be The Spark” for each other. I am so excited to get to be your ArSCA President this year. With Jane Stewart from Fort Smith School District as President-Elect and Kelli Dockery from Bryant School District as Past-President, I feel confident I will be able to learn and grow while serving this organization to the best of my ability. Be sure to attend your regional ArSCA Fall Conferences, and I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.

Dr. Jennifer Lyle

president@arschoolcounselor.org

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Dr. Jennifer Lyle

ArSCA President

2025-2027

The Arkansas School Counselors Association (ArSCA) would like to introduce Samantha Tilley as the Mid-Level Vice President. Samantha is a passionate advocate for school counseling and is currently serving as a counselor at Paragould Junior High in Paragould, Arkansas. Her dedication to students, teachers, and the school counseling profession was recognized in 2021 when she was named the Arkansas School Counselor of the Year.

In addition to her role as a counselor, Samantha has been an active leader in ArSCA. She previously served as the Northeast Region President and the Conference Chair for the ArSCA Summer Conference. These experiences have given her valuable insights into the needs of school counselors across the state, and she looks forward to further supporting and advocating for the profession in her new role.

As the Mid-Level Vice President, Samantha, along with the other level VPs, will oversee the Arkansas School Counselor of the Year process, ensuring that outstanding counselors are recognized for their exceptional work in guiding and supporting students. Her leadership will continue to elevate the visibility and importance of school counseling throughout the state.

We encourage school counselors across Arkansas to get involved in regional and state-level activities. Joining ArSCA not only offers professional connections and networking opportunities, but it also provides avenues for continuing education and even travel experiences through various conferences and events. Samantha and other board members will be attending the South-Atlantic Regional LDI training in Mirimar Beach, FL in March. They look forward to sharing what they learn at the ArSCA Summer Confernce in June! By becoming engaged in the association, counselors can grow professionally, share best practices, and contribute to the ongoing development of the school counseling field in Arkansas.

Red Ribbon Week is one of the most important events in schools across the United States, especially for middle school and junior high students. Celebrated each year, this week-long initiative raises awareness about the dangers of drug abuse while promoting healthy, positive lifestyles. For students at this age, Red Ribbon Week can be a pivotal moment in fostering critical thinking about substance abuse, peer pressure, and overall well-being.

Here’s a breakdown of fun, educational, and impactful activities schools can incorporate into Red Ribbon Week for middle school and junior high students.

1. Theme Days and Dress-Up Events

One of the most popular ways to get students involved in Red Ribbon Week is by organizing themed dress-up days. These activities give students the opportunity to express their support for the cause while having fun. Common themes might include:

• Red Day: Encourage students and staff to wear red to symbolize their commitment to living drug-free.

• Team Up Against Drugs: Students can wear their favorite sports jerseys or team colors to emphasize the importance of working together to prevent substance abuse.

• Put a Cap on Drugs: Students wear hats or caps to signify how to “put a cap” on harmful habits.

• Dress Like a Hero: Students dress as their favorite superheroes, reminding them that they too can be heroes by making healthy choices.

These themed days help create a sense of unity and show the students that they are part of a larger movement working towards a healthier future.

2. Drug-Free Pledge Wall

Create a visual representation of commitment by having students sign a pledge to stay drug-free. The “Drug-Free Pledge Wall” can be displayed in the school hallways, where students write their names and promises to make healthy, responsible choices. This interactive activity not only encourages personal reflection but also creates a collective sense of accountability and solidarity.

Teachers can encourage discussions around the pledge, asking students why they made their commitment and what drug-free living means to them.

3. Guest Speakers and Assemblies

Bringing in guest speakers is a great way to engage students with real-life stories and facts about the dangers of drug abuse. Speakers could include:

• Former Drug Users: Individuals who have experienced addiction firsthand can share their stories, offering an honest perspective on how drugs negatively impacted their lives and what it took for them to overcome it.

• Law Enforcement Officers: Police officers can discuss the legal consequences of drug use and provide valuable information on how to stay safe.

• Health Professionals: Doctors or counselors can explain the effects of drugs on the body and mind, offering a scientific viewpoint on why it’s important to avoid substance abuse.

These assemblies can be tailored to the specific age group and offer insightful messages on the importance of saying “no” to drugs.

4. Classroom Activities and Discussions

Incorporating interactive classroom activities can help middle school and junior high students understand the consequences of drug use in a more engaging way. Some activities to consider include:

• Drug Awareness Bingo: A game where students fill in squares with facts about the dangers of drugs, healthy alternatives to substance use, and famous figures who advocate for a drug-free life.

• Create Anti-Drug Posters: Students can design posters that promote a drug-free lifestyle, incorporating creative messages, visuals, and slogans. These posters can be displayed around the school or shared on social media to spread awareness.

• Role-Playing Scenarios: Students can act out different scenarios where they are offered drugs and practice saying no. Role-playing is a great way to build confidence in rejecting peer pressure.

By combining discussions with hands-on activities, students can internalize important lessons while also feeling more connected to their peers.

5. Red Ribbon Week Talent Show

Talent shows provide an excellent platform for students to showcase their talents and express themselves in a positive and creative way. Hosting a talent show during Red Ribbon Week can help shift the focus from negative influences to the importance of finding healthy outlets for self-expression.

Encourage students to perform acts related to the theme, such as singing songs with positive messages, performing skits about staying drug-free, or even dancing to an anti-drug anthem. The talent show gives students a chance to demonstrate their skills while reinforcing the idea that there are healthy, fun ways to express themselves.

6. Community Involvement and Service Projects

Red Ribbon Week is not only about celebrating at school but also about making an impact in the local community. Schools can organize service projects that emphasize the values of healthy living and community involvement. Some ideas include:

• Clean-Up Day: Students can volunteer to clean up local parks or community centers, symbolizing their commitment to keeping their environment free from harmful substances.

• Charity Drives: Students can collect non-perishable food, clothing, or school supplies for local families in need, reinforcing the idea that contributing to others' well-being is an important aspect of a drug-free life.

These community-driven activities help students see the broader impact of their actions and instill a sense of social responsibility.

7. Educational Workshops and Seminars

Workshops led by experts can teach students important skills that will help them navigate peer pressure and make informed decisions. Possible topics for workshops include:

• Building Self-Esteem: Empowering students with the confidence to resist negative influences.

• Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Teaching students how to deal with stress, anxiety, or other emotions without turning to drugs or alcohol.

• The Science Behind Addiction: Providing students with age-appropriate explanations of how addiction works and why drugs can be so damaging to both the body and the mind.

These workshops can be facilitated in small groups or as part of an entire grade-level assembly, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn and engage with the material.

8. Social Media Campaigns

In the digital age, social media can be a powerful tool for spreading awareness. Middle school and junior high students are often active on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Schools can encourage students to create and share anti-drug messages on these platforms, such as:

• Posting photos or videos with Red Ribbon Week hashtags.

• Sharing personal stories or pledges about staying drug-free.

• Creating short videos or memes with facts about the dangers of drugs.

These social media campaigns can amplify the Red Ribbon Week message and create a digital community committed to living healthy lives.

Conclusion: Making Red Ribbon Week Matter

Red Ribbon Week serves as a reminder for students, teachers, and communities about the importance of saying no to drugs. For middle school and junior high students, this week is a time for reflection, education, and community-building, but it should also be a moment where lasting positive behaviors are cultivated.

By integrating a mix of fun activities, educational sessions, and community involvement, schools can ensure that Red Ribbon Week becomes a meaningful experience that empowers students to make healthy, drug-free choices year-round.

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 Member Counselors,

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. Please see the link below if you need to make changes in your listserv subscription.

ArSCA Listserv Guidelines

Our counselor listserve address: https://groups.google.com/a/arschoolcounselor.org/g/arsca-listserv You won't see this group listed in your list of Google Groups (if you are a Google school).

We will be removing any email accounts that are not current members of ArSCA, starting in October.

If you need to renew your ArSCA Membership, the form is linked below. If you have renewed your membership and need to change your ArSCA Listserv access, please provide the changes here: ArSCA Listserv Subscription/Email Change

This newsletter is sent out via the ArSCA Listserv and individually emailed to all Arkansas School Counselors. If you know of a counselor that did not receive the newsletter, please have them email us at technology@arschoolcounselor.org so we can make sure we have their infomation in order to receive our future communications.

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 22 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.