March 2025
Blessings to All and Happy March!!!
The other day my principal announced that we only have 10 more weeks of school. I said, “WHAT???” Where did this school year go? Is it that time is flying by, or are we all just sooooo busy wearing our many hats and solving the world’s problems that we just lose track of time? I know many of you are super busy right now preparing for testing, graduation plans, course selection for the next school year, and I could go on and on. You get my drift :) Please remember “RECHARGE” as often as you can, and then continue to be the awesome SCs that you desire to be. Remember, someone is counting on you to be there to be the light in their cloud, give a food bag so they won't go hungry over the weekend, give a needed affirmation to help them stand up to those who try to take their confidence, and to listen so they will feel understood.
If no one else has told you today, I see you and appreciate all that you do.
=============================================There have been posts on the listserv pertaining to House Bills that needed clarification. I reached out to our lobbyist, and he provided insight on several bills that are on the schedule. I will post these on the listserv soon. When there are questions about bills, please reach out to the ArSCA board so that we can clarify as much information that we can. Our supporters are our lobbyist, Lupe and Lyndsey. Please be certain that the information that you read is from a source that has first hand knowledge and can explain topics with fidelity. This will help to alleviate stress and confusion.
Kelli Dockery
ArSCA President 2023-2025
Hurricane Creek Elementary/Bryant School District
Contact Kelli Dockery, ArSCA president, at president@arschoolcounselor.org
Mallory Jacobs
"Mallory Jacobs, an esteemed counselor and advocate, has left an indelible mark on Kansas' school counseling domain. Hailing from Holton, Kansas, her counseling odyssey commenced over a decade ago, profoundly impacting numerous students, families, and staff members. Currently a lead elementary counselor at Whitson Elementary in Topeka Public Schools, Mallory also aids other district counselors and was honored as 2023-2024 Kansas School Counselor of the Year. Beyond her school, she is helping shape statewide counseling standards. As a counselor leader- coordinator for KSDE, she influences policies. Mallory extends her reach through radio and social media, spreading motivation and inspiration, advocating for counseling's pivotal role in education."
Mallory’s hobbies are traveling, connecting with others, and having FUN!
Her family includes her mom, dad, and two brothers. They are both married with three kids and she is the proud aunt of 6!!!!!!!
Sean Buchannan
Collaborative Opportunities
Arkansas Leadership Academy – Upcoming Events for Arkansas Educators
Who We Are:
The Arkansas Leadership Academy (ALA) is dedicated to supporting all educators across the state of Arkansas by offering free professional learning opportunities. Our goal is to strengthen leadership and the ability of educators to positively impact student outcomes. We provide pathways for educational leaders to find professional development that best meets their needs, ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary to create supportive and inclusive learning environments for every student.
Upcoming Events for Arkansas Educators:
ALA REACH: Cultivating Positive School Culture in ALE Settings
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 3:30–4:30 PM CT | Virtual Event via Zoom
Join us for a FREE virtual session focused on building a positive school culture in alternative learning environments (ALEs). Dr. Denise Hoy-Whitfield, principal from the Fayetteville School District, will share strategies to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for all students.
To register, click here: https://ALA-REACH-Cultivating-Positive-School.eventbrite.com
ALA REACH: Coaching Through Collaborative Inquiry to Foster Shared Understanding
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 | Full-Day Session | Hilton Garden Inn, North Little Rock
This FREE in-person workshop led by Dr. Peter DeWitt focuses on coaching through collaborative inquiry. Designed for all educators, the session will help improve both the social-emotional and academic aspects of student learning.
To register, click here: https://ala-reach-coaching-through-i.eventbrite.com
For more information, please contact Sharmane Evans, Ed.S, ALA REACH Coordinator, at reach@arkansasleadershipacademy.org.
Sharmane C. Evans, Ed.S
REACH Coordinator
Email: mailto:reach@arkansasleadershipacademy.org
Website: http://www.arkansasleadershipacademy.org
This month the spotlight is shining on Julie Tubbs, the proud school counselor from Westside High School, Westside Consolidated School District.
Julie is a great counselor and so patient. Shortly after school started in August, the school lost a student in a car accident. Julie did an amazing job at stepping up and providing guidance and support to our students, teachers, and staff. She has continued to provide that same support even now, months later. Julie also is doing an amazing job in her new role as the 11th and 12th grade counselor.. She attended every training and meeting available to learn all things college, work force, vocational school, financial aid, scholarships, etc. She has spearheaded several informational nights, meetings, field trips to locations that students would be interested in to pursue their futures after high school. She is truly amazing and deserving of this recognition.
Julie has a sweet little family. She is married to Jeffery, and has 2 sons, Jett and Jax. She is a dedicated wife and mother and can often be found at the football field cheering on her boys.
Julie was nominated by Amanda Etter.
Keep shining brightly, Julie!!!
Reminder: Comprehensive School Counseling Program Requirements
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 Membership
Arkansas School Counselor Association (ArSCA) supports school counselors’ efforts to help students focus on academic, personal/social and career development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. Membership in the state and national associations is highly recommended. ArSCA adheres to the Code of Ethics and policy statements of the American School Counseling Association (ASCA). Who We Are
We have six regions across our state. Here is a list of our ArSCA Board of Directors.
ArSCA Listserv Changes- Very Important
ArSCA Member Counselors,
Our new counselor listserve address: https://groups.google.com/a/arschoolcounselor.org/g/arsca-listserv For right now you won't see this group listed in your list of Google Groups (if you are a Google school). We are still looking at settings on this, but for now the messages will only be in email form.
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. Check your SPAM folder, if you have not received a message that you have been added to the listserv. If you find that email in SPAM then mark it as NOT SPAM, so that your email client can learn it is a legitimate email address/group.
ArSCA Connects: Learn and Share Webinar Registration
Topic: Meet & Greet Lindsey Ledgerwood, Arkansas Department of Education Public School Program Coordinator for School Counseling
When: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Virtual Meeting: Link to be sent to registered attendees.
Guest Speaker: Lindsay Ledgerwood
"I would love to share my vision as a support for counselors across the state, and I look forward to hearing from the counselors as well. I would like to know what is happening in schools and the best ways to show up for this wonderful group of educators."
TasselTIME- Free Counselor Membership
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 21 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.
*Lots of schools have asked about my Keeping Kids Safe presentation for parents. I do come to schools to present that session. **
Here is my information on Professional Development Offerings for 2025
ArSCA Central
ArSCA North Central
President: Shayne Thompson,
President Elect: Priscilla Johnson
Elect-Elect: Paige Clary
Treasurer: Julie Gilbert
Secretary: Suzanne Paul
Past Pres: Michelle Curtis
ArSCA Northeast
Northwest ArSCA
Follow everything NW Region on social media.
Twitter: @arsca_NWA
Instagram:@arsca_NWA
Facebook: Arsca - Northwest Region
Southeast ArSCA
Southwest ArSCA
If you are not receiving emails from ArSCA Southwest, please contact Jana McWhorter at southwest@arschoolcounselor.org and she will be happy to make sure you are added to the member list.
President-Jana McWhorter
President Elect-Allie Sage
Secretary-Becky Hedges
Treasurer-Samantha Herbner
Past President-Nathan Watkins
