2020-21 Monthly Edition No. 3 |
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The Power of Connections
"Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement." — Brene Brown
Last month, we held our first countywide School Counseling Convening with 145 participants. In many ways, the convening was more than a place to gather for a webinar, but rather an opportunity for school counselors to take one hour to feel supported and connected outside their site and district walls. Comments from the feedback survey were helpful in learning what counselors were feeling and what supports were needed to strengthen our professional community. When we asked, "How can SDCOE better support school counselors?," here's what you said:
- More targeted information and support for elementary school counselors
- Trainings on 504s
- Tools to advocate for our role in schools
- Reminders on why it's okay to do self-care
- Opportunities to collaborate with other school counselors in San Diego County
Moving forward, we will continue to build our connection as a community and these topics will be of focus when developing professional learning opportunities. As a start, programs have been developed, such as Mission: Possible! and Counselor Chats to offer new and innovative ways for school counselors to collaborate and share best practices across districts and counties. The San Diego County School Counselor of the Year program has been expanded to celebrate and recognize the differences of all three levels of our profession; elementary, middle and high. We're also planning for the 2021 virtual San Diego School Counselor Con during National School Counselor Week to provide you learning opportunities on relevant topics and the latest information.
We value your voice, and we see your dedication and passion every day. Thank you for all you do.
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Counseling Coordinator
San Diego County Office of Education
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School Counselor Professional Development Calendar
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The San Diego County School Counselor of the Year (SCOY) program started in 2019-20 to recognize and celebrate the work and service of professional school counselors in San Diego County.
In 2021, we will be recognizing three SCOYs, one each at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
APPLICATION: Applications are now available and we encourage school counselors to start applying early using our new online application form. The deadline to submit a completed application is Dec. 4 by 5 p.m.
NOMINATIONS: We are also accepting nominations for school counselors who are deserving of this honor, but need a nudge in filling out the application. Complete the nomination form and we will send an invitation directly to the nominee encouraging them to apply. The deadline to submit a nomination is Oct. 30.
SPREAD THE WORD: Share this School Counselor of the Year flyer with school counselors and potential nominators. Active links are embedded with easy access to the application and nomination forms.
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MISSION: POSSIBLE! A Professional Learning Series for School Counselors and Administrator Teams
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Are you ready to take your school counseling program to new heights? Are you looking for an opportunity to collaborate with teams in other districts? Do you think your principal would be interested in seeing data-driven results that show value in the work that you are doing as school counselors? If you answered yes to each of these questions, it’s time to join MISSION: POSSIBLE!
SDCOE and Hatching Results are teaming up to bring you this new professional learning series designed for school counselors and administrator teams. The series launches Nov. 2.
This opportunity is open to local educational agencies outside of San Diego County too, so spread the word. If you do not have a team, we will work with you on options. Visit the series webpage for more details.
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Strengthening Our Profession with an Equity Lens
Dive deeper with Derek Francis in a two-part series. Derek is a passionate school counselor with years of experience focusing on a proactive, equity-based approach. He currently serves as the manager of counseling services for Minneapolis Public Schools. This workshop is for any interested educators.
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When: Nov. 10 and 19 (9:30 to 11 a.m.)
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Cost: $25 for the virtual series
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Flyer: Click here
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Registration: Click here
SESSIONS:
Nov. 10: Attendees will learn the concepts of racism, bias, and privilege in society and education. You will also learn how to develop strategies for addressing bias and racism and how to move from bias to empathy and humility.
Nov. 19: Attendees will gain a better understanding of racial trauma of how children learn about race. You will also explore proactive strategies for responding to major racial incidents and how to build strong relationships with students and families.
CEU INFO: Three continuing education units (CEUs) are available through the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP) for $20.
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SDCOE Equity Professional Learning Events |
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Listen to Latinx Student Voices
SDCOE's student experience panels are a safe, welcoming place for students in San Diego County to share their experiences while in K-12 schools. Their stories are raw and real, and so powerful, if we're willing to listen. The next panel features Latinx students and will be live from 3 to 4 p.m. Oct. 28 . Register here for this free, virtual event.
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American Indian Student Experience Panel
California is home to large and diverse populations of indigenous people. We know American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) students and their families have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and it's important we find ways to support these students and families during this crisis. The American Indian student panel will be live from 3 to 4 p.m. Nov. 18. Register here for this free, virtual event.
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At-Promise and Pushed Out
This three-part professional learning series will explore how educators and school staff members can create the conditions and environment necessary to support our most vulnerable students. Together, we'll explore reasons why Black, Latinx, and American Indian students are suspended at higher rates. Data from SDCOE Juvenile Court and Community Schools, as well as lessons from experts and researchers, will be used to give educators tools and actionable ways to pull in our most vulnerable students and help them feel valued and connected. Register to attend this series on Dec. 10, 16, and 17.
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The Learning Disability Checklist: Recognize and Respond
The National Center for Learning Disabilities has created a new interactive tool, The LD Checklist: Recognize and Respond, which helps caregivers determine whether a child is at-risk for or shows signs of having learning disabilities.
About This Tool: Learning disabilities (LDs) can have an impact on many skills. These include listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, math, and social skills. LD is sometimes called specific learning disability or specific learning disorder. This tool can’t diagnose LDs or prescribe treatment, but it can help you understand signs of LDs and assist caregivers with next steps and whether they should look into screening or evaluation.
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- SDCOE Workshop: GLSEN 1.0 —Creating a Safe Space for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth
SDCOE in partnership with the Community Health Improvement Partners and the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council is offering two trainings for educators to learn how to create safe spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth.
Topics include:
- Current federal and state laws that address bullying and harassment
- How to take a stand against bullying and harassment in schools
- Bullying that targets LGBT youth
- What it means to become an ally” to LGBT youth
- How to comply with the Fair Education Act-SB48 and The Success and Opportunity Act-AB1266, which mandate the contributions of LGBT people into the curriculum and ensures fair opportunities for transgender students
TWO TRAININGS OFFERED:
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Supporting LGBTQ Students During the Coronavirus Quarantine
During the coronavirus quarantine, school counselors across the country continue to provide essential services to students. Physical distancing requires a new set of strategies and provides new opportunities to support and affirm LGBTQ youth, especially when they live in unsupportive environments. The Human Rights Campaign and the American School Counselor Association of America (ASCA) developed a Tip-Sheet for School Counselors, which offers key considerations when working with LGBTQ students in virtual settings, and guidance to help mitigate some of the emerging challenges they face when social distancing practices are required. |
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SDCOE Mental Health in Schools Collaborative
San Diego County school administrators, school social workers, school counselors, and other support staff to discuss mental health and wellness supports for students. We will review mental health in schools: student data and trends; school supports for students; legislative updates; and identify gaps and needs.
2020-21 MEETING DATES
Time: 9 to 10:30 a.m.
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CSU and SDSU Updates for School Counselors
Join SDSU admissions counselors for a 90-minute Zoom session to discuss important updates to the California State University (CSU) and SDSU application and admissions process for fall 2021 applicants. This program is designed for high school counselors in San Diego and Imperial counties and will answer all your questions to ensure your students are prepared to apply to SDSU and other CSU campuses for fall 2021 admission.
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ACT District Testing 101 Webinar: Everything You Need to Know
ACT District Testing is a flexible way to offer students an official test administration of the ACT test at your school during regular school hours on a weekday. During this session, you’ll learn what to expect and where to find resources to get started with district testing today.
- Why students benefit from the district testing program
- ACT Standards and Benchmarks
- Available resources on the District Testing website
- Understand the required tasks and deadlines
- How you can provide equity and access for all your students.
Date/Time: Oct. 26, 1 to 2 p.m.
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Scholarship Application Convening for School Counselors
The San Diego Foundation 2021-22 Common Scholarship Application is opening Dec. 2, 2020. This online application accesses more than 100 scholarship opportunities for students from San Diego County.
As college tuition and fees continue to increase, we understand how difficult it is for students to reach their educational goals when faced with the obstacle of paying for school. Furthermore, due to COVID-19, higher education is currently in a state of uncertainty — but we do know it’s important to continue focusing on our students’ educational goals.
There are two dates available for school counselors to attend the virtual workshops:
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Nov. 9, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Nov. 10, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Register by Nov. 6. The Zoom link will be sent to the email provided the week before the workshops.
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Navigating Initial Eligibility During COVID-19
The NCAA Eligibility Center hosted Navigating Initial Eligibility During COVID-19, a webinar for high school counselors, administrators, coaches, athletic directors, and principals. The webinar provided updates about the impact COVID-19 has on your students' ability to meet requirements. If you missed the webinar, below is link to the recording and presentation.
The Eligibility Center is hosting another webinar at 11 a.m. Nov. 11. This webinar will discuss initial-eligibility requirements for your students who are graduating early.
Student-Athletes: NCAA will be hosting a webinar for student-athletes and their families on Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. Share this flyer and encourage families to attend to discuss important initial-eligibility adjustments. Students can register here.
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The California College Affordability Summit
This year, California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will be hosting its 2nd annual California College Affordability Summit in an effort to bring California’s K-12 and higher education communities together. The summit will provide educators and policy leaders information and resources about the importance of financial aid and its ability to increase college access, enrollment, and persistence. Session topics will include embedding financial aid application completion within curricula, developing systems of support for vulnerable student populations, securing policy and system changes, and maximizing partnership efforts between higher education and K-12 institutions.
Date: Nov. 17
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
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California Career Resource Network (CalCRN) Launches 'My Stuff Job Central'
My Stuff Job Central is an enhanced version of My Stuff Resume. This updated website now also gives students the option of creating a master job application as well as four job-search-related letters, informational interview request letter, cover letter, reference request letter, and thank you letter. The mobile app includes both the resume creator and master job application. It can be downloaded for free from the app stores.
Looking for a quick one-off activity to introduce to students to CalCRN resources? New Quick Starts Activities have been posted on the CalCRN website (for easy access by educators) and the California Career Center (for easy access by students). The links below go to downloadable PDFs.
Web Apps:
Mobile Apps:
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2020 Counselor Conference: Counseling for Career Resilience
The 2020 Counselor Conference: Counseling for Career Resilience, hosted by the San Diego and Imperial County Community Colleges Consortium, will be held virtually Dec. 2-3. New workshop topics include distance career counseling, career exploration tools, social and emotional development counseling, career pathway mapping tool update, labor market information, and in-demand jobs. The conference is free for all participants.
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Newsletter, Website, Social Media
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If you have any questions or comments on the San Diego County School Counselor Network Newsletter, please contact Tanya Bulette, counseling coordinator.
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Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at SDCOE and in our districts across the county. |
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