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2020-21 Monthly Edition No. 8
March 16, 2021
Tanya Bulette
Promoting Hope for the Future

Don't ever make decisions based on fear, make decisions based on hope and possibility. Make decisions based on what should happen, not what shouldn't. — Michelle Obama

The spring season of a school counseling office is full of activity. It’s the time of year when amongst all of the day-to-day roles and responsibilities, school counselors are tasked with the addition of assisting students with course selections for the fall, while ensuring that students who are to graduate or be promoted to the next level, are ready and have met all of the requirements.  

At the high school level, I always deemed this season a time of highs and lows, especially for our 12th-grade students. March is the time of the year when final college letters of acceptance are being received, and plans are being made or shifted depending on the outcome of the news delivered. It is also a time to hone in on seniors who are at risk of not graduating for they too have to make important decisions about whether or not they will pass their classes and ultimately earn the privilege to walk with their peers in the commencement ceremony. 

It was always in my practice to seek seniors who were at risk of not graduating and let them know that for the last two months of the school year, we were going to become good friends with frequent check-ins and meetings. In addition, weekly grade checks were going to be the new norm, and communication with teachers and parents or guardians would increase.

One senior in particular was a student who was struggling both in and out of school and in a sense, had already given up on hope of graduating. She put up walls and wore a variety of masks and was very careful about who she let in. We met often and when I finally gained her trust, she shared her story and it was evident that she wanted something different out of life. She just needed someone to say that there was hope. When she started to focus on what was possible, she started to attend her classes, talk with her teachers, and do the work required to pass her classes. She found success and ultimately graduated and was able to walk in the commencement ceremony with her class.
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Six months later, we were getting ready to go on recess for winter break and a young lady in an army uniform appeared at my office door. At first glance, I did not recognize who it was, but as soon as she smiled, I knew. She had never talked about enlisting in the military and when asked, she said, "I knew I needed to find a new path and I decided to pursue a career in the army. I joined the summer after graduation." She mentioned that she had just returned from boot camp and couldn't wait to return to campus to surprise me with the news. She was confident, proud, happy, and most importantly she had made a decision on her own as to what should happen, not what shouldn’t. 
During this busy time of year, promoting hope for our students is more important than ever. The role that a school counselor plays in a child's life is memorable, no matter what age or grade, and taking a moment to pause, listen, and just be present, could be difference between a decision based on fear, or one made on hope or possibility. As we begin to reopen schools, frequent check ins and conversations about future plans with your most vulnerable or disengaged students at all grade levels could change an outcome. Let's reconnect, restructure, and refresh our practice and finish this school year strong to ensure that we are meeting the needs for all students and promoting hope for their future dreams and beyond.
Counseling Coordinator
San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE)
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Spring Refresh
NEW Spring Refresh: Learning Series for School Counselors

This spring, SDCOE will offer a new series of virtual, professional learning workshops specifically designed for school counselors. It will kick off April 21 at the San Diego School Counselor Convening with a menu of workshops offered over a four-week period. All workshops will be free.

Your Input is NeededI
Input is needed from school counselors to provide workshop options that are relevant and supportive of your current work. Please complete this short survey by March 31 to view potential options and to share ideas and suggestions.
End-of-Year San Diego School Counselor Convening

Connect with school counselors across the county in this live webinar to learn about professional learning opportunities, celebrate the work of colleagues and peers, and be inspired by guest speakers. The final convening of the school year will be 10 a.m. April 21. This is a free event. Click here to register.
School Counselor Chats

Offered in partnership between the San Diego and Los Angeles county offices of education, Counselor Chats is an an organized chat room that brings together school counselors from across counties to strengthen best practices, connect with fellow grade-level colleagues, share ideas and resources, and simply chat. Registered participants create topics for discussion and attend breakout sessions in an un-conference format. Click here to download the event flyer.

Register here for these free events:
Mindfulness Strategies for Adult Wellness
 
Mindfulness is the practice of observing and accepting the present moment. Mindfulness offers a wide range of potential benefits, from improving physical and mental health to promoting prosocial behavior. Join facilitators from Panorama Education for 30 minutes of mindfulness and calm-breathing techniques as we explore moves from the Social Emotional Learning Playbook. You’ll learn strategies to cultivate self-awareness and support anxiety and stress.

Mindfulness Practice sessions every Monday at 8 a.m. offering 30 minutes of mindfulness practices to a global community. Open to all! Save your spot.
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School Counselor Professional Development Calendar

Click to view an updated list of 2020-21 professional development opportunities and workshops.
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The Race to Submit Isn't Over!

The San Diego Race to Submit campaign is not over for schools to increase their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)/California DREAM Act (CADAA) completion rates. Although the March 2 deadline has passed for seniors to qualify for Cal Grants, it's important to continue working with our students and families on completing this important piece, especially for those electing to attend community college.
San Diego County Race to Submit Leaderboards
We know and acknowledge that this has been a challenging year for reaching high school seniors and engaging them and their families in the financial aid application process. What is exciting to see is that many school counselors continue to find new and creative ways to promote this important work through social media, school-wide campaigns, drive-thru financial aid days, and more.

The San Diego County Race to Submit campaign will continue through June with top category leaders receiving awards in September. Each month, we will post our top 10 schools as data is updated on the California Race to Submit Dashboard. Next month we will include our district leaderboard.
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Leaderboards by Category
There are four categories based on the number of seniors in the class of 2021 who are enrolled at each school. The data for our current leaderboard was updated on March 7. Click on the links below to view the top 10 schools on each leaderboard and where your school is at in the race.

All in 4 Financial Aid
Governor Newsom's Proposal to Increase Financial Aid Application Completion

After years of advocacy from key organizations; BLU Educational Foundation, The Education Trust-West, and uAspire for the #Allin4FinancialAid campaign, Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a measure that aims to ensure all high school seniors complete a FAFSA or CADAA application.

Approximately $550 million in federal and state aid goes unused because California students are either unaware of the aid, don’t know how to apply or if they qualify, or fear sharing personal information because of their immigration status.

No student should be denied the opportunity to pursue a postsecondary education because they were never made aware of their financial aid options. These funds are critical for enabling more students from lower-income communities, who make up about 61% of California’s population, to access higher education or occupational certificates.

For Frequently Asked Questions on the governor's proposal on local education agencies, click here. Stay up-to-date on other ways you can be #AllInForFinancialAid visit: http://bit.ly/AllInForFinancialAid.
Michelle Obama
#CollegeSigningDay 2021

Former First Lady Michelle Obama launched the Reach Higher initiative to inspire students — particularly first-generation college students and students from low-income families — to continue their education past high school. Whether that means joining the military, a four-year college, a community college, or an industry-recognized certification program, we want to help students find their path.

Reach Higher will celebrate College Signing Day digitally in 2021. Schools and communities are encouraged to celebrate students throughout the month of May by posting on social media using the hashtags #CollegeSigningDay and #BetterMakeRoom. Click the link below to register your event or to download resources for celebrating digitally. Get the toolkit.
Jake SDSU
It's Never Too Early!
When my kids were little, I was always picking up T-shirts for them as I toured college campuses with my students. As I was going through photos, I didn't realize how many pictures I had where they were wearing a college shirt. What I remember is that when they put on one of these shirts, they always asked about the university listed and we had conversations about careers and what type of education would be needed to reach their career dreams and goals. The picture to the right is my son, Jake when he was four years old at SDSU during an alumni family event. He is currently a freshman at Woodbury University in Burbank for film.
College Fairs, Workshops and Resources for Students
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So You've Been Accepted to College...Now What?
The California Student Aid Commission and CalSOP invite all San Diego and Imperial County 12th-grade students and their families to an informative webinar on March 24 at 6 p.m. Register here. Please distribute this flyer to your students.

Topics include:
  • Things to consider in selecting your final college
  • Financial aid — how to read and compare your financial aid award letters
  • College student/parent panel — how did you select your final college
  • 10 crucial reminders about the college process
  • How to update your webgrants portal

Future Fair Online Summit 2021
Registration is now open for the Future Fair Online Summit 2021, which will be held virtually March 22 to 26. Register here for free. Students and families will be able to connect with colleges, universities, and other programs of study from around the country, and network with professionals from all types of industries. 

  • Open to all students in San Diego County, grades 6-12 (13 years of age or older)
  • Take the SuperStrong® assessment and use your personal RIASEC code to help you navigate the Future Fair. Discover careers and professions that might fit your strengths and interests.
  • Choose your sessions
  • Attend live career panels each night from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 7 p.m.
  • Watch recorded sessions at any time
  • Visit the Virtual Exhibit Hall
  • Hear from college and university representatives and ask questions
  • Meet and network with professionals and learn about their career field
  • More information: bit.ly/TSMPFutureFair

High School Students Can Win a New Laptop
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), Coca-Cola, and SDCOE announce the annual Laptop Scholarship Essay Contest. The 40 students in San Diego County with the best-scored essays will win a brand new laptop and other great prizes.

Students in grades 9 to 12 can submit an essay for this year's prompt, which is about the new MTS fare collection system and how it can enhance the rider experience. For more information and to enter, visit the MTS website. The essay submission period runs through April 9.

Free Summer College Readiness Academy for San Diego High School Students
Students With Academic Goals (SWAG) is a free, 10-day college readiness academy. For safety and health, the 2021 SWAG program will take place online via Zoom. Students will be able to hear from experts in college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, careers, athletics, test preparation, etc. They will have a chance to interact online with current college students and find out about majors, classes, and college life. They will also have the opportunity to take virtual tours of local college campuses. Click here to share the SWAG flyer.

PROGRAM DETAILS
  • Application
  • Dates: June 21 to July 2 (10 sessions)
  • Deadline to apply: April 25. Students applying by the deadline will receive priority consideration but the application will remain open online and applications submitted after the priority deadline will still be considered if capacity allows.
  • Location: Online via Zoom (students must have WiFi and device to connect)
  • Cost: The program is free to selected participants.
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WACAC Conference 2021: Scholarships Available for School Counselors to Attend

The Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) will be hosting their virtual conference for school counselors May 18-20, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. You can find a more detailed schedule here. The theme is Voices for Access and we are supporting that with our programming and outreach plan and are excited about the diversity of voices we are bringing to the table. You can check out some of our highlighted sessions here

In efforts to promote access to this organization’s experts through our annual conference, we are pleased to announce we have funding to award more scholarships, and we want professional school counselors to apply and attend, specifically in California and Nevada. Complete the scholarship application here before the deadline of March 19. 
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Advising For Future Careers Webinar Series: What Makes an App Addicting?

Episode 2: What Makes an App Addicting features Carissa Lintao, a "KindInnovator" and the CEO and founder of Apptuitive, an award-winning app store optimization agency. She's been recognized in Forbes, CNBC, Business Insider, and Roadtrip Nation's documentary 'Venture Forward' for her entrepreneurial efforts and focus on changing tech for the better. Carissa's passion is raising awareness about the intersection of ethics and tech to bridge information gaps and level the playing field.

Date: March 24
Register for one 1-hour session:

The first 150 eligible registered participants will receive a $25 Amazon gift card. All eligible participants receive a free resource kit. Click here for the event flyer.

Advising for Future Ready Careers is a monthly webinar series hosted by NCWIT Counselors for Computing providing information and resources to help educators join the front line of the computing conversation. The series is funded by the Department of Defense STEM seeking to attract, inspire, and develop exceptional STEM talent across the educational continuum.
Looking Ahead: The Future of ACT Testing

As educators adapt and react to how COVID-19 has changed our lives, ACT is adapting, too. The ACT test continues to be a critical barometer of student success, yet how the test is used in the future will likely evolve. Find out how the pandemic is affecting plans for the near future of ACT testing. Get updates on ACT testing.
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SDCOE California State Seal of Biliteracy and Pathway Awards Workshop

Wherever you are in your journey of implementation of the Seal of Biliteracy and/or biliteracy pathways, join us for this free workshop. During this interactive session, we will discuss requirements and assessments, explore resources, and help you identify next steps. Provide us your questions in advance to ensure we will address them during the session. March 29, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Register here.
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SDCOE Workshop: Brief Intervention

The goal of this two-half day training is to build skills of counselors and other providers working with adolescents.
  • Brief Intervention is a short-term counseling intervention that consists of two-to-four sessions aimed at adolescents who use alcohol and/or other drugs.
  • This training approach uses motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior therapy, and the stages of change model to meet the needs of adolescents.
  • Brief Intervention is a research-validated strategy to reduce adolescent substance abuse.

This free workshop will be March 25 and 26, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Click here to register by the March 20 deadline. For more information click here.
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Learn About Current Drug Trends

This training will include information regarding current marijuana trends, opiate and prescription drug abuse trends, and vaping trends by youth. Free resources for educators will also be shared during this training. This free workshop will be March 31, 9 a.m. to noon. Click here to register by the March 29 deadline. For additional details click here.
NEW Online Tools for Schools Toolkit

Tools for Schools searchable resource database from Live Well Schools highlights innovative and effective ways for school policymakers and other stakeholders to meet the unique health and wellness needs of students, families, and staff. 

Tools for Schools provides a wide array of resources based on a broader definition of wellness that includes social and emotional health and a focus on addressing health disparities. Watch a video overview and begin exploring the new website here.
SDCOE Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Implementation Series

Join SDCOE facilitators as well as district and local partners for a learning series around implementing SEL in your classroom, team, school, and district. In a systems approach, sessions will examine SEL practice with a focus on culturally responsive, contextual implementation to center the needs of your students and adults. All sessions are held Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Integrating SEL into Academics — March 30, April 6, 13, register here
SEL is most effective when it is intentionally taught as part of the content. Learn strategies, examine tools, and create a plan for your classroom and school.

Schoolwide SEL — April 20, 27, May 4, register here
Design your school SEL implementation and continuous improvement plan based on quantitative and qualitative data, self-assessment, and alignment processes.
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SEL Books and Resources

Add imagination and adventure to your social skills storybook library with Parker Plum! Free activities and 25% off the storybooks. Click here for more details and to sign up for their monthly newsletter, and download free resources and materials.
Kaiser Permanente — Playbook for Healthy School Communities

To assist schools in proactively addressing the health needs of the school community, more than 30 nationally recognized and trusted school health organizations have come together to develop a playbook for the school year — Planning for the Next Normal at School: Keeping students, staff, and families safe and healthy. This guide aims to equip school and district leaders with specific, evidence-informed guidance and operating procedures for keeping school communities mentally and physically safe as we shape a new approach to learning. Each chapter of the playbook includes five “starter plays” that provide practical strategies and actionable steps improving health in both in-person and virtual school environments. Click here for more information.

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Black Minds Matter: Addressing Disproportionate Suspensions of Black Children and Youth

In recent years, there has been increasing attention and educational policy efforts designed to address the disproportionate suspensions of Black children and youth. Using data from California public schools, the presenters on this webinar, Dr. J. Luke Wood, and Dr. Frank Harris III, both professors from San Diego State University, highlight persistent disparities in the application of exclusionary discipline. A reactor panel, including Dr. Shirley Webber, Dr. Tyrone C. Howard, Dr. Joseph Johnson Jr., Dr. Daniel Lee, and Dr. Melina Abdullah, provide insights on how schools and educational leaders support ongoing efforts for change. Access the recorded webinar here with a special welcome message by State Superintendent, Tony Thurmond.
Suspending our Future
Additionally, the coalition released Suspending our Future: How Inequitable Disciplinary Practices Disenfranchise Black Kids in California's Public Schools, detailing high rates of expulsions, restraints, seclusions and suspensions facing Black children and youth. While the report primarily focuses on egregious suspension rates, it also represents, the first public release of data on physical restraints, mechanical restraints, and seclusions.

Click here to learn more about the Black Minds Matter Coalition and their important initiatives and how to get involved.
Equity and Inclusion Survey

Elevate student and teacher voices to promote equity and achievement. The Panorama Equity and Inclusion Survey provides schools and districts with a clear picture of how students, teachers, and staff are thinking and feeling about diversity, equity, and inclusion in school. The survey can help schools and districts track the progress of equity initiatives through the lens of students and staff, identify areas for celebration and improvement, inform professional development, and signal the importance of equity and inclusion to the community. Click here for more information and to download the survey.

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Newsletter, Website, Social Media

If you have any questions or comments on the San Diego County School Counselor Network Newsletter, please contact Tanya Bulette, counseling coordinator.
Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at SDCOE and in our districts across the county.