Volume 44
Number 3
www.masca.org
November 2007
The Changing Counseling Scene change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied “Any by drawbacks and discomforts.” —Arnold Bennett, English novelist (1867-1931)
BOB QUIST MASCA Executive Director
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s I reflected on changes in MASCA over the past few years, I found this quote helpful for putting into perspective our organization’s many initiatives. MASCA has been working diligently to help its members stay current, to provide relevant and necessary professional development opportunities, and to advocate on behalf of our members and all school counselors. MASCA has increased the number of professional development opportunities for its members and continues to provide the Counselor’s Notebook. The unfortunate reality is the astronomical increase in costs and time associated with providing these services.
MASCA Governing Board The leadership of MASCA is made up of a relatively small group of folks, who give willingly of their time and energy. A trustee from each of our fifteen affiliates and about fifteen other comprise the Governing Board. Each person has a unique set of unique responsibilities. We meet as a group about five times a year. In addition about eight to ten people, including me, handle the many day-to-day issues that arise. As you may know, we have gone to an
online membership renewal. The process is handled on our webpage, http://www. masca.org. This was done in order to make renewals faster and more efficient. We still honor purchase orders, but the amount of time and follow-up in getting school districts to honor the purchase orders has become much too difficult since we have the help of only a small group of people. Thus, I have directed Deb Clemence, who has been overseeing this timeconsuming process, to extend current memberships by one month when a PO is received. This will give time for the PO to be paid and still allow the individual who wants to register for MASCA professional development activities to do so with membership status I hope that individuals submitting a PO will contact the business office to encourage payment. This is much more effective than having a stranger call and request payment. To determine when your membership should be renewed, check the renewal
date on your Counselor’s Notebook address label. By the time you read this article, our fall conference will be history and plans will be under way for the spring conference in Hyannis. Save the date: April 1012, 2008. The keynote speaker will be Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees and Wannabees. We are also trying to have Governor Deval Patrick join us as a speaker. Check your membership expiration date now and begin to make plans.
Changes in Massachusetts We have a new acting commissioner for the Department of Education, Jeffrey Nellhaus; a new chairman of the Board of Education, Paul Reville; and a new governor of the Commonwealth. We welcome these gentlemen and we hope to continue to working closely with them in these positions as we move education forward into the 21st Century, especially regarding the services needed for our students and families. ■
Inside . . . Message from the President By Jennifer McGuire ........................ 4 The Value of Teamwork By Karen D’Amour .......................... 6 Moving School Counseling Forward By Bob Bardwell ............................ 10 Implementing the MA Model By Marcia Munday ......................... 12
ASCA Award Nominee ..................13 MASCA Human Relations Award Winner ...............................15 Membership Form .........................14 Directory Order Form................... 16 PDP Signup Form .......................... 17 People, Places, & Programs.......... 18
Governing Board meets in October
COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK 2007– 2008 PRESIDENT JENNIFER JUST McGUIRE Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School 220 Sandwich Road, Bourne, MA 02532 Tel. 508-759-7711 x247 • E-mail: jmcguire@uppercapetech.org PRESIDENT-ELECT KAREN M. D’AMOUR Manchester Essex Regional High School 36 Lincoln Street, Manchester, MA 01944 Tel. 978-526-7641 • Fax 978-526-2044 E-mail: damourk@mersd.org PAST PRESIDENT ROBERT BARDWELL Monson High School, 55 Margaret St., Monson, MA 01057 Tel. 413-267-4589 x1107 • Fax 413-267-4157 E-mail: bardwellr@monsonschools.com VICE PRESIDENT ELEMENTARY AMANNDA BARTRAM Lynn Public Schools, Lynn, MA 01902 E-mail: bartrama@lynnschools.org VICE PRESIDENT MIDDLE / JUNIOR HIGH CELESTE CIANFRANI Gateway Regional High School 12 Littleville Road, Huntington, MA 01050 Tel. 413-685-1109 • E-mail: ccianfrani@grsd.org VICE PRESIDENT SECONDARY MATT COLEMAN Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School 250 Foundry Street, South Easton, MA 02375-1780 Tel. 508-238-4371 • E-mail: mcoleman@sersd.org VICE PRESIDENT POSTSECONDARY JAY LEIENDECKER Vice President Enrollment Services, Dean College Tel. 508-541-1509 • Fax 508-541-8726 E-mail: jleiendecker@dean.edu
Jane Rathbun (above) explains the ramifications of strategic planning for the MASCA Governing Board at its October meeting. The two-day workshop / meeting began on Friday evening with a dinner hosted at Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School by Post University and the school’s representative, Ron Silva. On Saturday, Fuji Fulgueras of Massachusetts Maritime Academy Admissions Office hosted Board members with a continental breakfast, lunch, and campus tour as well as meeting facilities. During the workshop Jane helped the Board clarify its objectives and set a timeline for their achievement. The Board also reviewed the organization’s financial status and discussed the progress being made on MA Model training, the fall and spring conferences, and other sponsored professional development opportunities. ■
VICE PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATORS THOMAS HUGHART Wellesley High School, Wellesley, MA 02481 Tel. 781-446-6305 x5142 • Fax 781-446-6308 E-mail: thom_hughart@wellesley.mec.edu VICE PRESIDENT COUNSELOR EDUCATORS REBECCA A. SCHUMACHER UMass Boston, Boston, MA 02125 Tel. 617-287-7651 • Fax 617-287-7667 E-mail: Rebecca.Schumacher@umb.edu VICE PRESIDENT RETIREES RALPH SENNOTT P.O. Box 1391, Westford, MA 01886 Tel. 978-692-8244 • E-mail: ralphsennott@hotmail.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROBERT QUIST 34 Clovelly Street, Lynn, MA 01902 Tel. 781-842-1645 • Fax 978-740-1122 • E-mail: bobqui@aol.com TREASURER TINA KARIDOYANES P.O. Box 1007, Monument Beach, MA 02553 Tel. 508-759-3986 • E-mail: tkaridoyanes@gmail.com
We offer Degrees and Certificates in
SECRETARY ANN HOURIGAN North Reading High School, North Reading, MA 01864 Tel. 978-664-7800 • E-mail: annhourigan@yahoo.com Questions concerning membership in the Massachusetts School Counselors Association should be addressed to: MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR DEBORAH CLEMENCE P.O. Box 805, East Dennis, MA 02641 E-mail: DeborahClemence@verizon.net The Counselor’s Notebook is published by the Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc. 10 times a year, September through June. The yearly subscription rate is $20.00; individual issues are $2.00. Opinions expressed in the articles published herein represent the ideas and/or beliefs of those who write them and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc. The acceptance of an advertisement for publication does not imply MASCA endorsement of the advertiser’s programs, services, or views expressed. © 2007 by the Massachusetts School Counselors Association. All rights reserved. Questions concerning submission of articles, publication deadlines, advertising rates, etc., should be addressed to: SALLY A. CONNOLLY, Editor 19 Bayberry Road, Danvers, MA 01923 Tel. 978-774-8158 • Fax 978-750-8154 E-mail: sallyconnolly@att.net
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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
November is National Career Development Month November is National Career Development Month, and November 14 is National Career Development Day. To help in your celebration of this special time, here are some suggestions from the National Career Development Association: • Participate in the National Career Development Month poetry and poster contest. • Send announcements on NCDM to local newspapers, radio and television stations. • Ask to be interviewed on radio and television news shows and discussion programs. • Hold a city-wide open house, career fair or career day for the public. • Give talks to such community organizations as PTAs, service clubs, Chambers of Commerce, religious groups, and others. • Have a career booth at shopping malls or other public places. • Arrange career talks to classes and assemblies at the elementary, middle and high schools. • Make career videos and other media shows available. • Ask the librarians to set up a career book display table. • Conduct a job club for high school seniors. • Prepare bulletin board displays. • Arrange field trips to workplaces. • Ask department stores to provide a program on career dressing. • Conduct free public career workshops on such topics as: resume preparation, how parents can help their children in career planning and how to select a college.
Save the date! MASCA Spring Conference • Hyannis Thursday - Saturday, April 10-12, 2008 _____________ Friday’s keynoter is Rosamond Wiseman, author of Queen Bees
— LeeAnn Bernier-Clarke, editor, National Career Development Month: A Celebration of Work, NCDA, Accessed on October 2, 2007. ■ NOVEMBER 2007
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Message from the President
C
an you believe that it is already November? Doesn’t it seem like only yesterday that we were looking forward to the year ahead and all that we might accomplish? And now Thanksgiving is almost here, and the school year is almost a third over. First, I would like to recognize Helen O’Donnell and her committee for an outstanding fall conference in Boxborough. We are so fortunate to be able to come together as an organization not only once a year, but twice, to learn, network, and move forward. I hope that you were able to take back what you learned at the con-
JENNIFER McGUIRE MASCA President ference and have started implementation in your school building and district. Additional kudos to Jan Tkaczyk for her
Mission of MASCA The mission of MASCA is to advocate for school counselors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by providing leadership, collaboration, and professional development.
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work with the exhibitors. This fall has been busy for the Governing Board. Last month, we met again in Bourne to continue our summer work on the MASCA strategic plan, and we continue to strive to keep MASCA moving forward as an organization. As always, I encourage you to get involved with a committee. Help your school counselor association. There is something for everyone. November happens to be Career Development Month. As you probably know, I am passionate about this topic. I believe that helping students discover their own passion lies at the core of what we
Career planning is an integral part of the MA Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs. do as school counselors. We have the opportunity (and obligation) to ensure that students are aware of all the pathways out there for them and that students are not limited in their career choices because of either perceived or real barriers. A strong, comprehensive school counseling program provides students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions: about their career aspirations, non-traditional career paths, and setting goals. Students, especially, need to know what they need to do to be ready for the next step in their career path, whether that is postsecondary education or another route. Career planning can and should begin early in one’s education. Remember: “career” is not the opposite of “college.” All students benefit from career planning. During the past year, I have had the pleasure of being part of the Career Plan Advisory Committee to the MA Certificate of Occupational Proficiency. Career planning, while not mandated in all schools, is a great way to assist students in making meaning out of their education and to connect what they are doing in school to their future. Career planning, remember, aligns with the MA Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
NOVEMBER 2007
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The Value of Teamwork
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hen most of us become counselors, we think about ways to connect with students, fellow counselors and teachers, administrators, and parents. We strive to be viewed as approachable and sincere. What we don’t think too much about is the process that brings us together — teamwork. In my recent role as president-elect of MASCA I have observed teamwork in action. On the Governing Board, each member has special responsibilities, and as they work to benefit all counselors in Massachusetts, each member brings to the table his or her uniqueness. I have had the pleasure of participating in and witnessing discussions based on facts, concerns, and suggestions. At the end of each meeting, however, we leave respectful of one other and on board with the final decisions governing our organization. How different is that from the way you function as a counselor in your school district? The success of teamwork was brought
KAREN D’AMOUR MASCA President-elect home to me the other day. While browsing in a department store, I heard someone say, “Ms. D’Amour.” I turned to see an attractive, together-looking young woman, who went on to say, “Remember me?” How could I ever forget her? She was one of my former students. She went on to tell me that although boyfriends weren’t working out so well, she did get her associate’s degree and she now works for a company that will help pay for her bachelor’s degree. She said that she and her parents get along great
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for the most part and that she has a few really good friends. She has accepted the need to take medication regularly and sees a therapist from time to time. As I listened to her, it did my heart good to see the fine person she had become. After we parted, I reflected on what her four years of high school were like. Freshman year, she did not want to come to school. Her team that year consisted of the nurse, parents, an assistant principal, teachers, and me. We came together often to share ideas and come up with a plan. Some of it was successful and some not so much. Sophomore year, she skipped classes, got A’s in two classes, raised the bar on risk-taking behavior, and seemed depressed and inattentive. Her team then consisted of the same people as well as the principal and an outside agency. New members to the team brought fresh insights as the team struggled to help her get a handle on things and get the support she needed. Over the next two years she made many gains and had a few setbacks, but by graduation things were looking optimistic. The team varied somewhat during that time, but its main focus was on support and encouragement. When I think back, some incredible teamwork occurred during those four years. The people involved had one goal: to help her to help herself. The trust each member of the team had in one another, even when a plan didn’t work out, showed a commitment befitting each person’s role. It was hard work but — not unlike the Governing Board — good teamwork can be priceless. It can help an organization, and it can help a child. When that young woman stood before me, I saw a happy, contributing member of society, who had learned coping mechanisms and who was enjoying her life. She may have arrived at that point through another method, but she didn’t. It was the result of her being part of a team. It was the result of teamwork. What do you think it takes to be an effective team member as part of the school environment? I would like to hear from you: damourk@mersd.org. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
NOVEMBER 2007
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Institute Trainers MA Model Implementation Institute Trainers are available for site visits, department reviews, curriculum day-training, and consultation. To discuss your needs and financial arrangements, contact Jan Tkaczyk at jantkaczyk@comcast.net or Katie Gray at uniquepotential@comcast.net.
Free PDP opportunity from NCDA As you work with clients, are you looking for ways to help provide inspiration and direction for successful career transitions? What if there were 10 Lifelong Career Rules to help in this process? NCDA is pleased to present Dr. Rich Feller, Professor Counseling and Career Development and University Distinguished Teaching Scholar from Colorado State University in a FREE pilot web professional development opportunity: Career Coaching Clients for Success: 10 Lifelong Career Rules. During this 58 minute video, Dr. Feller will • Describe the 10 Lifelong Career Rules • Provide you with a “Gaps analysis” planning model you can use with your clients • Demonstrate more powerful planning questions for entering college and work • Deliver takeaways for clients, students and parents. — National Career Development Association, http: //209.235.208.145/cgi-bin/ WebSuite/tcsAssnWebSuite.pl?Action= DisplayNewsDetails&RecordID=981 &Sections=A&IncludeDropped=0&No Template=1&AssnID=NCDA&DBCode =130285, Accessed on October 2, 2007.
PDPs from MASCA MASCA offers its members PDPs for professional development work. All conferences and workshops issue Certificates of Attendance and Evidence of Learning Forms. When you have a minimum of 10 hours of PD work, you are eligible to earn PDPs. Send your certificates and forms, along with a check made out to MASCA for $25, to Helen O’Donnell, 10 Maplewood Terrace, Hadley, MA 01035. For more information, write to pdchair @masca.org. ■
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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
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9
Moving School Counseling Forward
A
s I mowed my lawn the other day, I thought about what would make the school counseling profession in Massachusetts even better. There were the obvious answers: more school counselors, fewer state mandated tasks, and a clearer role description of what a school counselor does. While those would all be great, the one thing that would be best for our profession is the elimination of the school guidance counselor certification and school social worker / school adjustment counselor certification in favor of a single certification: that of school counselor. Call me crazy, but over the past few years it has become clear to me that these roles are confusing and unclear. This is no fault of either the school guidance counselor or the school social worker/ school adjustment counselor. For most of us currently in these roles, our roles are clear. But those outside our professions— administrators, teachers, parents, and even students—often have no idea how we
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ROBERT BARDWELL MASCA Past President differ. And this confusion and lack of understanding sometimes results in budget money being spent inappropriately. The most significant difference in these roles is the training required for certification. The school adjustment counselor/ social worker has a deeper background in the mental health coursework, and the school guidance counselor has an academic and career focus. However, school guidance counselor preparation has changed over the years and contains a significant focus on the
mental health component. A course by course comparison at Bridgewater State College, an institution that offers both school guidance and school adjustment counselor certification tracks, shows only five courses that are different. Considering that the mental health track requires only 12 credits more than that required of a school counselor, the difference is almost negligible. An additional practicum is also required. Although this comparison does not take into account many of the nuances of each role, I believe that these two job titles do more harm than good. If we are all striving for academic success and positive mental health for all students, what difference does it make what we are called? Take, for example, my children’s elementary school. My boys are both fortunate enough to have a full-time school adjustment counselor available to them. Until last year, she was only part-time, but two years ago they were able to hire additional elementary counselors and she became full-time. Although her title, technically, is “school adjustment counselor,” in my opinion, she functions as a school counselor. She does classroom guidance lessons, meets with students individually and in small groups, and works with teachers, parents, and administrators to ensure academic and personal/social success for ALL students. In other words, she functions like a school guidance counselor. I have worked with wonderful school adjustment / social workers, and this “vision” is not meant to be a negative appraisal of their services. Rather, it comes from discussions with colleagues from both camps. My biggest concern is that administrators, especially, are not well versed in the differences. As a result, when they hire support staff, they may not make the best decision for the majority of students. Although I am biased, I feel that all counseling staff should perform classroom guidance lessons, working with students in small groups as well as providing individual counseling opportunities. What irks me is when I hear of a support professional who meets with students only COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
on an individual basis. This is a missed opportunity to provide more students with access to our services. Students and parents often are confused as well. Do they talk to the school guidance counselor just about academics or future planning and to the adjustment counselor / social worker about mental health issues? Obviously, if they have a choice between two people who can help resolve the problem, they have an option, but in some cases, the adjustment counselor / social worker doesn’t have that information or expertise. It also can be frustrating when in some districts the funding source for the salary of that professional dictates which students can be seen. In some cases the adjustment counselor/social worker, if funded through Special Education, is allowed to work only with students who receive services through an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). In terms of professional organizations a common united group might also benefit us. Currently there are two groups in Massachusetts — MASCA and MASAC
A common united group could remedy the misconceptions held by students, parents, and administrators. (Massachusetts Association of School Adjustment Counselors) — which provide membership opportunities for each group. While I don’t believe that there is any “bad blood” between the two organizations, I feel that if we combine our resources, talents, and membership, we could do more. Obviously, this would have major ramifications. Both organizations have charters with national parent organizations, but perhaps these issues could be reconciled. Missouri is one state that has only one support professional certification. Why not in Massachusetts? In closing, I hope my remarks do not offend anyone. That is not the intent. My dream is that all support service professionals work together toward a common goal, which is not possible now, given our backgrounds, training, and biases. A math teacher is a math teacher, even though he or she may teach different math subjects. But depending upon where one NOVEMBER 2007
works and the job title, a school guidance counselor is not a school adjustment counselor or a school social worker. Imagine the benefits for the students
of the Commonwealth if there were one common licensure. No more division. No more turf issues. No more confusion. That is a place where I want to be. ■
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Implementing the MA Model By MARCIA MUNDAY Assistant Director of Student Support Services Waltham Public Schools
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wo years ago Waltham High School guidance counselors decided to implement the new MA Model for School Counseling. We realized that what we were already doing in our classroom guidance curriculum achieved many of the recommended benchmarks. For the past ten years we had been conducting guidance seminars in a classroom setting. Each guidance counselor met four to five times a year with their students at each grade level.
What we needed to do was take a closer look at what topics we were covering, align them with the benchmarks, see where the gaps were, revise the curriculum accordingly, then devise measurements to see if we were meeting the benchmarks. Even with an existing delivery system in place, it was a task that would take a lot of planning, The first step was to form a two-year study group. During the first year the plan was to layout the whole program,
Model Implementation Progress Each month, the Counselor’s Notebook will include submissions from counselors and guidance directors who are making progress with MA Model implementation. How does your program measure up? E-mail your submissions to Jennifer McGuire at jmcguire@uppercapetech.org or Katie Gray at uniquepotential @comcast.net.
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revise the ninth grade curriculum, and create a Ninth Grade Guidance Seminar Curriculum Guide. The second year would be spent revising the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade curriculums. Initially, the task seemed overwhelming, with so many competencies to cover from the Model. Our plan was to 1. Decide on a theme for each grade level. Ninth Grade: Orientation. Tenth Grade: Exploration. Eleventh Grade: Preparation. Twelfth Grade: Transition. 1. Organize all the benchmarks and competencies into the grade level that they would be covered. 3. Write a Core Concept and Guiding Principle for each of the major benchmarks. 4. Write three objectives and list which competencies the objectives achieved for each Guidance Seminar. 5. Write a lesson plan for each Guidance Seminar. 6. Collect materials and activities that support the lesson plan for each Guidance Seminar. Include alternate activities to add some variety. 7. Develop four or five Essential Questions to ask students at the end of each seminar to assess student learning and attainment of the benchmarks. 8. Construct a Competency Checklist for each grade level. This was an ambitious project. Some competencies were clearly more difficult to hit than others, but with a little creativity we did. We ended the second studygroup year with a new curriculum guide and materials for grades 9-11. Grade twelve was not completed, but we will be working on it during the coming year. The measurement and data piece is more illusive. However, with a focused curriculum linked to the Curriculum Frameworks and assessment of student learning through Essential Questions, our school counselors are achieving the benchmarks. We are making our guidance curriculum stronger and more beneficial for all students. If you would like more information, please contact me at mundaym@k12 .waltham.ma.us. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
Evans nominated for ASCA award By KATHLEEN BARRETT, Ed.D. MASCA Awards and Public Relations Committee Chair
T
he MASCA Awards and Publicity Committee is pleased to name Christine Evans, director of guidance at East Bridgewater High School, as our nominee for the prestigious ASCA School Counselor of the Year Award. Christine represents the very best that the field of professional school counseling has to offer. She is an exemplary counselor, who brings personal commitment and excellent professional skills to her role, and she has earned the respect and admiration of her school and professional community. Wearing the hats of counselor, consultant, curriculum manager, and coordinator of a comprehensive school counseling program, Christine brings the vision of the National Model to life. She has a special passion for the counselor’s role in advocating for students at risk of dropping out of school, and her efforts in this area have received praise from her school community. Christine is recognized as an effective advocate for all the children in her school, especially those whose paths to success are difficult. In addition to her professional work in the schools, Christine is a leader in her professional organizations. She is president of the South Shore Guidance Association, and she is a contributing member of her state professional organization, the Massachusetts School Counselor Association (MASCA). When Christine was selected as MASCA’s Counselor of the Year in 2007, MASCA was proud to offer this fine school counselor as a model for counselors across the Commonwealth. She would be an equally fine model for professional school counselors across the nation, and we are proud to present her to ASCA as our candidate for the ASCA School Counselor of the Year Award. ■
NOVEMBER 2007
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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
Masters wins Human Rights Award By KIM GANGWISCH-MARSH MASCA Human Rights Committee Chair
I
n the spring of 2007, the Human Rights
countries. She has also appeared with
Committee sent out a call for nomina-
Rosie O’Donnell to perform ceremonies
tions for its first annual award. The re-
for passengers on cruise ships.
cipient would be an individual who has
I can’t say enough about Sally, not
sponsored or delivered outstanding human
only as a kind and caring counselor, but
rights projects/activities and who embrac-
as a wonderful human being. She is the
es the Universal Declaration of Human
perfect candidate for the inaugural Human
Rights. The candidate chosen would be
Rights Award. Embodying all of the attri-
a counselor who leads by example and
butes that we want in a winner, she leads
promotes human rights for all.
SALLY MASTERS
Three outstanding candidates were
by example and actively engages in activities that promote human rights for all.
nominated, and it was gratifying to real-
viewed and treated. This initiative speaks
ize that we have outstanding human rights
to the heart of her values.
Congratulations Sally!
advocates in our midst. The following is
Sally has helped organize the annual
Editor’s note: Sally Masters was pre-
a summary of Bob Bardwell’s nomination
Northampton Pride March and celebra-
sented the first annual Human Rights
of our winner, Sally Masters, counselor
tion. And she serves as a Justice of the
Committee Award by Kathleen Barrett,
at Hampshire Regional High School in
Peace. In that capacity, she has officiated
chair of the Awards and Publicity Com-
Westhampton.
at hundreds of commitment ceremonies
mittee, at the MASCA fall conference in
and weddings in numerous states and
Boxborough on October 23. ■
“Sally Masters is a true inspiration as a person and a champion of human rights. From the very beginning of her career, she has been committed to issues of diversity and human rights. She has been the coadvisor to her school’s gay-straight alliance, and she has helped create a dynamic and inspiring group that was instrumental in running a local GSA prom. She also successfully implemented the “Journey to a Hate-Free Millennium” curriculum. Sally has worked to free students of the stigma of needing to show tickets in order to get a free or reduced lunch. Automating this process was a small, but meaningful, gesture, which sought to change the way economically disadvantaged students are
Nominate your favorite counselor for a MASCA award. Details in a future issue of CN.
NOVEMBER 2007
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MASCA for Graduate Students By ERIN McCRAVE MASCA Graduate Student Liaison
A Massachusetts School Counselors Association
2008 DIRECTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COUNSELORS Order Form The Directory lists school counselors in K-12 public, private, parochial, regional and technical high schools. Phone, fax, and e-mail information is included. Each MASCA member will receive one (1) complimentary copy. For more information, contact Janice M. Tkaczyk at jantkaczyk@comcast.net. To order, use this form or order online with your credit card. The form can also be downloaded at www.masca.org.
DIRECTORY OF SCHOOL COUNSELORS 1-5 copies @ $30.00 each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. ______
$ _______
6 or more @ $25.00 each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. ______
$ _______
5.00 P. O. processing fee (per order) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ _______ Shipping and handling @ $3.50 each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ _______ TOTAL: . . . . $ _______
Make check payable to MASCA. If mailing the form, send to: Janice M. Tkaczyk P.O. Box 318 East Dennis, MA 02641
YOUR NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION Name: _____________________________________________________________ School District/Business:_____________________________________________ Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________ E-mail Address: _____________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________________________
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s graduate students, we constantly try to balance the many things we find on our plate every day. Between classes, practicum, family obligations, and trying to find time to relax, some things get overlooked and put aside until the next day — joining MASCA, for example. Some graduate students may not fully understand why joining a professional school counselors association as a student is the one thing that should not be delayed. MASCA offers graduate students the opportunity to be a part of a professional organization at a very reasonable price. In addition to receiving a monthly newsletter, graduate students are also entitled to all the member benefits including professional development workshops and annual conferences. And they get the chance to keep up to date with new initiatives and concerns of Massachusetts school counselors, such as the MA Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs. The wealth of information and resources, which give MASCA members the opportunity to further develop as a counselor, are only the beginning of what MASCA offers graduate students. Establishing and building a professional network with other counselors and graduate students is a benefit that is valuable to all counselors. Colleagues are possibly the most important resource to new counselors and counselors-in-training. MASCA makes it easy for counselors to have access to each other by publishing an annual directory of school counselors. Finally, let’s not overlook the benefit of belonging to a professional organization when it comes time to apply for jobs after graduation. Being a member, especially an active member, is great for your resumé. It shows that you are committed to the profession and to becoming the best counselor that you can be. To find out what else MASCA offers, go to www.masca.org. At the website you will learn about job listings and MASCA’s affiliates as well as the many other benefits of a graduate student membership. One last thing. Pass this along to other future counselors. Let them learn about the many benefits of being a MASCA member. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
ED’S VIEWS MASCA PDP SIGNUP FORM I want to sign up for MASCA PDPs. Name: __________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________
ED BRYANT MASCA Life Trustee
________________________________________________________________
ovember is Career Development Month. The theme this year is “Finding Your Voice and Making It Heard.” Career development was started in Boston in 1909 by Frank Parsons. Now MASCA is currently planning for its 50th Anniversary. Mary Westcott is co-chair of the committee, and yours truly is a member. Our committee is looking for fifty collectables. My eulogy for one of our past great leaders, Louise Forsyth, is still in my ancient files. Do you remember her leadership at the Boston national convention? A Vermont newspaper article discussed the hate crime law. The author identified the following areas: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, service in the Armed Forces of the U.S., physical handicap, sexual orientation, and gender identity. I suggest adding physical appearance. Why? How about discrimination against fat people? My nickname in elementary school was “porky.” Do you agree with the statement that “our culture is sliding toward the sewer”? In terms of careers, do you believe that you can get a job without a college degree? Many good jobs, especially in the biotech field, do not require a degree although they do require further education/training. The sign in my auto dealerships says that mechanics earn $75 per hour. Have you hired a plumber or carpenter lately? Many college graduates who have degrees in English, philosophy, etc., often return to the local community college to learn a skill. We constantly need more training. Some, including me, with computers! Here is an Irish Blessing to help you during the holiday season: “May God grant you always a sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering angel so nothing can harm you, laughter to cheer you, faithful friends near you, and whenever you pray, heaven to hear you.” Happy Thanksgiving! ■
E-mail: _________________________________________________________
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NOVEMBER 2007
Enclose your MASCA Conferences Certificates of Attendance and completed Evidence of Learning Forms documenting at least 10 hours of professional development training. Send along with check for $25.00 made payable to MASCA to: Helen O’Donnell, Ed.D. MASCA Professional Development Chair 10 Maplewood Terrace Hadley, MA 01035
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MASCA conference help wanted The MASCA Conference Committee is looking for help. Subcommittees are currently working throughout the Commonwealth. As a volunteer, you can work at home, stay current through e-mail reports, or attend full-committee meetings. All types of support are needed: Conference Booklet Chair, Program Committee Co-Chair, conference secretary (to help with clerical tasks), and all committees. We look forward to working with you to produce an outstanding professional development opportunity for Massachusetts school counselors.
PEOPLE, PLACES, AND PROGRAMS College readiness workshop planned On November 30, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston will sponsor “College Readiness & Success: A New England Leadership Summit.” Attendees will include leaders of education, business and government, along with regional and national policy experts, for this important day-long event focused on expanding college and career readiness in New England. Invited participants from each of the New England states include governors, K-12 commissioners, state higher education executives, education and higher education board chairs, state legislators, governors’ education advisors and business leaders. The Summit will feature opening remarks for New England Board of Higher Education President and CEO Evan S. Dobelle. Invited speakers include U.S. Congressman John F. Tierney and Michael Cohen, President, Achieve, Inc. The Summit will feature a regional discussion aimed at answering several key policy questions: • How should we define and measure college and career readiness? • What are the essential elements of a college and career preparatory curriculum? • How well are secondary and postsecondary curricula, standards, requirements and assessments aligned? • What can be done to make higher education more affordable? • What national and regional expertise, best practices and success stories can
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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
we benefit from? • How can the six states collaborate regionally to address these issues? Registration deadline is November 16. For more information, call NEBHE at 617-357-9620 ext. 105 or e-mail events@ nebhe.org.
Free training sessions from MEFA Massachusetts Educational Financing
Merrimack College hosts NECA Merrimack College hosted the Northeast Counselors Association in October. Approximately sixty counselors attended, and MASCA Executive Director Bob Quist was the guest speaker. Shown here (from left): M.C. Vice President of Enrollment Management, Mary Lou Retelle, and NECA’s president, Michelle Burke.
Authority (MEFA) will provide free training sessions for school counselors at five sites in Massachusetts. The trainings will cover a number of critical topics that often impact the role of the school counselor in advising students and parents about the college financial aid process. The first session will be held on Wednesday, November 28 at Bentley College in Waltham. The training will begin at
Save the date! MASCA Spring Conference • Hyannis Thursday - Saturday, April 10-12, 2008 _____________ Friday’s keynoter is Rosamond Wiseman, author of Queen Bees
8:00 a.m. and will conclude at 2:00 p.m. For more information or to RSVP, contact Meghan Sheridan at msheridan@ mefa.org. To receive the official invitation to MEFA’s trainings or to register for Counselor Assistance Services e-mails, visit www.mefa.org/guidance. MEFA is a state-created, non-profit authority with a public mission to assist families and colleges with the issue of college access and affordability.
Invitation from Framingham State College Framingham State College invites students and parents to attend a general information session at the college on December 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. To reserve space, call 508-626-4500.
Reminder from MASCA Please check your membership expiration date on the affixed mailing label. To renew your membership online, go to MASCA’s web site, www.masca.org. ■ NOVEMBER 2007
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SAVE THE DATES!
MASCA 2008 Spring Conference Four Points Sheraton, Hyannis Thursday – Saturday, April 10 -12, 2008 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS including Rosamond Wiseman, author of Queen Bees
3 full days of professional development activities, networking, and hospitality. For exhibitor information or to plan a program, suggest an activity, or join the Conference Committee, contact Helen O’Donnell, Conference Chair, at helenod@att.net.
YOUR MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DATE IS INDICATED BY YEAR AND MONTH ON YOUR ADDRESS LABEL BELOW.
When you renew your membership, return both the application and your check made payable to “MASCA” to the Membership Coordinator. To receive an acknowledgement of your membership, please include your e-mail address.
Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc. COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK Sally A. Connolly, Editor
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