Volume 45
Number 4
www.masca.org
December 2008
Happy Holidays from MASCA! A Restful Resolution
KAREN D’AMOUR MASCA President
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here is something about December, or at least December in New England, that speaks to a time of retreat and renewal. Animals seem to rest more and relax. You don’t hear the songbirds of winter so much or see squirrels at play in the yard. Bears seem to have what I consider the best approach. Wouldn’t you love to hibernate even for one day? While nature retreats, rests, and renews, we as school counselors couldn’t be busier. There probably isn’t much we can do about that from a career perspective, but there is something we can do from a personal perspective. Instead of looking to improve ourselves even more by creating New Year’s resolutions, would it not be in better harmony with nature to sit down with our favorite hot beverage, a nice view, and think about all that we have accomplished so far this year? This year I decided to do just that. In addition to my school counseling position, I also looked at where we are with our professional association, MASCA. This year’s theme is “Advocacy, Accountability, Affiliates.” Together we have done a great deal of work. The advocacy piece is well under way
and some very fine professional leaders seem to be offering to join us in these pursuits. We are starting to discuss accountability in public forums and suggest methods to better define to others what we do. The idea of regional professional development workshops co-sponsored by MASCA and affiliates is starting to take place. The present workshop topic is “Legal & Ethical Practices.” Affiliates will be hearing more from us and this should bridge to a sense of community among affiliates and MASCA. The idea of shared resources and best practices makes us all better prepared to assist the children of the Commonwealth. As I suspected, relaxing into this reflection brought to mind ideas about how we can improve upon what is already going on professionally. I have recorded these ideas, not so much to create resolutions but to ponder at a later time. Resolve to take an occasional break during this busiest of seasons, and enjoy a deep breath. Rest can be a productive use of our time. Learn from the rest, and savor the renewal. “Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.” (Albert Einstein) ■
The Call to Advocacy
THOM HUGHART MASCA Executive Director
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he theme of MASCA for this year is Advocacy. It started with the development of a committee looking at the vision of MASCA. Then came the May 16 meeting in Worcester, sponsored by MASCA, NEACAC, and the College Board. At the fall conference this past October, we kicked off the day with four enthusiastic speakers, who told us what we need to do to advocate for our profession, ourselves, and our students: • Dr. Karla Baehr, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, delivered a (continued on page 19)
Inside . . . Get on Board: Advocacy, Accountability, Affiliates By Christine Evans .......................... 6
Middle School Implementation: Baby Steps By Amy Meehan ...................... 12
Using Feedback Constructively By Elizabeth Reed .......................... 8
License Renewal Reminder (DESE) ........................................... 14
Setting the Stage for Tolerance By Kim Gangwisch-Marsh ............ 10
MASCA Awards ........................15-16 Affiliate News ............................... 18
50
YEARS
1961
COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK 2008 – 2009 PRESIDENT 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 PRESIDENT-ELECT CHRISTINE EVANS Director of Guidance East Bridgewater High School 11 Plymouth Street, East Bridgewater, MA 02333 E-mail: cevans@EBPS.net PAST 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 VICE PRESIDENT ELEMENTARY AMANNDA BARTRAM Lynn Public Schools, Lynn, MA 01902 E-mail: bartrama@lynnschools.org VICE PRESIDENT MIDDLE / JUNIOR HIGH RICHARD WHITE Gateway Regional Middle School 12 Littleville Road, Huntington, MA 01050 E-mail: RWhite@GRSD.org VICE PRESIDENT SECONDARY JENNIFER LISK Medway High School Medway, MA 02053 E-mail: lisk@medway.k12.ma.us VICE PRESIDENT POSTSECONDARY JAY LEIENDECKER Vice President Enrollment Services, Dean College Tel. 508-541-1509 • Fax 508-541-8726 E-mail: jleiendecker@dean.edu VICE PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATORS CAROLYN RICHARDS Somerville High School Somerville, MA E-mail: crichards@k12.somerville.ma.us VICE PRESIDENT COUNSELOR EDUCATORS FELICIA L. WILCZENSKI, Ed.D. Professor and Associate Dean Graduate College of Education UMass Boston, Boston, MA 02125 E-mail: Felicia.Wilczenski@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 THOMAS HUGHART Wellesley High School, Wellesley, MA 02481 Tel. 781-446-6305 x5142 • Fax 781-446-6308 E-mail: thom_hughart@wellesley.mec.edu TREASURER TINA KARIDOYANES P.O. Box 1007, Monument Beach, MA 02553 Tel. 508-759-3986 • E-mail: tkaridoyanes@gmail.com 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:
2011
How It All Began By OSCAR KRICHMAR MASCA Life Trustee
In the autumn of 1960, Warren Benson invited counselors to a meeting. The sole subject was to create a statewide counselors association. He stressed the importance of taking action and the benefits that could result. Warren told the counselors present that the Department of Education would not play any role in the establishment of such an organization now nor in the future. Then, after his brief message, Warren left the meeting. The first order of business was to see if those present were in favor of such a move. The vote to proceed was unanimous. The next order of business was to create a committee to write the By-Laws. Counselors from across the Commonwealth volunteered to serve. The committee members chose Bob Berquist, director of guidance in Hopedale, and Oscar Krichmar, counselor in Winthrop, to be co-chairs. At a later point in MASCA’s history, Warren Benson was awarded Honorary Life Membership for the pivotal role he played in expanding our profession throughout Massachusetts.
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. © 2008 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
A Patient’s Plea: Stop, Look, and Listen By SALLY CONNOLLY, CN Editor
Medical students, research shows, could benefit from training in basic counseling techniques.
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hat patients need most seems to be sorely lacking. Even terminally ill patients are often deprived the understanding that is essential to the healing process. A recent study of lung cancer patients at Veterans Affairs Hospital in Houston, Texas showed that “when patients made comments on topics such as the personal impact of cancer, their diagnosis and treatment, and their struggles with the healthcare system, doctors responded with words of empathy only 10 percent of the time.” Out of 384 responses by the doctors, only 39 responses showed compassionate concern for the patient. And, incredibly, participants in the study knew that they were being audio-recorded. This shouldn’t come as a total surprise. In 2003, a study reported in “Ob.Gyn. News” showed that pre-med students at Eastern Washington University had lower scores on tests of empathy than did students who were planning to enter other fields. Their lack of empathy, furthermore, increased with the length of their medical training. Obviously, the message of the American Medical Association is not being heard. In 2000, the AMA published a booklet that stressed the role of communication in the healing process. In “Communicating with Your Patients: Skills for Building Rapport” the author says: “When physicians are empathetic, they’re prepared to look into their patient’s world and, with that person, craft a shared understanding of his or her disease. When they combine genuine interest with good communication skills, they have a potent intervention that reaps rewards, not just for patients, but for themselves as well.” Empathy works. Some schools of medicine have begun to recognize the importance of treating the whole patient, and they have broadened their definition of an effective physician. DECEMBER 2008
In Israel, for example, Tel Aviv University’s medical school views its mission as two-fold. It seeks, first, to provide students “with an exceptional academic foundation in the science of human disease and with the clinical skills to translate this knowledge into accurate diagnoses and treatment.” Secondly, it strives “to cultivate and nurture in its graduates the qualities that foster an empathic, ethical doctor-patient relationship.” Doctors everywhere need to see their patients as thinking, feeling, and valuing persons. They can start by attending to what the patient says. In counseling we call the process “active listening.” The counselor listens attentively, non-judgmentally, and acknowledges both the words and emotions being expressed. By reflecting back to the client what he is
saying, the counselor shows that he understands and cares. Physicians who possess both technical expertise and good interpersonal skills set aside the computer. They engage us in dialogue, listen to our concerns, and collaborate with us to set up a workable health plan. They are the healers we want — humanists who care more about us than they do about the disease. ––––––––––––––––––––
Ms. Connolly, is the author of A BOY FROM LAWRENCE: The Collected Writings of Eugene F. Connolly (2006) and Never Better: All Things Considered (2007). She contributes regularly to The Danvers Herald. For more information, go to her website, www.neverbetter.net. ■
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50
YEARS
1961
2011
Golden Past, Platinum Future By MARY WESTCOTT MASCA Past President
As I reflect on the upcoming celebration of MASCA’s 50th birthday, I am reminded of the decision to make a commitment to a professional organization in my new career. It was 1973 and MASCA was a young twelve years old but showed great promise with their outstanding leadership. People like Louise Forsythe, Oscar Krichmar, Al Williamson, Ed Bryant, and Mary Chouinard were just a few of the wonderful dedicated professionals who inspired me by their commitment. It was an easy decision and one I have never regretted. Some of the most rewarding moments of my professional career have been in serving as president of Northeast Counselors Association and MASCA. The future looks brighter, as witnessed by the new group of counselors who have joined our ranks. I am sure they too will take pride in being an important part of the educational community serving the students of Massachusetts.
MASCA 2008 Fall Conference By HELEN O’DONNELL MASCA Conferences Chair
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ver 275 school counselors, graduate students, counselor educators, exhibitors, and guests attended MASCA’s fourth annual one-day, fall conference in Boxboro. This year’s theme was “Get On Board: Advocacy, Accountability, Affiliates.” Attendees heard about advocating for our school counseling profession from Dr. Karla Baehr, the new Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as well as from State Representatives Alice Peisch and Kevin Aguiar, who is a former New Bedford school counselor. They all spoke about the important role school counselors play in the lives of students every day. Also addressing the need for advocacy of both the profession and our students was ASCA President Jim Bierma. For PowerPoint presentations from our workshop presenters and from Dr. Carey Dimmitt (“Moving Curriculum from Good to Great”), Dr. Barent Walsh (“SelfInjury”), and Jim Bierma (“Student Advocacy and School Counselor Advocacy”), go to MASCA’s website. You can view the fall conference booklet at www.masca. org/events/previous_conferences.htm. Deepest appreciation to the Fall Conference Committee including our committee chairs: Elizabeth Reed (Programs and Conference Booklet Editor), Joe Fitzgerald (Registrar and Evaluations), Sherry Brass of Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions (Hospitality), and Ellen Fanning (Exhibits). Their volunteer efforts and planning resulted in an outstanding professional development activity. Thank you all!
Planning for the future Plan now for MASCA’s annual spring conference to be held April 30-May1, 2009 in Sturbridge. Friday’s keynote speaker will be Michael G. Thompson, a psychologist, school consultant, and author or co-author of eight books, including the New York Times bestseller, Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys. Program proposals for the spring conference are due February 15. More information is available on MASCA’s website, www.masca.org. ■
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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 2008
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Get on Board: Advocacy, Accountability, Affiliates
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he MASCA theme for 2008-2009 is about encouraging school counselors to become more involved. The conference in Boxborough during October was the perfect place to learn how to do exactly that. From the opening remarks to the morning keynotes, breakout sessions, and exhibit hall, there were many opportunities to take up the charge to “Get on Board.” In the morning, the keynoters set the tone for the day. They spoke passionately and persuasively about the importance of counselors actively advocating for our students and our profession. We heard from state officials, Dr. Karla Baehr, Deputy Commissioner of DESE , Representative Alice Peisch, member of the Joint Commission on Education, and Representative Kevin Aguiar of Fall River. We also heard from Jim Bierma, president of the American School Counselors Association. Although each of them spoke from a
CHRISTINE EVANS MASCA President-elect different perspective, their messages shared two main points. First, that school counselors make a difference. We are an integral part of the educational team, and we lead the efforts to help every student meet with success. Secondly, that our efforts at advocating for students is how we make an impact. Every student needs to have a place in the school where they know that they will receive unconditional positive regard.
As long as there are school counselors working with and for students, this exists. But in these difficult economic times, we need to be especially vigilant in advocating for the importance of our role in helping students succeed in school. As budgets get tighter and finance committees whittle away at expenses, it becomes more important than ever for us present a united front, in the tradition of our motto: “One Vision, One Voice.” If school counselors are not willing and able to advocate for ourselves, no one else is going to do it for us. Furthermore, if we truly believe that what we do every day at work is in the best interest for all of our students, then we need to be prepared to talk about it, and talk about it early and often to anyone who will listen to us. We must make a commitment to support one another, and help is available through staying connected to ASCA, MASCA, and our local affiliates. They have information about advocacy, which they will share and disseminate. Advocacy is crucial on all levels — national, state, and local—and advocacy trainings are available so that school counselors can prepare for the “Day on the Hill” (February 4, 2009). Mark your calendars now, and talk to the counselors in your school and district about why we need to be present. Check the websites of MASCA and ASCA for updates and for more information on the need to advocate for our profession and the important work we do to help all students achieve their potential. Get on board. Join us as we proclaim our “One Vision, One Voice” message to all who need to hear it. ■
PDP Reminder Once you have at least ten (10) hours of professional development, submit them for PDP certificates from your school or MASCA. To learn more, go to www.masca.org/events/profess.htm
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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 2008
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Using Feedback Constructively Reminder from MASCA Please check your membership expiration date on the affixed mailing label. For a membership form, go to MASCA’s web site, www.masca.org.
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By ELIZABETH REED MASCA Graduate Student Liaison
“Why did I just say that?” “I don’t know if I’m ready to meet with a student on my own.” “OMG! I have to tape myself talking to a student and then play it for my classmates. What if I say the wrong thing?” One or all of these may sound familiar to graduate students as their practicum experiences unfold. While the practicum
is a time of learning, many of us feel nervous about doing and saying the right thing and/or being judged by our practicum supervisors. We all know that experience will come with time, but that does not make it any easier to get over that initial performance anxiety. Even after graduation from a school counseling program, a substantial learning curve is expected. What about the first time a student confides in you? Or when you butt heads with a teacher? Or when you get a phone call from an angry parent? There will always be issues that come up where we are not quite sure if we are doing the right thing. Maybe we even question our ability to be an effective counselor. Marianne Young, the superintendent of Lennox Public Schools, spoke to these feelings in her presentation at the MASCA 2008 Fall Conference. She talked about building productive relationships with parents. She said that although you might run into difficulty at times, you need to keep on going. We hope that all of our interactions with parents are positive, but that might not always be the case. Marianne said that if you do receive negative feedback from a parent (or teacher or student) and you’re feeling down about yourself, it is important to remember one thing. It is not about you; it is about the students and their families. They are the ones you signed on to help when you chose this path, and they need your support more than you need theirs. Whether you like it or not, you need to be strong and help ALL students and parents. What does this have to do with your practicum experience? Dwelling on what you think you did wrong does not help. Constructive feedback is important, and it is your supervisor’s job to provide that. Take that feedback and work with it. Your number one priority should be the student. And you cannot let your own fears or worries get in the way of that. Becoming a trusted confidante for students is more important than any grade you will receive. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
Reflecting on Advocacy
JENNIFER McGUIRE MASCA Past President
2009. Please join MASCA and your colleagues in this important day. MASCA has made great progress in Massachusetts in recent years by partnering with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and by becoming seen as a professional organization. We still have challenges that lie ahead, however, and work that needs to be done. We must continue to advocate for our profession and for our place in student success. ■
MASCA Spring Conference 2009 Sturbridge Host Inn, Sturbridge April 30 – May 2, 2009 Keynoter: Michael Thompson Author of Raising Cain
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y the time you read this article, the MASCA fall conference will be a distant memory, and you are probably thinking about the upcoming holidays and vacation from work. As I write this, however, the conference is less than a week behind me, and I am still lingering in the excitement and energy I felt on October 23. Our morning panelists couldn’t have been better selected, given our theme this year of Advocacy, Accountability and Affiliates. Jim Bierma, ASCA president, was both real and inspiring. Hopefully we can take Jim’s message back to our affiliates and our schools and encourage our colleagues who were not able to attend the conference to truly stand up and advocate for ourselves and for the impact school counselors have on student achievement. Kudos to Karen, Helen, and the entire conference committee for a job well done! I think most of us get the message: If we do not advocate for ourselves, who will? How we demonstrate and document our impact, however, is different for each of us. Personally, I know how important it is to collect data to show that what I do positively impacts student achievement, but I have struggled in this area. Although data collecting always starts out as a top priority at the beginning of the school year, as the work piles up and the days seem to become shorter and shorter, it always seems to end up on the back burner. I must remind myself that the value is worth the challenge. What challenges do you face as a counselor? How can you make a difference in our profession? We have an opportunity to really make our presence known by attending the School Counselor Advocacy Day on Beacon Hill on February 4,
DECEMBER 2008
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Setting the Stage for Tolerance By KIM GANGWISCH-MARSH MASCA Human Rights Committee Chair
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uman rights are not specific to race, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, or religion. They are both broad and narrow. They apply to every human being and represent simple, reasonable, and justifiable expectations. As counselors, it is our job to focus not only on the one but rather, the many. Every day we have opportunities to ad-
dress particular issues—bullying, racism, sexism—that affect the well-being of a student. We also have daily opportunities to address the bigger picture: to raise awareness, to model, to teach. We—the staff, faculty, and administrators—are the barometers of our school culture. Our words, actions, and either acceptance or rejection set the stage for
JUNIOR
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Friday, April 24 Please call to pre-register:
800-338-7057 admission@sjcme.edu
a climate of tolerance to thrive or of discrimination to survive. In order to be effective, we must take a look at how we think. Like the kids we work with, we are the products of our upbringing. Our thought processes are colored by this upbringing; and despite liberal beliefs, bias runs much deeper than most of us realize. It often presents in ways we are oblivious to. Watch the movie “Crash.” As a counseling community, just how aware are we of our biases? Edchange.com has two online surveys—one about Equity and Diversity and the other about Class and Poverty. I have included a few of the questions from them here. Download the full surveys and share them your faculty and peers. I think you will be surprised. And don’t ever forget that awareness is the beginning of understanding and education the beginning of change. 1. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, what is the percentage of U.S. schools with no teachers of color on staff? (a) 0% (b) 20% (c) 40% (d) 60% 2. What percentage of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender high school students report that their teachers “never” or “rarely” respond to homophobic remarks made by other students? (a) 15.1% (b) 37.8% (c) 63.2% (d) 84.5% 3. Which of the following variables most closely predicts how high someone will score on the SAT test? (a) race (b) region of residence (c) family income (d) parents’ academic achievement 4. Which of the following statements is consistent with research on poverty and education in the U.S.? (a) Economically disadvantaged people do not value education as much as people of economic means. (b) Wealthy students who attend high-poverty schools perform worse than poor students who attend low-poverty schools. (c) Illicit drugs are more prevalent at highpoverty schools than low-poverty schools. 5. The majority of poor people in the U.S. live in: (a) urban areas (b) rural areas (c) suburban areas The answers? C, D, C, B, B. ■
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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
DEAN COLLEGE T H E W A Y T H E R E.
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DECEMBER 2008
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Middle School Implementation: Baby Steps By AMY MEEHAN Guidance Counselor, Easton Middle School
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ounselors beware. Don’t let yourself become stressed by the pressures inherent in the details of implementation of the MA Model. Avoid the stress by setting the stage with reasonable goals, and you will find yourself reflecting positively at the end of the year on your progress and accomplishments. As school counselors we spend our time in the last few weeks wrapping up
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the current year and preparing for the next. We are often frustrated that we have many ideas and goals that would enhance our program, but — due to demands beyond our control— we have difficulty integrating these ideas into the day-to-day routine. Take a look at your program and compare what you are already doing to the expectations of the Model. Chances are that you are almost ready for a dress
rehearsal. This past year I found that I was both comforted and frustrated by the Model. Since I participated in the MASCA Institute as the sole representative from my department, I was charged with assignments that, alone, were a tall task. I accepted the challenge, however, and moved forward to the best of my ability. Taking a microscopic look at our department and our skills was a rewarding process. We have a comprehensive career education program, social skills support, transition programs, and enhanced school/ home communication. The Model provided the backdrop for a number of these programs and those still in development. Integrating the Model, though, seemed impossible in a district that faced transition K-12, a new student information system, and new staff. I found also that although our program paralleled in many ways the criteria necessary, the documentation and evidence became difficult. Documenting the positive impact of what we are doing remains the obstacle, and we still struggle with the data. I suggest that you find someone to help with this. You will find relief! Interns and volunteers can help to formalize what you have already done. Partner with colleagues to share the work and the outcome. My best advice, though, is to NOT go it alone. Accept that baby steps may be the only way to approach the implementation process, and be proud of whatever progress you make. The template provided by the MA Model Institute gave our district a start on implementation. There are a number of areas still in need of tweaking simply because of the changes, and we have many more areas to assess and programs to design. However, we now have a solid backdrop for a career exploration program, social skills group activity, and we are working collaboratively to enhance our partnerships with area colleges to improve the access for middle school students to the career world. Our final production (MARC) is a few years away. However, the acts are written (strategic plan) and the cast and stage are set (counselors and administration). Take it all in stride and use the directors (MASCA) to walk you painlessly through the process. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 2008
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News from DESE License renewal reminder SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 – The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is encouraging 50,000 educators with a professional license due for renewal on June 17, 2009 to renew online. The Education Reform Act of 1993 stipulates that all educators who hold a professional level license must renew the
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license every five years. The first two major rounds of renewals were accomplished by June 17, 1999, and by June 17, 2004, leaving these educators until June 17, 2009 to renew their professional license. License renewals granted prior to the deadline will take effect the day the old ones expire, and will remain in effect through June 17, 2014. Professional license renewals will cost $100 for each designated primary area license, and $25 for each additional area. In 2004, 93 percent of the 64,000 edu-
cators who renewed did so online through ELAR, the online Educator Licensure and Recruitment system. This system is streamlined and easy to follow, allowing those with all of their paperwork in order and who complete their application online to get their new license mailed out by the end of the next business day. To get a license renewed, teachers must have completed their professional development plan, and earned the requisite number of Professional Development Points (PDPs). PDPs should be organized into three categories: content, pedagogy, and other. Educators will need to indicate PDPs earned in each category so they can confirm that they have met the minimum requirements to renew their licenses when they go online to apply. The Department provides a downloadable form that many educators will find helpful in organizing their PDPs. The Department will accept an “electronic signature” on an affidavit included with the online application that constitutes the educator’s assurance that he/she has the required documentation. For most educators, the online process will take just 10 minutes. Some of the online and paper applications will be selected for an audit to confirm that they meet all the requirements. Prior audits have confirmed that over 97 percent of educators can provide the documentation that they have met all requirements. Representatives from the Office of Educator Licensure will conduct licensure renewal computer lab sessions this fall. These licensure renewal lab sessions will be held in the Department’s Computer Lab at 350 Main Street in Malden. The renewal labs will be open on the following dates from 2:30-5:00 p.m.: www. doe.mass.edu/Conference (Click on License Renewal) Note: The Department is in the process of coordinating lab sessions in Central and Western Massachusetts; information regarding these sessions will be announced in the coming weeks. Educators who do not wish to renew online can submit a paper application here; however, applicants could experience a delay if they submit their applications on paper. If you have any questions, please contact Amena Swinton at aswinton@doe. mass.edu or 781-338-3238. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
Nominate a Colleague for a MASCA Award The MASCA Awards and Publicity Committee would like to encourage you to nominate a colleague for a MASCA Award. Please take a moment to review the awards descriptions and let us know who you feel exemplifies excellence and contributes meaningfully to our profession. To nominate a deserving colleague for a MASCA Award, please complete the nomination form below. The Awards & Publicity Committee will then contact your nominee to invite them to submit the required materials for consideration. The nomination packet will include two letters of recommendation and at least one additional piece of supporting information. All nomination forms must be submitted no later than February 1, 2009. Please note this deadline has been changed to give nominees and committee members more time due to the earlier dates of the spring conference this year. Awards criteria can be found on following page. Thank you for helping us to recognize excellence in the school counseling profession!
MASCA Awards Nomination Form 2008-2009 Nominator Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ School/Organization: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Nominee: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ School/Organization: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MASCA Award: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Brief statement about why your nominee deserves to be selected for this MASCA Award: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominations can be e-mailed to cccianfrani@grsd.org with MASCA Award Nomination as the subject line or mailed to: Celeste Cianfrani Chair, MASCA Awards Committee 12 Littleville Road Huntington, MA 01050
The deadline for submitting nominations is February 1, 2009. DECEMBER 2008
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ED’S VIEWS MASCA Awards 2008-2009 MASCA Counselor of the Year A current MASCA member and a licensed counselor serving during the current school year in an elementary, secondary, or postsecondary school, or in a local or regional school system and who has made outstanding contributions to his/her school. The recipient will have excellent rapport with pupils, parents, and school personnel and is a highly respected counselor of students.
MASCA Administrator of the Year An administrator who has made an outstanding and significant contribution to the guidance and counseling movement, developed and/or implemented an innovative program or initiated improvements of school counseling services in his/her area of responsibility.
MASCA Leadership Award A current MASCA member and a licensed counselor serving during the current school year in an elementary, secondary, or postsecondary school or in a local or regional school system and who demonstrates able leadship in the counseling profession at theer local, state, or national level.
MASCA Special Award An individual who has made a contribution of unusual significance that substantially affects the guidance and counseling profession. The contribution directly affects counselors, students, or a school program and the individual is not eligible for any other MASCA Awards.
The MASCA Torch Award: • Rising Star Award An individual who has entered the school counseling profession within the last five years. The award winner is a model for new counselors demonstrating the highest standards of professional competence, outstanding contributions to the school community and/or profession and has demonstrated excellent rapport with students, parents and school personnel. • Retiring Counselor Award A counselor who is retiring in the current year or has retired within the last five years. This counselor has served as a model for new counselors, demonstrating highest standards of professional competence, having made outstanding contributions to the school community and/or profession and demonstrated excellent rapport with students, parents, and school personnel.
The George Thompson Memorial Scholarship Award A $1,000 scholarship award named in honor of George Thompson, a longtime friend and contributor to MASCA. This award winner is a school counseling graduate student who demonstrates exceptional promise for leadership and contribution to our profession. Nominations from Counselor Educators are encouraged. ■
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ED BRYANT, NCC MASCA Life Trustee
T
he October Governing Board meeting at the Holiday Inn in Boxboro was well-attended and informative. I had the honor of serving as President Karen D’Amour’s parliamentarian. My thanks to Ron Miller, our webmaster, for his pre-meeting training. If you haven’t tried MASCA’s website, you should do so. It is fascinating. Counselors, do you know your credit score? In view of economic conditions, it is wise to obtain a free report. The perfect score is 850. Check your progress every four months. What’s Next in Your Life? is a book offering non-financial tips for counselors nearing retirement. It provides ideas for a “more fulfilling and rewarding life after 50.” This may be valuable for our MASCA retiree session at the annual conference. The recent IECA newsletter has an interesting section, “Ethical Standards and Web Sites.” Does MASCA have tough ethical standards? In the MASCA by-laws we have a Liaison for Ethics. Do we have guidelines? Do we need them? As MASCA Armed Services Liaison, I am encouraged to note the assistance that service members are receiving regarding registering a one-time, free ACT or SAT through the Defense Activity for NonTraditional Educational Support. Their question: Which test is better? I’m off to visit my wife, Mary Lou, at Lahey Hospital in Burlington. She’s there for a few tests. It’s amazing the technology involved in medical careers. Your students should take a look at the many opportunities in healthcare when they are researching careers. The ASVAB is a good guidance tool. My granddaughter is having her first baby next spring. Virginia Kelley, a nurse, said: “There’s nothing like a newborn baby to renew your spirit and to buttress your resolve to make the world a better place.” Happy holidays to all! ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
MASCA 2009 DIRECTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COUNSELORS The Directory lists school counselors in K-12 public, private, parochial, and regional and technical high schools. Phone, fax, and e-mail information is included. Each MASCA member will receive one (1) complimentary copy. PLEASE USE THE ORDER FORM BELOW to order more copies. Download the form at www.masca.org or order online and use your credit card.
1-5 copies @ $30.00 each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. ____
$ ___________
Additional Copies: 6 or more @ $25.00 each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. ____ $ ___________ Shipping / Handling @$3.50 each copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. ____ $ ___________ 5.00 P. O. Processing Fee (per order) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ ___________ Make checks payable to: MASCA
TOTAL: . . . $ ______________
If mailing this form, send to: Ms. Marla Schay, Weston High School, 444 Wellesley St., Weston, MA 02493
Questions? E-mail SchayM@mail.weston.org Your name and contact information: Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ School District/Business: __________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
DECEMBER 2008
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AFFILIATE NEWS SSGA holds meetings South Shore Guidance Association met in September at Lascala Ristorante in Randolph. The meeting was sponsored by both SSGA and MASCA. Information on the MA Model was shared with affiliate members. On October 21, SSGA members met at Lincoln Technical Institute. Following an on-site presentation, counselors enjoyed at a delicious dinner at the Grill. College hosts WSGA The College of Mount St. Vincent hosted West Suburban Guidance Association in October. The informative meeting was held at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, and Michael Donahue and the Admissions Office of the college served as coordinators. Northeast Counselors meet Northeast Counselors Association is in full swing for the year. In September, the Executive Board met at Merrimack College. A general membership meeting was held in October, also hosted by Merrimack College. Mary Lou Retelle, the college’s vice president of enrollment management, greeted counselors and provided an update on admissions and financial aid. On Tuesday, November 13, the association met at Northern Essex Community College. Charles Diggs, director of enrollment services, hosted. On Wednesday, December 3, counselors plan to meet at the Woburn Hilton for an evening sponsored by ITT Tech Woburn. The Board will meet in January, date to be determined. And on February 12, NECA will honor guidance secretaries at its Annual Secretaries’ Night. This meeting will also be hosted by Merrimack College. To join NECA or to sign up for a meeting, contact NECA President Michelle Burke at mburke@beverlyschools.org. ■
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COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
HUGHART (continued from page 1) message of hope and direction, if we do our homework. • State Representative Alice Peisch told us that the lawmakers on the hill understand school counseling through the eyes of their children and their own experiences, which may not be accurate. • State Representative Kevin Aguiar, a school counselor turned representative, put it pretty bluntly. If we don’t advocate for ourselves, then shame on us. • Jim Bierma, the president of ASCA, encouraged us to move forward in our efforts, armed with data and results on how we make a difference. I am looking forward to our second Worcester meeting with a lobbyist and a handful of people, who will design a powerful “Day on the Hill.” The event is scheduled for February 4, 2009, at Suffolk University and the State House. I was speaking with a couple of counselors about advocacy and our “Day on the Hill” and what became clear to me was that they did not seem to understand the purpose and plan of the day. So, I thought I would use this valuable space to try to address these two topics.
back. We want to talk and will be armed with talking points. We want to show we care about all our students. Some of you may think, “I’m not the demonstrating type. I don’t like confrontation.” Good, neither do we. We want to go and visit our representatives and senators, tell them who we are and what we do, and leave them with some brief data that proves our value. Keep an eye out for future Counselor’s Notebooks. We will be sending you more information. Also, visit the website www. masca.org for more information. ■
Free event for GSAs Middle and high school GSAs are invited to attend a free movie and panel discussion
“Anyone and Everyone” December 2, 2008 • 7:00 p.m. Marsh Memorial Chapel Springfield College
1. Purpose: We need to define who we are and what we do, unless we trust others outside our profession to do that for us. We aim to show that we: • make a difference to the student, the family, the economy, the world • help lower the drop out rate • raise the graduation rate • improve college attendance • assist with career education and development • contribute to a more civilized and caring society • increase physical and mental health awareness • motivate the less motivated • encourage the discouraged • help the helpless • give hope to the hopeless We know we do these things. Now we must prove it. 2. Plan for the day: The plan is to communicate with our elected leaders— to show them, with the documents we will produce, where it is we make the difference and how we make the difference. We will not be carrying signs, shouting slogans, or getting in peoples’ faces. There will be no firehoses or police on horseDECEMBER 2008
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SAVE THE DATE! Massachusetts School Counselor Advocacy Day on Beacon Hill Wednesday, February 4, 2009 • 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM Advocate for our students, our schools, and our profession MASCA, NEACAC, and the College Board have joined together to sponsor the 2009 Massachusetts School Counselor Advocacy Day on Beacon Hill. School counselors and others who believe in quality school counseling programs in our schools will spend a day at the State House advocating for issues that are important to school counselors and the young people we serve. Participants will receive training on legislative issues and advocacy and will talk in person with our elected legislators and other policymakers to inform them about who we are and what we do, and about the importance of quality school counseling in our students’ education and lives.
YOUR PARTICIPATION IS CRUCIAL FOR THIS TO WORK! All of our voices are needed for this effort to be effective.
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! This will be a free event. Lunch will be provided. Please mark your calendars now. More details are forthcoming. Questions? Please contact Brad MacGowan at bmacgowan@comcast.net, Bob Bardwell at BardwellR@monsonschools.com, or Jon Westover at jonw@admissions.umass.edu.
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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December 2008