SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL COUNSELOR ASSOCIATION
NOVEMBER 2005 NEWSLETTER
The SD School Counselor Association announces a new web-based newsletter format. Below you will find brief snippets of information about items of interest to members. Just click on the link (bold and underlined) to go to the complete article of interest.
"Turn Off the Violence"
This month President Andree Johnson takes a look at violence on TV.
Take a Moment
Sue Olson, Middle/Junior High VP, reminds us to take a moment.
Step Up To Help
What school counselors and their schools are doing to help families affected by Hurricane Katrina and Rita.
Being Prepared
This article takes a look at Bioterrorism, and what school counselors need to know.
Government Relations
Here you can find a few quick notes from our Government Relations Chairperson, Jill Stephenson.
"Healing of Healers"
The South Dakota Indian Counselors Association invites you to attend the 5th Annual "Healing of Healers" Conference and Retreat. The conference/ retreat will be held at the Cedar Shores Resort in Chamberlain. The registration form is also available.
"SDSU Student Chosen as SDSCA Graduate Student Representative"
New member, Kim Huffman is the "Graduate Student Representative to SDSCA."
Celebrate School Counselors Week 2006
Mark your calendars- School Counselors Week is February 6-10, 2006. The theme this year is "School Counselors: Changing lives, Building Futures".
Counselor Education Liaison
Jay Trenhaile talks about the importance of good public relations.
Awards and Elected Officers
Congratulations to last year's awards recipients. Here is a complete list of recipients. You can also find the awards nomination criteria, and awards nomination form here.
Steps of Ethical Decision Making Process
As the new school year begins, it is important to review the steps of the ethical decision making process-both in a personal and professional sense. As school counselors we are required to make ethical decisions while carefully evaluating the needs and rights of everyone involved in difficult situations.
What Makes You Come Alive?
Most school counselors chose their profession because they felt they were good at helping others. Most of us are compassionate, empathetic, and have a willingness to listen. Many school counselors "come alive" when they enter their buildings at the beginning of the year. I would encourage you, if you are one of these counselors' to consider a leadership position in SDSCA, SDCA, Area of Specialty or your Chapter. There are a variety of levels of involvement and all can be very rewarding.
SDCSA Governing Board Candidate Information Sheet
Wellness Program
Special Projects Chairperson John Hegg has submitted a copy of the student Wellness program that I have used in my middle school. This easy program to initiate and manage can be changed or adapted to fit any school setting.
Rules for Student Wellness
Student Wellness Activities
Commitment Form
House Committee Weighs-In on NBPTS Credentialing for School Counselors
In June, the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Appropriations released a committee report that included an expressed concern regarding the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards' credentialing of school counselors.