2023-24 Quarterly Winter Edition |
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Be a Thermostat, Not a Thermometer
More than 50 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote a letter from a jail cell in Birmingham, Alabama, where he was being held for protesting without a permit. Dr. King used the metaphor of a thermostat and a thermometer to not just address racial extremists, but to call on the silent majority who chose not act on their beliefs.
What does it mean to be a thermostat, not a thermometer? A thermometer simply reports the temperature around it; a thermostat makes a difference – it actively regulates and changes the environment. Being a thermostat is an empowering mindset, especially in our learning communities where each of us (kids and adults) can contribute to a positive climate and a culture of care (Rowell, 2024).
School counselors are called to advocate for the betterment of students daily. We are called to address systemic inequities, implement evidence-based programs, and ensure that our practices align with our state standards and the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) National Model. We are met with choices to our practice every day: to conform or not to conform; go high when others go low; do what's easiest or more challenging; evolve or stay the same; be right, or lead with love (Mechlinski, 2023). The questions however remain; do we reflect the temperature of the room, like a thermometer? Or do we help regulate the temperature, like a thermostat?
As we reflect on Dr. King's message, there is a deep call to action that we can do as school counselors to lead and advocate for change. The history of our profession shows that we have been having these conversations for years and now is the time to step up and use actions, not words. We have made tremendous progress with our school counselor to student ratios, which allows for more students to be served. Mental health has been addressed on a national scale and funds have been appropriated to provide proactive supports and resources. And barriers to higher education, such as financial aid, and admission tests like the ACT and SAT, have been removed so that access to post-secondary options are attainable to all. There is still more that we can do. Not because we have a choice, but because there is no choice.
Be a thermostat, not a thermometer.
Coordinator, K-12 School Counseling Services
San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE)
Sources:
Rowell, L. (2024). 3 ways to be a thermostat, not a thermometer. edutopia, online publication.
Mechlinski, J. (2023). Are you a thermometer or thermostat? Medium, online publication.
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Welcome to SDCOE!
I am excited to introduce Lezya Weglarz as our new project specialist for school counseling. Lezya has served as a middle school counselor in the San Marcos Unified School District and has spent the last two years as Multi-Tiered System of Support coordinator at the district level. She brings additional experience as the 2022-23 chair of the California Association for School Counselors (CASC), and serves as an adjunct instructor at San Diego State University in the graduate program for school counseling. Lezya was also selected as San Diego County's 2023 School Counselor Advocate of the Year.
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Download the 2023-24 Financial Aid Guidebook for School Counselors
The new Financial Aid Guidebook for School Counselors is now available to download. This interactive guide provides numerous resources, tools, and documents to support schools in the delivery of this work. With changes to the FAFSA/CADAA and unexpected delays, we have added a one-stop resource shop with links to current news articles, federal and state updates, and resources, that are compiled from numerous sources to keep you informed. Download the guide and bookmark Page 5. Special thanks to Eryn Barker, counselor on special assignment from Bonsall Unified School District, for her time, expertise, assistance, and support for moving this project from concept to completion.
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Coming Soon! 2023-24 College/Career Guidebook for School Counselors
This new guide will provide school counselors with resources and professional learning opportunities to support best practices in the college and career domain. Topics include; four- and six-year academic plans, agency partnerships and programs, post-secondary planning, college and career indicators, career technical education pathways, college checklists, FAFSA/CADAA implementation planning, and more.
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Spring Refresh Live: Register to Attend Free in-Person Workshops
The Spring Refresh calendar of professional learning opportunities for K-12 school counselors is now available. All workshops are free and in-person with a focus on relevant topics from one of three domains: college and career, academic, and social and emotional. Workshops are two hours, and will be held in April and May. Refer to this calendar often for new workshop offerings, presenters, dates/times, and how to register. All sessions will be held at SDCOE's main campus, except for the K-8 College and Career workshop on April 19. That session will be held at the North County Regional Education Center in San Marcos. |
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New Opportunities Posted on the 2023-24 School Counselor Professional Learning Calendar
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SHARE YOUR IDEAS!
What professional learning opportunities and programs would you like to see offered during the 2024-25 school year? Complete our short survey to share your ideas. Those who submit a survey by March 5, will be entered into a drawing for a $15 Starbuck's gift card. |
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Empowering GUHSD School Counseling Leaders at the 2024 National School Counseling Leadership Conference
School counselor leaders from the Grossmont Union High School District had a great presence at the National School Counseling Leadership Conference held Feb. 21-23 at the Paradise Point Resort on Mission Bay. This event, developed by Dr. Trish Hatch and led by her dynamic team from Hatching Results, draws over 500 school counseling leaders from across the nation. The goal of this unique conference is to address a critical gap in professional learning for administrators who oversee school counseling programs at the school district, region, and state levels.
Dawn Cuizon, a former school counselor and assistant principal, who now serves as director II of College and Career Readiness for the Grossmont district, set aside funds early in the school year and invited her lead school counselors from each of the high schools with the opportunity to attend the conference.
"We have had the most productive conversations," said Cuizon. "It's just what we needed. Next year, my goal is to have every department chair and more assistant principals."
Providing experienced school counselors with high-level professional learning opportunities is challenging to find; however, we are fortunate to have one of the best conferences, in our own county that meets this need and more. We hope to see more school counseling leaders, administrators, district leaders, and superintendents from San Diego County Feb. 25-27, 2025, at next year's conference. Registration is open and this conference sells out early. |
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Three San Diego County School Counselors Earn RAMP Status for Implementing a Standards-Based, School Counseling Program
Congratulations to three school counselors who recently earned Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) status at their schools. Only a handful of schools in the state of California have received this recognition, which indicates that they have implemented a standards-based, school counseling program that aligns with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model.
RAMP recognizes schools committed to delivering school counseling programs aligned with the ASCA National Model framework. The RAMP designation demonstrates to administrators, school boards, families and the community at large that the schools are committed to supporting the mission of the school and district. The RAMP application process is the culmination of successfully implementing the ASCA National Model framework to show evidence of direct and indirect services to students, program planning and improved student outcomes in the school counseling program.
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"My passion has been fueled for helping school counseling programs move towards ASCA standards through this! I have found my niche."
Joy Vitrano and Emily Foster
Aviara Oaks Middle School
Carlsbad Unified School District
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"We feel proud of the work we have done to positively impact students’ academic and social-emotional wellbeing, and our honored by the recognition from ASCA!"
Kelly Hinch
Fletcher Elementary
San Diego Unified School District
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Joy Vitrano, Emily Foster, and Kelly Hinch were all participants in the first cohort of SDCOE's workshop Implementing the ASCA National Model, which started virtually in January 2022. Through dedication and determination, they achieved one of the top honors in our profession, but more importantly, they ensured their students had access to the best services a school counselor could provide. All three school counselors will be recognized this summer at the 2024 ASCA National Conference in Kansas City.
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Professional Learning Opportunities
Emphasis: Advocacy
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Registration Open: ASCA Annual Conference in Kansas City — July 12-16
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Join school counseling professionals around the nation for four days of inspirational keynotes, informative breakouts and in-depth looks at hot topics in the school counseling profession at the 2024 ASCA Annual Conference. Register by March 1 to get early bird rates. |
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Apply to be an ASCA-Certified School Counselor |
The ASCA-Certified School Counselor certification demonstrates school counselor knowledge in designing, implementing and assessing a school counseling program. School counselors who hold the certification demonstrate their commitment to the highest levels of professionalism, ethical practice and continuing professional development in their school counseling practice. Learn more about the certification program. |
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San Diego Student Homelessness at Seven-Year High
San Diego County schools reported an increase of 11% in homeless student enrollment from the 2021-22 to 2022-23 school year. The California Department of Education measures this number by a count on a single day each school year.
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2022-23 School Year
- Nearly 18,500 San Diego County students experienced homelessness (4.5% of all students).
- More than 1,700 students stayed in temporary shelters while going to San Diego County schools.
- Almost 1,140 students stayed at hotels or motels.
- Nearly 740 students were temporarily unsheltered.
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SDCOE California Indian Education Resource Guide
Learn about SDCOE and the California Indian Education For All collaborative effort to support American Indian education and culturally responsive indigenized professional learning. This guide is an overview of all SDCOE American Indian education projects, networking opportunities, and grants that are supporting in collaboration with tribal leaders and educators. All professional learning opportunities are designed specifically to ensure local school districts and charter schools can establish, expand and refine successful American Indian education learning programs in collaboration with tribal governments, students and families, and tribal community members.
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California Department of Education: Resources for Welcoming Newcomer Students
Leadership for Welcoming Newcomer Students: Six Steps to Take
Does your school embrace asylees, refugees, and other newcomer students? If so, there are immediate steps that you can take to create a supportive school environment. Internationals Network presents six recommended steps from school leaders. By implementing these steps, you can create a welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomer students, fostering their academic success and overall well-being.
Newcomer Welcome Toolkit
As schools in the United States are currently responding to the growing enrollment of newcomer students, including immigrants, asylees, and refugees from all over the world, Internationals Network for Public Schools presents this Newcomer Welcome Kit, curated by school leaders for school leaders. In this kit, you’ll find strategies and resources that were developed and vetted by leaders across Internationals Network to aid you, your staff, and community partners, as well as customizable samples of Internationals resources and tip sheets about how to implement strategies.
English Learner Family Toolkit App
The English Learner Family Toolkit helps families and educators stay connected to the latest tips, innovative tools, and practical resources to support English learner students enrolled in U.S. schools. This free app from the U.S. Department of Education is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic and can be downloaded on Android and Apple devices.
Webinar Recording: English Learner Family Toolkit
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Professional Learning Opportunities
Emphasis: Equity/Social Justice
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Often, we are tasked with using evidence-based practices in our work to support student success. It can be difficult to know what constitutes one of these practices and which ones really help our students. In this session, we will define evidence-based practices and look at the (often hidden) oppressive history of the practices and assessment in schools. In light of that, we will talk about socially just interventions and practices that help students successfully navigate often oppressive educational systems. Register to attend this free webinar, which will be April 5, from 9 to 10 a.m.
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National SEL Week: Today's Students, Tomorrow's Leaders — March 4-8
Social and emotional learning (SEL) changes lives. Studies show that SEL delivers long-term improvements in skills, behavior, and academic performance while reducing anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. SEL competencies are also critically important for long-term success in today’s economy.
On March 8, we will come together to showcase SEL in our communities, promote SEL to our personal and professional networks, advocate SEL with our policymakers, and support SEL in our schools, organizations, and communities. In the U.S. we will also celebrate and advocate all week long for National SEL Week, March 4-8. Sign up for National SEL Week and International SEL Day. Y our registration includes access to a free all-day, online event showcasing SEL best practices from states across the U.S. and countries around the globe. Detailed agenda coming soon!
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Centers for Disease Control Releases New School Mental Health Action Guide
The Centers for Disease Control released a new mental health action guide for school and district leaders, Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools: An Action Guide for School and District Leaders. This guide was created to help schools build on what they are already doing to promote students' mental health and find new strategies to fill in gaps. The action guide describes six in-school strategies that are proven to promote and support mental health and well-being. For each strategy, the guide also describes approaches, or specific ways to put the strategy into action, and examples of evidence-based policies, programs, and practices.
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Second Step Middle School Social and Emotional Learning Program — Free to School Districts for Three Years
The American Institutes for Research has received a grant from the Institutes of Education Sciences to study the impact of the Committee for Children’s Second Step social and emotional program in grades 6 through 8.
The grant covers the cost of:
- Three years of the Second Step Middle School program
- Training for teachers and administrators
- Stipends for teacher participation in data collection activities
- Stipends for district fulfillment of data requests.
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Available Now! Trauma-Informed Training From the Office of the California Surgeon General
Safe Spaces: Foundations of Trauma-Informed Practice for Educational and Care Settings — a new trauma-informed training from the Office of the California Surgeon General is live. This free, voluntary, two-hour online learning opportunity is designed to help people who work with or care for children and youth incorporate trauma-informed practices into their work. The training is self-paced and consists of three modules, two hours each, focusing on three age groups including 0-5, 5-11 and 12-18. It is accessible in English and Spanish. All individuals who complete the training will receive a certificate of completion. Resources are also available to support the wellness of adults and educators.
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Professional Learning Opportunities
Emphasis: Social/Emotional Domain
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Webinar Series: Prioritizing Well-Being Among School and District Staff, Educators, and Administrators — Next Session: March 14 at 1 p.m.
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The California Department of Education supports the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools for a monthly professional learning series dedicated to prioritizing staff well-being. During these one-and-a-half-hour interactive sessions, participants will hear from experts in the field, engage in peer learning and practice strategies, and explore implementation resources that can be applied back to their work settings. All school and district staff — regardless of position or title, are encouraged to join this no-cost webinar series. Register via Zoom to attend sessions live or receive the recordings.
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CalHOPE's SEL & Wellness Summit — May 2 and 3
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Registration is now open for CalHOPE’s first SEL & Wellness Summit. As educators, we know that a sense of belonging is crucial to the social and emotional well-being of our students… as well as ourselves. The summit will be a welcoming, inclusive, and joyful experience that will provide space for all of us to connect and collaborate, and create a community of support and understanding through small group touch points and human-centered design. Educators will expand their network of support to help them navigate the ongoing challenges of teaching and leading in today's educational environment.
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Southwest High School Counselors Share Process for Supporting Emergent Bilingual Students to Complete FAFSA/CADAA |
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Southwest High School, in the Sweetwater Union High School District, had among the highest FAFSA/CADAA completion rates in 2022-23 as participants with the CARPE College Access Network. Southwest has a high emergent bilingual population and focused on FAFSA/CADAA completion during the school day, with an emphasis on small group and one-on-one support.
On Feb. 9, school counselors from neighboring schools, district and county and community leaders, gathered at Southwest High School for a "live case" to learn what the school counseling team had done to get these results.
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As visiting learners, we had the opportunity to talk with students, teachers, administrators, and school counselors about their program. This format helped the host team gain insight into what parts of their process provided the most value, and where they might improve.
Congratulations to Stephanie Stephens, Brenda Gonzalez, Monica Del Rosario, and Ronniel Tulao for their outstanding work. Download a copy of their 2022-23 FAFSA/ CADAA Process Plan, which they have granted permission to share.
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Scholarship and Contest Opportunities for San Diego County Students
There are many local scholarship and contest opportunities available for students in San Diego County. New opportunities are added frequently to the SDCOE Scholarship webpage.
San Diego Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline: March 6
Several organizations in San Diego County provide scholarship opportunities for students. Add this list of organizations to your scholarship page on your school website. |
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Applications Open for Fall 2024 San Diego Promise Program
The San Diego Promise Program provides qualified students at San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges with a free community college education, offers grants to those who demonstrate financial need to offset the cost of textbooks and instructional supplies, and engages all students in a learning community promoting academic and career success.
Promise Program Benefits:
- Up to two years of free tuition and health fees
- Book grants for eligible students
- Access to peer mentors/success coaches
- Individualized counseling guidance support to complete your educational goals
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WACAC — Free Membership for K-12 School Counselors and Leaders
The Western Association for College Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) supports and advances the work of counseling and enrollment professionals from California and Nevada as it helps all students realize their full potential, with emphasis on freshman/transfer transitions to higher education and access for all students. WACAC hosts many events, webinars, and trainings for school counselors and to increase access to their resources, they have made a commitment to California public school educators with a free membership. Benefits include access to trainings at a free or discounted price, along with access to college representatives for college fairs, presentations, or to connect with a student who needs advice. Claim your free membership today.
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Amplify Your Impact with the ACT Counselor Toolkit
The ACT Counselor Toolkit includes resources for school counselors to support students with comprehensive test prep and college application materials, as well as materials to assist with career readiness guidance. ACT has streamlined access to several resources, making it easy for counselors to integrate into their work.
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Earn Free Continuing Education Units! CollegeBoard Offers New Online Professional Learning Modules for New School Counselors
CollegeBoard's Modules for New Counselors is a free professional development resource designed to help new counselors as they embark on their high school counseling career. Participants can earn free continuing education units by completing the full course. Stand-alone modules on all the topics are also available.
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Professional Learning Opportunities
Emphasis: College/Career Domain
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#Allin4FinancialAid Community of Practice Event — March 7
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Join EdTrust-West and BLU Educational Foundation virtually for a #Allin4FinancialAid community of practice event on March 7 from 1 to 2 p.m.
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Financial Aid Webinars and Resources for Parents |
Workshops (English and Spanish):
Resources:
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WACAC Wednesday Webinar: College Counseling in Public Schools — March 13
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WACAC College Fair for Students and Families: Scripps Ranch High School — March 23 |
WACAC will hold a free college fair for students and families March 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Scripps Ranch High School. Students will have an opportunity to speak to representatives from over 100 colleges from all around the world. For more information and to see which colleges will be at the fair, check the WACAC website often for updates.
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WACAC Share, Learn, and Connect Counselor
Conference — March 28
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The Share, Learn, and Connect conference is designed to provide a one-day, drive-in, professional development opportunity for individuals working with students in their transition to college. Sessions are focused on addressing the needs of public high schools, transfer programs, community-based organizations, and under-resourced independent schools. Register to attend, March 28, 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event will be held at UC San Diego. |
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K-16 Collaborative Grant: Round Two Information Session — April 11
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If your high school district has received K-16 Collaborative Grant funding, check-in meetings for 2023-24 spending and project progress updates will be scheduled April 8-26. Sign up now for a 30-minute high school contract meeting.
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San Diego County College and Career Guidance Initiative Leadership Team — Next Meeting: April 25 |
The K-16 Collaborative Grant can support local educational agencies in the San Diego and Imperial region in adopting the free California College Guidance Initiative. K-12 districts can receive grant funding over the next three years to support full integration and implementation of the initiative platform, including release time for teachers, school counselors, administrators, and/or tech staff.
There is no need to do this work on your own. Join the new SDCOE leadership team focused on the initiative and work collaboratively with other San Diego county educators to implement the platform! Register to attend the April 25 meeting. |
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NCAA Resources for High School Counselors
Updated! Eligibility Center Resources
The following updated resources are designed to help you and your colleagues as you provide information to students and families on the initial-eligibility certification process.
School Presentation Resources
When discussing options after graduation, many schools host college nights or other informational meetings about playing college sports. To request assistance with these events, complete the presentation inquiry form with as much detail as possible. The Eligibility Center also has prepared presentation resources, including the initial-eligibility slide deck, to empower you to give a detailed presentation to your students on NCAA initial-eligibility requirements.
Free Webinar for High School and Club Coaches: March 6
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Students with Academic Goals Program: Summer Application Now Available!
Students With Academic Goals is a free, eight-day college-readiness academy. Students will hear from experts in college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, careers, athletics, test preparation, etc. They will have a chance to interact with current college students and find out about majors, classes, and college life. Sessions will take place at San Diego City College and there will be an option for field trips to SDSU, UCSD, and the San Diego Zoo. Participants/families must provide their own transportation to/from City College. City College is also on a trolley stop and San Diego Metropolitan Transit System has free youth passes available. Learn more about requirements and how to register current 9-11 grade students.
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Professional Learning Opportunities
Emphasis: Academic Domain
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Let’s Get Our Students Connected, Regulated and Learning: Polyvagal Strategies for Educators — March 5 and 6 |
Real Matters, Inc. is hosting a two-day workshop for educators to learn how to implement strategies based on the Polyvagal Theory. Explore how neuroscience-backed strategies can create an environment where students feel not just educated but truly seen and supported. Learn to empower them to regulate their stress responses, paving the way for increased focus, resilience, and academic success.
Research speaks volumes, and the impact of Polyvagal Theory is tangible. Schools implementing these principles report improved attendance, fewer disciplinary incidents, and enhanced academic achievement. Be part of this transformation, witnessing the positive changes not just in statistics but in the lives of our students and our own professional satisfaction. The workshop will be March 5 and 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Newsletter, Website, Social Media
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Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at SDCOE and in our districts across the county. |
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