MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER 2010VOL. 47, NO. 1

MASCA

Massachusetts School Counselors Association2010 Fall Conference • October 26, 2010

Holiday Inn, BoxboroTENTATIVE AGENDA

7:00 a.m.• Registration – Exhibit Hall – Breakfast Buffet

8:30 a.m.• Welcome• MARC and MARC Jr. Awards

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.• Keynoter: Dr. Carol Kaffenberger,

Author of ASCA’s Making Data Work Workbook• Exhibit Hall – Concurrent Workshops

12:00 – 1:15 p.m.• Luncheon Keynoter: DESE Commissioner Mitchell Chester

1:30 – 4:00 p.m.• Regina Williams Tate, Esq., MA Anti-Bully Legislation and

Implementation Mandates

50YEARS

1961

2011

Golden Past/Platinum Future (1961-2011)By CAROLYN RICHARDS

MASCA President

CAROLYN RICHARDS

(continued on page 5)

Fall is a particularly resonant time forthose of us working in educational

settings with students and families. It isa time to reconnect and to share adven-turous summer stories; a time to renew,energized by crisp fall weather; and atime of fresh possibility.

Speaking as both MASCA presidentand as a professional school counselor,it is with great pride that I tell you abouta number of exciting recent developmentsin and for the school counseling profession.

On the national scene, ASCA leadersparticipated in “20/20: A Vision for theFuture of Counseling,” a representativeprocess in which thirty counseling asso-ciations and organizations worked over aspan of three years to identify where thecounseling profession wants to be in theyear 2020 and what it will take to get there.

This past July at the College Board APConference in Washington, D.C., U.S.Secretary of Education Arne Duncan pre-sented “The Three Myths of High SchoolReform” to the conference participants.In his presentation, Secretary Duncan re -ferred to school counselors six times, andhe directed attention to school counselors“owning their turf when it comes to col-lege- and career-readiness counseling.”

He went on to state that school coun-selors should be leading advocates forstudents pursuing two- and four-year col-

lege degrees. And he pointed out that,na tionally, there is roughly one guidancecounselor for every 475 students. Suchimpossible caseloads, he said, and the an -tiquated conception of the role of coun-selors force many counselors to spendmuch of their time on non-guidance tasks.Thank you, Secretary Duncan, for think-ing of us, including us, and bringing at -tention to our changing role!

Locally, here in Massachusetts, MASCAleaders have been invited to participateon several state-wide committees. Theseinclude the College Readiness Project,Federal High School Graduation Initia-tive Grant Leadership Council, and DESEPerformance Appraisal Task Force. Thesecommittees give professional school coun-

Paying tribute to aschool counselor

Did you have a school counselor whomyou admired? Did a school counselor

encourage you to accomplish your goalsand follow your dreams? Do you wantto express your appreciation?

You have an opportunity to pay tributeto a school counselor who has made a pos-itive difference in your life or the lives ofother students. Sign up and post your trib-ute on MASCA’s website, www.masca.org.To start, click on 50th Birthday SchoolCounseling Tributes. Tributes will be post -ed on the website; and during the MASCASpring Conference in April 2011, thesecounselors will be honored at the 50thBirthday Reception.

Submissions are welcome from stu-dents, graduates, school systems, MASCAaffiliates, and others. For more informa-tion, go to www.masca.org. ■

2 COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

2010 – 2011MASCA OFFICERS

PRESIDENTCAROLYN RICHARDSSomerville High School81 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143Tel. 617-625-6600 x6120 • Fax 617-628-8413E-mail: cspangev@comcast.net

PRESIDENT-ELECTMICHELLE BURKE100 Sohier RoadBeverly, MA 01915-2654E-mail: mburke@beverlyschools.org

PAST PRESIDENTCHRISTINE A. EVANSEast Bridgewater High School11 Plymouth Street, East Bridgewater, MA 02333Tel. 508-378-5851 • Fax 508-378-8236E-mail: cspangev@comcast.net

VICE PRESIDENT ELEMENTARYJACQUELINE BROWNEast Somerville Community School42 Prescott Street, Somerville, MA 02143Tel. 617-625-6600 x6517 • Fax 617-591-7906E-mail: jbrown@k12.somerville.ma.us

VICE PRESIDENT MIDDLE / JUNIOR HIGHRICHARD WHITEGateway Regional Middle School12 Littleville Road, Huntington, MA 01050E-mail: RWhite@GRSD.org

VICE PRESIDENT SECONDARYJENNIFER LISKMedway High School, Medway, MA 02053Tel. 508-533-3228 x5107 • Fax 508-533-3246E-mail: lisk@medway.k12.ma.us

VICE PRESIDENT POSTSECONDARYJAY LEIENDECKERVice President Enrollment Services, Dean CollegeTel. 508-541-1509 • Fax 508-541-8726E-mail: jleiendecker@dean.edu

VICE PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATORSRUTH CARRIGANWhitman-Hanson Regional High School600 Franklin Street, Whitman, MA 02382Tel. 781-618-7434 • Fax 781-618-7098E-mail: ruth.carrigan@whrsd.org

VICE PRESIDENT COUNSELOR EDUCATORSTHERESA A. COOGAN, Ph.D.Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, MA 02325Tel. 508-531-2640E-mail: theresa.coogan@bridgew.edu

VICE PRESIDENT RETIREESRALPH SENNOTTP.O. Box 1391, Westford, MA 01886Tel. 978-692-8244E-mail: ralphsennott@hotmail.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORDONNA M. BROWNAdjunct Professor, UMass BostonP.O. Box 366, 779 Center StreetBryantville, MA 02327Tel. 781-293-2835E-mail: dbrownmasca@gmail.com

TREASURERTINA KARIDOYANESP.O. Box 1007, Monument Beach, MA 02553Tel. 508-759-3986E-mail: tkaridoyanes@gmail.com

SECRETARYJENNIFER JUST McGUIREUpper Cape Cod Regional Technical School220 Sandwich Road, Bourne, MA 02532Tel. 508-759-7711 x247 • Fax 508-759-5455E-mail: jmcguire@uppercapetech.org

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATORDEBORAH CLEMENCEP.O. Box 805, East Dennis, MA 02641E-mail: DeborahClemence@verizon.net

COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK EDITORSALLY ANN CONNOLLY19 Bayberry Road, Danvers, MA 01923Tel. 978-774-8158 • Fax 978-750-8154E-mail: sallyconnolly@att.net

SEPTEMBER 2010 3

September 2010

www.masca.org

inside

Published by:Massachusetts School Counselors Association10 issues per year, September through June. The yearlysubscription rate is $30.00. Individual copies are $3.00.

Opinions expressed in the articles published herein representthe ideas and/or beliefs of those who write them and do notnecessarily reflect the views or policies of the MassachusettsSchool Counselors Association, Inc.

The acceptance of an advertisement for publication does notimply MASCA endorsement of the advertiser’s programs,services, or views expressed.

Questions concerning submission of articles, publi cationdeadlines, advertising rates, etc., should be addressed toSally Ann Connolly, Editor.

©2010 by the Massachusetts School Counselors Association.All rights reserved.

MASCA

4 Government Relations Committee Advocates for MembersBy Bob Bardwell

6 “Wicked Awesome”: The ASCA Conference in BostonBy Donna Brown

8 Graduate Students: Get Involved in Your ProfessionBy Bethany Ortenzi

9 Publication Opportunity for Graduate StudentsBy Theresa A. Coogan

14 MASCA Professional Development NewsBy Helen C. O’Donnell

16 MASCA Fall Conference Registration

18 People, Places, and Programs

4 COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

Government Relations Committee advocates for membersBy BOB BARDWELL

MASCA Government Relations Committee Chair

T he Government Relations Commit-tee continues to be busy, promoting

school counseling in the State House aswell as with the Department of Elemen-tary & Secondary Education and in thegeneral public.

We have been monitoring HB 4523,the bill to study the possible implemen-tation of mandatory career plans for allMassachusetts students, not just voca-tional students. The Committee workedduring the summer to encourage mem-

bers to call their state legislators so thatthe bill would be voted out of the HouseWays & Means Committee before theformal session ended on July 31.

As of press time, there was no actionon the bill. While it could be voted onthe floor in an informal session after July31, there are no guarantees, if there areobjections of legislators. The Committeeis working with Rep. Todd Smola (R-Palmer), a member of the Ways & MeansCommittee, to learn more about the leg-islative process and how to advance thebill, if not in the formal session, as a for-mal bill in the 2011-2012 session.

MASCA surveyThe committee conducted a survey ofthe MASCA membership to determinethe interest level of various topics thatwe have been addressing. The top fiveresponses that had either a combinedstrongly agree or agree response rate of75% or higher include:

• Advocating for DESE to provideprofessional development funding fortraining counselors in MA Model.

• Drafting a job description that re -flects the transformed role of the schoolcounselor.

• Providing professional developmentto school counselors in the lowest per-forming schools.

• Making changes regarding graduateprogram approval to include items suchas the MA Model.

• Informing DESE about how schoolcounselors can assist bullying legislation.

DESE collaborationGail Okerman and Sharon Greenholt havebeen working diligently to identify thebest ways to be of assistance to DESE inregard to the bullying legislation andhow it will impact each school in the state.They are working on a training moduleas well a resource list for the MASCAwebsite. This list would reference bestpractices and resources around bullying.

Members of the Committee have alsobeen involved with the work with Com-missioner Chester and his participationin the August Leadership DevelopmentInstitute (LDI).

Leadership ForumWe are moving forward with plans for aMarch 2011 Leadership Forum on Bea-con Hill similar to last year, although wehope to have a keynote speaker to drawin both new people and returnees. Anexact date will be confirmed soon.

State-level coalitionMassachusetts will be serving as a modelto help the other New England statesdevelop a state-level coalition that im -pacts school counseling at the state level.Lori Fresina, our grassroots organizer, willlead an advocacy training session onSaturday, November 20, as part of theASCA North Atlantic Regional meetingin Norwood. NEACAC is paying her todo this training as well as a one-day fol-low-up in each of the other New Eng-land states. Although this doesn’t im -pact MASCA directly, we hope to serveas a model and inspiration about howto do what we have done and sustain it.If anyone would like to attend this train-ing, please contact me.

MASCA will continue its contractwith M+R Associates, in particular withFresina, to continue her involvement ona monthly basis with the coalition. Shewill assist us with our advocacy effortsduring the 2010-11 school year.

Strengthening legislativecontactsAdditionally, we want to continue build-ing the list of liaisons for each of the leg-islative districts in the Commonwealth.The goal is to have a list of memberswho, when notified about an importantlegislative event concerning school coun-seling, will contact legislators in theirhome district. If the Government RelationsCommittee has quick and easy access tosuch a list of willing volunteers, we canbe assured that all 200 legislators willreceive legislative updates in a swift andefficient manner. This was started lastyear but did not get very far.

If you would like to join the Govern-ment Relations Committee or the Mass-achusetts School Counseling Coalition, orif you have any questions, please let meknow. All are welcome. ■

BOB BARDWELL

SEPTEMBER 2010 5

selors a seat at the table. MASCA’s Day on the Hill brought

MASCA leaders and legislators togetherto work on the six-year career plan. Andin May, just weeks after the Massachu-setts School Bullying Prevention legisla-tion was passed, MASCA leaders metwith DESE staff to discuss how MASCAcould support its implementation.

MASCA leaders will continue to forgepromising partnerships and have a voicein shaping policy that affects how schoolcounselors fit into educational reformefforts and initiatives.

MASCA turns 50In 2011, MASCA celebrates fifty yearsstrong—a tribute to all its past leaders,from the very first president, BernardWhite, to the most recent, Christine Evans.All of them have worked tirelessly alongwith committee chairs, affiliate leaders,and executive directors to bring the orga-nization and school counseling to wherethey are today.

Moving forward withMASCATo continue the momentum, there is muchwork still to be done. I invite each of youto reflect on what YOU have to offerMASCA and find a way to contribute.MASCA is at its best when we work inpartnership to build bridges of learningand change and ensure the vibrancy, vi -tality, and vision of our profession. Nomatter what you choose to do, knowthat you have the opportunity to writethe next chapter in MASCA’s story.

Furthermore, I challenge each MASCAmember to reach out to a school counselorwho is not currently a MASCA memberand personally encourage that counselorto join. If each one of us brought one newmember, we would double our member-ship and strengthen our voice.

To help spread the message of MASCA’simportant work, Executive DirectorDonna Brown, Past President ChristineEvans, President-elect Michelle Burke,and I plan to visit each affiliate.

This year can be a year of organiza-tional as well as personal and professionalgrowth. Together with our partners, wehave the extraordinary power to trans-form the school counseling profession.Won’t you join us! ■

GOLDEN PAST (continued from page 1)

6 COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

“Wicked Awesome”: The ASCA Conference in BostonBy DONNA BROWN

MASCA Executive Director

From the pre-conference workshops tothe final keynote, “Owning Up: Cre-

ating a Culture of Dignity in Your Schooland Classroom” by Rosalind Wiseman,the 2010 ASCA Annual Conference, Cele -brate School Counseling, held in Boston,July 3-6, was AWESOME!

Offering over 100 workshops, a fullschedule of preconference opportunities,inspiring keynoters, and an expandedex hibit hall, the ASCA Conference pro-vided professional development, intellec-tual challenges, and good fellowship.

In good part, the conference was suc-cessful because of several of MASCA’s ded-icated members. Jennifer Lisk, MASCAVP Secondary, served as the Onsite Chairwhile Kate Salas served as the ProgramChair. Jenn and Katie coordinated thefacilitators for all workshops, ensuredpresenters had what they needed, col-lected workshop evaluations, and orga-nized workshop materials for ASCA. Jenn

also assigned MASCA volunteers, solicitedgoodie giveaways, provided ticket takersfor events, staffed the Massachusetts in -formation table, and generally acted asthe “answer lady.”

Conference workshopsAdditionally, there were several MASCAand Massachusetts presenters.

• MASCA VP Counselor EducatorsTheresa Coogan, Ph.D., and VictoriaBacon, Ed.D., of Bridgewater State Col-lege, offered “Technology as a Tool forInstruction.”

• From UMass Boston, Felicia Wilc -zenski, Ed.D, Amy Cook, MASCA PastPresident, Katie Gray, and Robert Gracia,Ph.D., presented “Urban Partnerships forEducational Equity.” Their program pro-vided a model for collaboration be tweenan urban school and the neighboringschool counseling preparation program.

• “Using Data in Your College Ad -

mission Counseling Program” was sharedby MASCA Past President Sheila Deamand MASCA Past President and ASCASecondary Level Vice President BobBardwell.

• Tim Poynton, Ed.D., of Suffolk Uni-versity, assisted by several counselors fromacross the country including MASCAPast President Jennifer Just McGuire,showed how the EZAnalyze Time Trackercan be used by school counselors in“Tracking Your Time.”

• Another MASCA Past President,Jan Tkaczyk, an adjunct at UMass Boston,demonstrated “Accelerated Learning:Learn by Doing,” a hands-on workshopthat gave attendees some classroom strate-gies for immediate use.

• Rich Lapan, Ph.D., of UMass Am -herst, made two presentations: (1) “PLANfor College Readiness, Access and Suc-cess,” with Patricia Carbone, MasterTeacher/Trainer, Teach to the Futurewith Technology and Thinkfinity; and(2) an extended session breakout focus-ing on comprehensive school counselingprogram implementation entitled “Andthe Studies Say…” This session was pre-sented with Jay Carey, Ph.D., Directorof CSCOR at UMass Amherst, CareyDimmitt, Ph.D., Associate Director ofCSCOR, and Norm Gysbers, Ph.D.,Professor with Distinction at Universityof Missouri—Columbia.

• Senior Research Fellow, Karen Har-rington of CSCOR, UMass Amherst, ex -plained the research-based “Possible SelvesTheory in Career Development.”

• “The Springfield Story: From Pol-icy to Practice” workshop shared the ex -periences of the superintendent and dis-trict school counseling supervisors inim plementing a new, data-based plan forthe 140 school counselors and 26,000students in Springfield in one year. Work-shop presenters were Carol Dahir, Ed.D.,Associate Professor, New York Instituteof Technology; Yolanda Johnson, Direc-tor of Student Support Services, Spring-field Public Schools; and Sonia Dinnall,Acting Supervisor of Student Support Ser-vices, Springfield Public Schools.

SEPTEMBER 2010 7

• Mara Schanfield, a school coun-selor in Cambridge, offered “Advisory:A School wide Intervention.”

• School-based clinician and consul-tant Carol Wintle of Belmont presentedthe timely “Bullying: New Approachesto an Old Problem.”

The rest of the workshops offered at -t endees a variety of options from intro-ductory training in the ASCA Model todiscussions about wellness programs ininternational schools. Bullying, data use,the ASCA Model, social media, and Web2.0 were among the many topics ad -dressed. If anything, there were toomany choices!

Conference greetersThe conference opened with greetingsfrom ASCA president Pat Nailor and awelcome to Massachusetts by MASCAPresident Christine Evans.

Conference keynotesThe first of three conference keynoterswas Sonia Manzano, who plays Mariaon Sesame Street. Her talk, “SesameStreet and Children’s Emotions: FromSpilt Milk to Military Deployment—Helping Children Deal With Change andCrisis,” traced Sesame Street’s identifi-cation and handling of children’s issuesfor the past forty years from anxiety todivorce. She was funny and poignant asshe shared her experiences as Maria anddiscussed the impact of the show andher character on millions of children.

Dr. Norm Gysbers of the Universityof Missouri was the second keynoter.He held the audience’s attention as he pre-sented his talk “Remembering the Past,Shaping the Future,” a capsule history ofschool counseling in America. A dynamicstoryteller, Dr. Gysbers informed andentertained as he shared the 100-yearhistory of our profession. Indeed, the firstnational “guidance” conference was heldin Boston 100 years ago.

The third keynoter, Rosalind Wiseman,was the final presenter at the conference.Her “Owning Up: Creating a Culture ofDignity in Your School and Classroom”was an overview of the philosophy andpractices of the “Owning Up” curriculum.

Another wonderful resource was theexhibit hall, which featured exhibitors,ASCA bookstore, a cyber café, and a placeto gather with old and new friends. I

learned about scholarship opportunities,credit recovery, character education pro-grams, colleges, test prep, and a myriadof other helpful, interesting things.

I collected brochures, bought books,chatted with exhibitors, and gathered animpressive collection of bags, pens, andother give-aways. I was blown away bysome of the resources. Kimochis, funnylittle plush toys, are designed to helpchildren understand their feelings. Theplush characters are engaging, but theresearch-based curriculum that accom-

panies them is wonderful. Film Clips forCharacter Education was another “wow”resource.

One of the very special events at theconference was the ASCA Awards Recog-nition Dinner. This year, Massachusettsand MASCA were especially proud asAgawam High School’s Susan Schoen ber -ger accepted the first-ever RAMP award.Later in the program, Agawam PublicSchool’s Superintendent, Mary Czaj kow -ski, Ed.D., was named Advocate of theYear. Congratulations, Agawam! ■

8 COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

Graduate Students: Get Involved in Your ProfessionBy BETHANY ORTENZI

Bridgewater State College Alumna, Class of 2010

When the idea of presenting the re -search from my independent study

at a professional conference was intro-duced to me, my immediate res ponse was,“But I’m a graduate student. I’m not ready.No one cares what I have to say.”

I see now that this gut reaction re flect -ed my doubt that I would fit in at a confer-ence where the other presenters would bepracticing school counselors and coun-selor educators, who actually had expe-rience with the topics they presented.

After presenting at not one but twoprofessional conferences in two months,however, it goes without saying that myback-peddling attempt was fruitless. And

I’m glad it was.I began my independent study expe-

rience because of my interest with re -search, and I wanted to get involvedwith an ongoing project during my mas-ter’s program. Completion of a researchproject or a master’s thesis is not a re -quirement for my program; this was anadditional experience I was interested inpursuing.

I spoke with one of my faculty mem-bers about my interest and asked if therewere any opportunities that I could be apart of while I was a student, and therewere. I accepted an offer to team with afaculty member on an existing research

project that was examining perceptionsof the professional school counselor’s role.

In our research, we wanted to shiftthe focus from practicing school coun-selors to graduate students in school coun-seling programs and educational leader-ship programs. By taking this vantagepoint, we sought to capture differencesin the perceptions of the school counselor’srole at the training level. We assumed, forexample, that if principal/superintendents-to-be hold inappropriate assumptionsduring their training and carry theseassumptions into practice, professionalschool counselors will have a very hardtime implementing best practices.

In addition, we wanted to look at pro-fessional identity development and pro-gram accreditation.

My role in this research project in -cluded co-editing the IRB application andthe questionnaires as well as presentinga poster presentation and a session at twoconferences.

A lesson for studentsSo, graduate students, what should youtake away from this?

I have found that, as in research stud-ies, there are risks and benefits. By get-ting more involved in professional dev -elopment and research you might betaken a bit out of your comfort zone. Idefinitely was. But, as cliché as it mightsound, this risk actually has a huge ben-efit. You have an opportunity to growand learn about both your professionand your abilities.

Other benefits include networking op -portunities (so important in this econ-omy), practical experience, a better under-standing of your professional identity asa professional school counselor, resumeboosters, and more.

I absolutely recommend that you getinvolved with professional developmentopportunities and/or research opportu-nities. Attend and participate in confer-ences. Join local, state, and nationalorganizations. Learn all you can aboutyour intended profession as a schoolcounselor.

Good luck, and know that people docare about your unique perspective. ■

“The Intern’s Tale”A new column in the Counselor’s Notebook

Join in the storytelling!

SEPTEMBER 2010 9

Attention all School Counseling Grad-uate Students! I am excited to an -

nounce that the Counselor’s Notebookwill be including a NEW column specif-ically designed with graduate studentsin mind. This column—“The Intern’sTale”—will begin in October, and it willbe showcased in four issues throughoutthe upcoming year.

This is a wonderful opportunity forgraduate students, especially those whoare at the internship phase of their train-ing, to share some of the exciting expe-riences and knowledge they have pertain-ing to the field, and earn a professionalpublication for their resume as well. Thecolumn was designed to provide studentswith a professional forum to share andlearn some of the innovative techniques,skills, and approaches in practice atschools across the Commonwealth.

Ideas of topics students could focus oninclude, but are not limited to: personalexperiences and professional learning toimprove training; exercises and activitiesto improve working relationships withstudents, parents, teachers, faculty/staff,administration, and the community; theuse of technology as a tool to assist stu-dents to achieve their goals in school;curriculum development; implementa-tion of the MASCA model or the ASCAnational model; advocacy for the schoolcounselor’s role; and innovative practicesimplementing any element of delivery (e.g.,large group guidance, small groups, in -dividual, etc.).

The Notebook will publish “The In -tern’s Tale” quarterly, October, January,April, and June. Submission deadlines forthese issues are September 1, December 1,March 1, and May 1, respectively. Thereare three main types of manuscripts stu-dents may choose to prepare for this col -umn. They include: position papers, ex -periential papers, and theoretical ap pli -cations. Descriptions for each of thesetypes of papers are included in the“Author’s Guidelines,” which can be lo -cated in the Counselor’s Notebook sec-tion of the MASCA website.

Similar to the expectations of profes-sional journals in our field, all manu-scripts considered for publication in thiscolumn must meet the “Author’s Guide-

lines.” Please feel free to direct any clar-ifying questions to me at theresa.coogan@bridgew.edu. All final submissions forconsideration will be submitted to thecolumn’s e-mail address as described inthe “Author’s Guidelines.”

I encourage all graduate students toreflect back on your experiences and thehard work you have done thus far, and

consider sharing some of your learningwith your peers and colleagues throughthis professional forum. All students areencouraged to seek out a faculty mentorto assist them with preparing their man-uscript. Faculty mentors may be college/university faculty or internship sitesupervisors.

Tell us your tale! ■

Publication Opportunity for Graduate StudentsBy THERESA A. COOGAN, Ph.D.MASCA VP Counselor Educators

10 COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

MASCA introduces Emerging Leaders 2010-2011

As we begin a new academic year,MASCA is pleased to introduce its

new Emerging Leaders (ELs). They arePeggy Fallon, Maggie Folli, Albert Mer-cado, Kristin Puleo, and Dina Sibilia.

The Emerging Leaders (EL) programwas approved in 2007 by the MASCAGoverning Board. Its main goal is to iden-tify potential leaders within the schoolcounseling profession in Massachusettsand get them involved with MASCA.Emerging leaders have to be a professionalschool counselor and MASCA member,have not been an elected or appointedGoverning Board member, and have adesire to give back to our profession.

ELs must present at a MASCA spon-sored conference, attend a GoverningBoard meeting and one of the affiliatemeetings, join one of the MASCA com-mittees, write articles for the Counselor’sNotebook, and participate in EL train-ings. In return, ELs receive a free one-yearMASCA membership, reduced conferenceregistration, and free leadership training.

Peggy FallonPeggy is entering her second year as acounselor at Westfield High School. Agraduate of the UMass Boston women’sstudies and anthropology programs andthe UMass Amherst school counselingprogram, Peggy worked in the StudentDevelopment Office at Fitchburg Statebefore being hired in Westfield. She is acertified rape crisis counselor and edu-

cator advocate as well as having been across-country and girls track coach. Inher free time she and her husband arerenovating their new home and enjoy-ing the outdoors.

Maggi FolliBeginning her fifth year as a school coun-selor at Belchertown High School, Maggicompleted her undergraduate degree inathletic training at Springfield College.At Springfield she also earned her schoolcounseling credentials and worked as agraduate assistant in the Admission Of -fice while earning her master’s degree.Recently, she completed her CAGS inschool administration at American Inter-national College. Maggie is the juniorclass co-advisor and was the honorarygraduation speaker in 2009. Maggie washonored as the Rising Star in 2010 byWestern Massachusetts Counselors Asso-ciation (WMCA).

Albert MercadoEntering his tenth year as a school coun-selor, Albert Mercado works at MilfordHigh School as the Guidance, Career andAcademic Enhancement Supervisor. Hecompleted his school counseling graduatework at Cambridge College and his under-graduate degree in Education/History atFitchburg State College. He also com-pleted a certificate in college counselingthrough UCLA. Prior to working at Mil-ton, Albert worked as a school counselor

at Clinton High School and was an ESLteacher before that. Albert and his staffare actively implementing the MA Modelin Milford. This summer he attended theWorld Cup in South Africa.

Kristin PuleoA certified school counselor in Connecti-cut, California, and Massachusetts, Kristinis entering her third year at Westfield HighSchool. She earned an undergraduatedegree in biological and chemical sciencesat Wells College, before earning her schoolcounseling degree at Springfield College.She worked briefly as a school counselorat Casa Grande High School in Peta luma,California, before returning to WesternMassachusetts. At Westfield, Kristin hasbeen instrumental in moving the schooltowards MA Model Implementation aswell as providing college related oppor-tunities to all students.

Dina SibiliaDina has been a school counselor at WestSpringfield High School for ten years,and she has been the sole counselor forall ninth grade students for the past fiveyears. She earned both her undergradu-ate and graduate degrees in psychologyat Westfield State College. Prior to work-ing at West Side, she was a fifth gradeteacher and behavioral specialist. Dina isthe team facilitator for the Terrier House,which means coordinating team meetings,designing and implementing team goals,and reporting data to the administra-tion. She is a graduate of the MASCA MAModel Institute and holds a NationalBoard of Certified Counselors Certificate.

This year the EL’s will join the MASCAMA Model Committee. They will helppromote the implementation of the Modelacross the state by providing resourcesand examples of best practices. All fivehave already begun their involvement byattending their first MA Model Com-mittee meeting. We are certain that theywill provide energy and excitement forboth the MA Model Committee andMASCA. Welcome aboard.

If you have any questions about theEmerging Leaders Program, pleasecontact Bob Bardwell at bardwellr@monsonschools.com or at 413-267-4589x1107. ■

SAVE THE DATE!April 10-12, 2011

MASCA Spring Conferenceand 50th Birthday Celebration

Exhibit Hall • Events • Concurrent WorkshopsReceptions • Awards

Sunday Welcome Keynoter:Dr. Norm Gysbers

Comprehensive Guidance Program Model

SEPTEMBER 2010 11

12 COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

Bullying Prevention and Interventionin Public and Non-Public Schools

On May 3, 2010, Governor Patricksigned into law comprehensive

legislation to address bullying in publicand non-public schools. An Act Relativeto Bullying in Schools, Chapter 92 ofthe Acts of 2010, requires school lead-ers to create and implement strategies toprevent bullying, and to address bully-ing promptly and effectively when itoccurs. The law, which took effectimmediately upon signing, includestimelines for a number of activities to beundertaken by the Department of Ele-mentary and Secondary Education andschools for the 2010-2011 school year.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Bullying Prevention andIntervention Plans• Each school district, charter school,non-public school, Department-approvedprivate special education school, and col-laborative school must create a BullyingPrevention and Intervention Plan (Plan)that prohibits bullying, cyberbullying,and retaliation. The Plan is to include in -formation on reporting, notice to parentsand guardians, notice to law en force mentas necessary, and counseling strategies andprocedures for creating safety plans forvictims. Bullying Prevention and Inter-vention Plans must be updated every otheryear. (See M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, added byChapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.)

When developing the Plan, school dis-tricts, charter schools, Department-ap -proved private special education schools,and collaborative schools must give noticeand provide for a public comment period.Non-public schools must allow for noticeand a comment period for families thathave a child attending the school.

• Public schools must amend schoolhandbooks to include an age-appropriatesummary of their new Bullying Preven-tion and Intervention Plan. (See M.G.L.c. 71, §37H, as amended by Chapter 92of the Acts of 2010.)

The Department is working in coop-eration with the Department of PublicHealth, the Department of Mental Health,the Attorney General, the MassachusettsDistrict Attorneys Association, and ex -perts on bullying, to create a model bul-

lying prevention and intervention plan.(See M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O(j), as added byChapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.) TheDepartment will post this model planon its website this summer.

By September 30, 2010, the Board ofElementary and Secondary Educationmust adopt regulations to implement thenew law's requirements regarding prin-cipals' duty to report instances of bully-ing or retaliation to parents and guar dians,and to law enforcement when necessary.Draft regulations will be available forpublic comment this summer.

Internet Safety• Public schools (including school dis-tricts, charter schools, and collaboratives)that provide computer access to studentsmust have an internet safety policy toprotect students from inappropriate ma -terials and subject matter. The policy, andstandards and rules enforcing it, mustbe determined by the school committeein cooperation with the superintendent,or by the board of trustees of a charterschool. Parents must be notified of thepolicy and related rules. (See M.G.L. c.71, § 93, added by Chapter 92 of theActs of 2010.)

Bullying Prevention Instruction• Each school district, charter school,Department-approved private specialeducation school, and collaborative schoolis required to provide age-appropriate in -struction on bullying prevention for stu-dents in each grade that is incorporatedinto the curriculum of the school or dis-trict. The curriculum must be evidence-based, and information about it must bemade available to parents and guar dians.(See M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O(c), as added byChapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.)

After consultation with other agenciesand experts on bullying prevention andintervention, the Department will poston its website at www.doe.mass.edu/ssce/bullying prevention and intervention re -sources, and throughout the summer willcontinue to update this information andinclude evidence-based curricula, bestpractices, and academic-based research.The Department will also update thesetools and resources biennially. (See M.G.L.

c. 71, § 37O(j), as added by Chapter 92of the Acts of 2010.)

In addition, the Department will pub-lish guidelines for the implementation ofsocial and emotional learning curriculain grades kindergarten through 12, in -clusive, by June 30, 2011.

Professional Development• School districts, charter schools, De -partment-approved private special edu-cation schools, and collaborative schoolsmust implement, for all school staff, pro-fessional development that includes dev -elopmentally appropriate strategies forbullying prevention and intervention, re -search findings on bullying, and informa-tion on cyberbullying and internet safety.(See M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O(d), as added byChapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.)

The Department will provide schoolswith information on ways to fulfill thelaw's professional development require-ments, including at least one resource thatis available at no cost to schools. ByAugust 31, 2010, the Department willissue a report on cost-effective profes-sional development resources.

Requirements for Studentswith Disabilities• For students identified with a disabilityon the autism spectrum, the IEP Teammust consider and specifically address theskills and proficiencies needed to avoidand respond to bullying, harassment, orteasing. (See M.G.L. c. 71B, § 3, as amend-ed by Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.)

• Whenever the IEP Team evaluationindicates that a student’s disability affectssocial skills development, or when thestudent’s disability makes him or hervulnerable to bullying, harassment, orteasing, the IEP must address the skillsand proficiencies needed to avoid andrespond to bullying, harassment, or teas-ing. (See M.G.L. c. 71B, § 3, as amend edby Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010.)

Guidance from the Department on im -plementing the new law for students withdisabilities is forthcoming.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Editor’s note: For implementation time-lines, go to http://www.doe.mass.edu/ ■

SEPTEMBER 2010 13

14 COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

MASCA Professional Development NewsBy HELEN C. O’DONNELL, Ed.D.

MASCA Professional Development Chair

As MASCA celebrates its 50th year,we salute and recognize the dedi-

cated service provided by trained, licensedprofessional school counselors in Mass-achusetts schools. To keep current withour celebration plans, go to MASCA’swebsite and select the 50th Birthday logo.Once there, you can read Oscar Krich-mar’s reflections about the foundingyear of MASCA. These were originallypublished as a series in the Counselor’sNotebook.

To honor and recognize school coun-seling colleagues, both past and present,MASCA invites you to participate inTRIBUTES. Click on the TRIBUTES linkon the website to read the details. For adonation of fifty dollars, you can post afifty-word tribute about the impact of aschool counselor. A photo is optional.MASCA welcomes participation by col-leagues, affiliates, schools, businesses,communities, families, and individuals.It is never too late to say “thanks.”

This year, MASCA professional devel -

op ment at conferences, institutes, andwork shops will focus on MA Model im -plementation, anti-bully initiatives, career-and college-readiness for all students,and other relevant topics planned byand for school counselors. As always,Certificates of Attendance/Evidence ofLearning Forms will be available withregistration packets. After a minimumof 10 hours of professional development,the certificates can be submitted to schoolsor MASCA for PDPs. MASCA’s proto-col is posted on the website, where youcan also find the most current updateson programs, conferences, and profes-sional development.

Current and planned PD events include:• Fall Conference, October 26, Hol i -

day Inn, Boxboro. Invite your principalsand administrators to join school coun-seling colleagues for this PD event. Payby credit card, check, or purchase order.For frequent updates, go to MASCA’swebsite, www.masca.org. Keynoter: Dr.Carol Kaffenberger, author of ASCA’s

Making Data Work Workbook. Luncheonspeaker: Dr. Mitchell Chester, DESE Com-missioner. Afternoon Institute Trainer:Regina Williams Tate, Esq., Massachusettsanti-bully legislation and implementationmandates.

• Spring Conference, April 10-12,2011, Crowne Plaza Boston North Shore.TRIBUTES Reception to honor schoolcounselors. Special 20th Birthday Cele-bration events at Monday luncheon.

If you want to be a conference spon-sor—platinum, gold, silver, or bronze—or an exhibitor, check out the 2010-2011packages posted on MASCA’s website.Contact me at pdchair@masca.org.

• MA Model Summer 2010 Introduc-tory and Advanced: Graciously hostedagain by Dean College in Franklin, theIntroductory Institute was attended by fif -teen participants representing ten schools.The Advanced Institute, hosted by Mil-ford High School and Dean College, hadeight attendees representing five schools.Trainers for this cohort were Dr. LindaDagradi, Donna Brown, and Dr. HelenO’Donnell. To hear about their implemen-tation successes, visit the MA Model postersessions at MASCA conferences.

• MA Model Fall 2010: under con-sideration.

• Website Listing of MA School Coun-selor Graduate Continuing Education(GCE) opportunities

• Bully prevention materials submit-ted by colleagues for website posting.Social skill development lessons, activi-ties, and interventions for classroom pro-grams. Check for specific topics, materi-als, and lessons.

• Afternoon workshops series on BullyPrevention: offered at several sites.

• Seminar for Emerging GuidanceDirectors: The PD committee is consid-ering a spring 2011 course offering (pend-ing graduate approval). This graduate sem-inar is being developed for and targetedto emerging guidance directors. The syl-labus is being developed and the classwill have sessions online and face-to-face.

• Website MA Model Tab: Materialsavailable for all in addition to a securesection for MA Model Institute Partici-pants (past and present) showcasing theirinitiatives. ■

SEPTEMBER 2010 15

To qualify for member registration rates: MASCA membership must be current (i.e., paid) by 10/1/2010. POs are NOT considered paid. To check your membership status: Counselor’s Notebook address label, webmaster@masca.org, or membership@masca.org.

•• Request online registration: webmaster@masca.org. All registrations will be confirmed electronically.

• Paper registration: Print clearly, one registration form per person. Mailed form MUST be accompanied by check or PO#.

• Payment options: (1) online with credit cards (MC or Visa; no debit), (2) offline with check or purchase orders.

• If you are employed as a full-time school counselor, you are NOT eligible for the graduate student rate.

• Registrations after 10/22/2010 will be charged an additional $20 fee.

• Refund policy: Written requests by 10/20 to pdchair@masca.org. A $20 processing fee will be charged. NO REFUNDS after 10/20 without written approval by conference chair (Ex., bereavement). Payment is expected for registrant non-attendance.

• Registrant name and work mailing addresses will be shared with select sponsors. To opt out: e-mail pdchair@masca.org.

• If you have special needs or require an accommodation, notify us by 10/20/2010.

• Hotel room reservations: Ask for MASCA rooms, 978-263-8701. For AV rentals, 978-263-8701.

First name __________________________ Last name____________________________________________ E-mail address: ______________________________________________ (required for automated on-line or registrar confirmations) Preferred mailing address: School/Work (include school name) Home Check here if NEW address

School _______________________________________________________________________________ Street address ________________________________________________________________________ City/town ______________________State ______ ZIP ____________ Phone_____________________

Position Title: ___________________________________________________ Elementary Middle School High School Administrator Retired Grad Student Counselor Educator

Registration Type (check category and options) 2010 registration includes: morning breakfast, snack, luncheon buffet, keynoter, workshops, exhibits, and afternoon Institute.

MASCA

Professional Member by 10/1

Non-MASCA member

Retiree Graduate Student*

(*not employed as a school counselor)

Member Non-member

Early Bird Rate (ends 10/1/2010) MASCA member and on-line registration or 10/1 postmark

$115 $170 $ 60 $ 80

Regular registration (after 10/1/2010) $125 $180 $ 70 $ 90 WALK-IN registration: Add $20 to total $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20

MASCA 2010-2011 PDPs: Add $25 to total $ 25 $ 25 $ 25 $ 25

PO processing fee: Add $10 per invoice $ 10 $ 10 $ 10 $ 10

Total Amount Due $_________ $_________ $_________ $_________

TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED $____________ CHECK No.____________ **PURCHASE ORDER #________________ **For POs, you will be sent an invoice electronically for YOU to submit for payment via your school/business office protocol.

Make check payable to MASCA. Please list registrant names on PO and payments. Mail to: Joe Fitzgerald, Registrar, 5 Progress Street, Weymouth, MA 02188 • registrar@masca.org

16 COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

50YEARS

1961

2011

MASCA Fall Conference RegistrationBuilding 21st Century Academic and Employability Skills

Holiday Inn, Boxboro, MA • October 26, 2010

SEPTEMBER 2010 17

ED’S VIEWSBy ED BRYANT, NCC

MASCA Life Trustee

S o far the summer has been a bum-mer for me: sick, hospital, physical

therapy, cancer on the nose, bacteria inthe left retina. Oh yeah, and time for thedentist. The “golden years”? The goodLord promised me 89 years. The YMCAwill help me return to golf.

Summer is a good chance to read. PaulMcQueary, a Rotarian in New Mexico,talks to fifth graders on the dangers ofmethamphetamine. He states that dealerslace candy with meth and give it to kidson school grounds to develop a clientele.

The Rotary Club founded “Don’t MethWith Us.” McQueary claims that userscan become addicted the first time theytry it. Meth is made from toxic materi-als such as antifreeze, drain cleaner, andbattery acid, and it is more potent thancocaine. It is smoked, snorted, or injectedand eats away brain tissue. Is meth aproblem here?

On the lighter side. Mark Goulston,a psychiatrist, identifies signs of a “Jerk.”It’s a toxic person who (1) interrupts, (2)doesn’t take turns, (3) takes advantageof people who are down, (4) gloats invictory, (5) is sullen in defeat, (6) is notfair, (7) lacks integrity, and (8) is thekind of person you will avoid if youpossibly can. To responde to a toxic per-son, Goulston gives three good responses:“Huh?”; “Do you really believe whatyou just said?”; and “I can see how thisis good for you. Tell me how it is goodfor me.” For more information, consultthe August issue of Bottom Line.

Is your high school involved with BoysState? This American Legion program isnow 75 years old. It offers a week-longprogram to young men on the workingsof a democratic government.

Some final thoughts. How do we standon a national English program for ourschools? This academic year will be busyfor MASCA. Will you pull or push thewagon, or just ride in the wagon?

Have a great school year. And re mem -ber: 21st Service Academies /ROTCNight, November 3, Danversport YachtClub, 6:00 p.m. ■

ED BRYANT

Mark your calendar!

21st Service Academies/ROTC Night

Danversport Yacht Club

November 3, 20106:00 p.m.

18 COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

ASCA National ConferenceBoston • July 3-6, 2010

Representing MASCA at the ASCA Delegate Assembly were (from left): KarenD’Amour, Donna Brown, Carolyn Richards, Bob Bardwell, and Christine Evans.

PEOPLE, PLACES, ANDPROGRAMS

Teens at Work informationThe Massachusetts Department of Pub-lic Health would like to share its latestpublication, “Teens at Work: Injury Sur-veillance Update,” an overview of work-related injuries to teens in Massachusettsfrom 2003 through 2007. The findingsin this report are from data collected fromworkers’ compensation claims, hospitalemergency departments, and interviewswith injured teens.

To access the report, click on http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/occupational_health/teen_surveillance_update_10.pdf.

If you have questions about the TAWproject or if you would like hard copiesof this report or other TAW materials,go to www.mass.gov/dph/teensatworkor send an e-mail to teens.atwork@state.ma.us.

For information about recent changesto the Federal Child Labor Laws, visitthe Department of Labor’s website atwww.dol.gov/whd/childlabor.htm.

National Guard offers trainingMore than 12,000 children in the Com-monwealth are part of military families.To assist both educators and counselors,the Massachusetts National Guard Fam-ily Program will offer two training ses-sions. The training will be held at theHampton Inn in Natick. CEUs and grad-uate credits are available.

September 14-15: Guard and ReserveInstitute: This course is designed to pre-pare school personnel to recognize andaddress issues that children face when afamily member is deployed.

November 17-18: Living in the NewNormal: This course will prepare edu-cators and other concerned adults to sup-port children during times of uncertainty,trauma, and grief.

For more details and to register, visitthe Military Child Education Coalitionwebsite: www.militarychild.org. ■

Diversity Challenge ConferenceBoston College • October 15-16

www.bc.edu/isprc

MASCA leaders attend ASCA Delegate Assembly

Agawam school personnel accept ASCA honors

MASCA Fall ConferenceHoliday Inn, Boxboro • October 26, 2010

www.masca.org

SEPTEMBER 2010 19

Keynoter: Dr. Carol Kaffenberger, author of ASCA’s Making Data Work Workbook

Luncheon Speaker: DESE Commissioner Dr. Mitchell Chester

Afternoon Institute Trainer: Regina Williams Tate, Esq.,Massachusetts Anti-Bully Legislation and Implementation Mandates

DR. CAROL KAFFENBERGER DR. MITCHELL CHESTER REGINA WILLIAMS TATE, Esq.

Register by mail using the registration form included in this issue of CNor register online at webmaster@masca.org.

Make checks payable to MASCA and mail to:Joe Fitzgerald, Registrar, 5 Progress Street, Weymouth, MA 02188 • registrar@masca.org

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

NEWBURYPORT, MAPERMIT NO. 96

Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc.COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK

Sally Ann Connolly, Editor

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NAME

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ADDRESS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CITY ZIP CODESTATE

Send this form to:Deborah ClemenceP.O. Box 805East Dennis, MA 02641

YOUR MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DATE IS INDICATED BY YEAR AND MONTH ON YOUR ADDRESS LABEL ABOVE.To renew your membership, go to MASCA’s website, www.masca.org.

MASCA Fall Conference

Building 21st Century Academic andEmployability Skills

Holiday Inn, Boxboro • October 26, 2010

50YEARS

1961

2011