New Jersey School Counselor News 

Counselor News is the official publication of the New Jersey School Counselor Association. Read the latest news and find current information on topics related to school counseling in New Jersey and nationwide.

Are you looking for information about career exploration and post-secondary planning?
Check out our extensive list of helpful links!

The conference committee is seeking programs for the 2019 Spring Professional Development Conference that reflect the diversity of our students and the school counseling profession.

Deadline for Call for Programs: December 20, 2018

Submit Your Proposal: bit.ly/SpringConference19

NJSCA 2018 School Counselors: Advocating for Student Success was held on October 11-12, 2018 at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ.  Dan St. Romain provided a Pre-Conference Session, the Opening Keynote Session and a Breakout Session!

Click here to view the NSCA18 Conference Slideshow Video!

Links to Conference Handouts

Why Belong to NJSCA?

School reform, workplace demands, the changing economy, and work force demographics dictate new expectations for school counselors. School counselors are expected to take the lead in assisting our nation's young people to become healthy, happy, productive citizens. NJSCA provides support, training, networking and a watch on legislative issues, all important in meeting the needs of school counselors in New Jersey. NJSCA was instrumental in having the New Jersey School Counseling Initiative funded and the National Standards for School Counseling Programs written into the New Jersey Department of Education Administrative Code; ensuring that all districts shall provide a comprehensive developmental school counseling program in Kindergarten through Grade 12.

What is the role of the school counselor? View ASCA’s latest infographic to learn more.

After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools assists schools in implementing a coordinated response to the suicide death of a student. Originally developed in 2011, the second edition includes new information and tools that middle and high schools can use to help the school community cope and reduce suicide risk. The toolkit was developed in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and in consultation with national experts, including school-based administrators and staff, clinicians, researchers, and crisis response professionals. It is designed primarily for administrators and staff but can also be useful for parents and communities. 

Educators, parents and students can all pitch in to prevent bullying and encourage healthy interactions.
Learn how: www.stopbullying.gov

Need a helpful resource for back-to-school planning? The 2018-2019 Awareness Calendar is now available. Download your copy here: http://ow.ly/GUhv30kGOw8

This year, 140 schools will receive the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation during a special ceremony at the American School Counselor Association’s Annual Conference.

Six of those schools are from the Garden State! 

Arthur Stanlick Elementary School, Wharton
Cozy Lake School, Oak Ridge
Ellen T. Briggs Elementary School, Lake Hopatcong
Estell Manor School, Estell Manor
Jefferson Township High School, Oak Ridge
White Rock Elementary School, Oak Ridge