This month's ASCA member highlight is Brian J. D'Ottavio, a school counselor at Delsea Regional High School in Franklinville, N.J.

Click here to read more!

Save the Date! The NJSCA Fall Conference is October 3 - 4 2019 at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ.

Click here for the Call for Programs, to Learn how to become a conference sponsor, and to exhibit with us!

Wth the increased emphasis on social-emotional learning, preventive services, and counseling geared toward classroom instruction, the role of the school counselor is changing. But how does that impact secondary school principals? Read more in “School Counselors and Principals.”

Click here to read the April 2019 Issue of Counselor News: Student Substance Abuse

• President’s Letter: Substance Abuse Issues – Where to Start? by Mindy Hall

• Take the Lead on Alcohol Awareness Month By Rebecca Balaguer and Jessica Smedley

• The Opioid Epidemic By Richard Tench

• DEA’s Drug Prevention Education Programs By Cathleen Drew

• Beyond “Just Say No” By Molly Lotz, LCSW

• What Works: Substance Abuse Prevention By School Counselors Across the U.S.

Mandy Savitz Romer, senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, shares misconceptions about the profession, and how the school counselor role should change to better support children.

Link to Podcast Episode

ASCA is accepting proposals for research projects examining the effectiveness of comprehensive school counseling programs, particularly the ASCA National Model, in improving student outcomes. Results of the research should enhance school counseling practices and advance the school counseling profession.
 
Download the request for proposals for 2019.

Deadline for submission: May 1, 2019
Grant award notification: July 2019
 
Direct questions to Angela Hickman, ASCA director of research media.

Looking for Gap Year resources? Check out the Teen Life Gap Year 2019 Guide and additional NJSCA Gap Year Resources.

Guidance Counselor vs School Counselor - What is the difference between these two titles?
In the past, the title “guidance counselor” was used to describe counselors working in a school. Their role was primarily focused on "guiding" students to post-secondary education and scheduling. Their days were filled with tasks like sending out transcripts, writing letters of recommendation, etc... The title "school counselor" recognizes that counselors today address the needs of the whole student. They are proactive, data-informed leaders in the school community. Watch this video and learn more! about the difference in roles!

bit.ly/SchoolvsGuidanceCounselor

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🎓💰Top US College Scholarships for 2019 💵 🎓

A school counselor’s perspective and experience taking students to see Michelle Obama in Philadelphia

“There are many ways to replicate a project such as this for any school counselor or educator, whether you are a counselor running a book club group, facilitating a classroom guidance activity or even on an individual counseling level.”

School counselors are just one part — but an important part — of a system that ensures students have excellent educational experiences.
Read why "School Counselors Matter" - the joint fact sheet developed by ASCA, Reach Higher & The Education Trust. 
Click here to read full document here.

Be Kind Online is a powerful engagement program for middle school youth, their teachers and families. Focused on creating inclusive communities online, particularly learning to respond to digital gossip to reduce social isolation, Be Kind Online Day is April 26, 2019.

This program is provided free of cost. All of the resources needed come digitally online including curriculum, presentations and worksheets.

Hear 2019 School Counselor of the Year Brian Coleman’s acceptance speech at the awards gala.

Click here to read the 2019 ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies