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.

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.

Registration is open for NJSCA 2018!  Calling All Presenters!!!  Mark your calendars, start the process to get board approval to attend (if necessary) and register!  The Board and officers of the association are working hard to create an exciting conference, featuring Dan St. Romain!  Dan will be leading a Pre-Conference Session on Positive Behavioral Principles starting at 5pm on Thursday, October 11.

Here are a few things to keep in mind and consider as you make plans to attend in October:

1. Mark your calendars for October 11-12 at the Pines Manor in Edison!

2. Submit for board approval early to attend! This way you can take advantage of the Early Bird Discount!

3. The Purchase Orders will need to be made to the National Center for Youth Issues (W-9 can be found on conference website)

4. Dan St. Romain is coming to provide a Pre-Conference Session, the Opening Keynote Session and a Breakout Session!!! Dan will leave you with highly applicable takeaways as well as some great laughter!

Calling all Presenters!!! The New Jersey School Counselor Association is soliciting proposals for presentations promoting evidence-based programs in the domains of academic, career, and social/emotional development or highlighting the latest techniques and practices in school counseling. Please note that the deadline to submit for a proposal is May 15.  Please click here to find out more: Call for Presenters.  Presenters will be offered a greatly discounted rate to attend the conference. 

Link to 2018 NJSCA Conference information

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

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

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

The Finger Lakes Region of NY is known for its relaxing summers and wineries.  But this area also has much to offer in the way of colleges and universities.

On July 9th, the NJSCA Summer College Tour Motor Coach departed Clark, NJ for the Finger Lakes Region of New York.  For three days they toured:

Ithaca College, Wells College, Hobart, William and Smith College, Elmira College, and The University of Scranton.

If you are considering a gap year (a year of exploring interests before or during college) for your students, check out these resources.

The NJSCA annual Awards Dinner was held May 24 at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick.

Awards included:

Most Resilient Student Award (Grades 4-8)

High School Award

Link to 2018 Awards Dinner Brochure

NJSCA gives special thanks to Berkeley College for sponsoring our Awards Program. We appreciate your dedication and commitment to our profession and our students.

On Friday, March 23, 2018, NJSCA honored school counselors from all counties in the state of New Jersey at our annual “Counselor of the County” Awards Program which was held at The College of New Jersey.

Click here to learn more about the county winners and view photos from the award luncheon.