the pic - sdsca...1 the pic (practical ideas for counselors) a month of full of advocacy february is...
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THE PIC (Practical Ideas for Counselors)
A Month of Full of Advocacy February is truly a month full of advocacy opportunities for
school counselors. It all started on Friday February 2nd, when school counselors from around the country gathered
in Washington D.C. for ASCA’s School Counselor of the Year recognition ceremony. In attendance was SDSCA’s
2017 School Counselor of the Year: Kim Goebel (learn more on page 3). February 2nd was also SDCA’s annual Day on the Hill, in which members from various counseling fields met with lawmakers in Pierre. This yearly event allowed
counselors the chance to advocate and educate legislators on the crucial role we provide. Items of discussion includ-
ed: the need for full-time school counselors in all SD schools, the importance of more mental health support, and
the opportunity for counselors to weigh in on bills that
would impact clients, counselors, and the profession.
Of course a huge opportunity to advocate, as well as cele-brate, was National School Counseling Week! Another year-
ly event, this time school counselors were inspired to “Reach for the Stars” when looking at the positive impact they play in the lives of so many. Governor Dennis Dau-
gaard even signed an offi-cial proclamation recog-nizing the week and it’s celebration of the im-
portance of what we do.
While February will soon be gone, our ability and need to advocate for our
programs, our profession, and ourselves is no where nearly complete. We hope that you continually find ways to shine through in-
novative and dynamic ways, delivering compre-
hensive school counseling programs to all your stu-dents. Thank you for all
that you do!
South Dakota School Counselor Association February 2018
Unite. Support. Empower.
SDSCA
The mission of the
South Dakota School
Counselor Association
is to unite,
support, and empower
school counselors.
Our Vision:
The South Dakota School
Counselor Association
supports and unites
school counselors through
advocacy, leadership, and
collaboration. SDSCA
empowers our members
through professional
development opportuni-
ties, ethical support, and
resources to promote
student success in the
academic, career, and
social/emotional domains.
In this Issue…
Membership at its fullest…
page 2
SCOY in DC… page 3
NSCW… page 4
Awards & Elections… p. 5
SUPER-SIZED SC
Spotlight… pages 6-8
Calendar Check… page 8
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Membership Has Its Privileges... By: Randi Hartman
There are countless reasons to join a professional organiza-
tion! For instance, one exciting reason to join is creating time
to attend a professional conference. A statewide or national
conference fosters a culture whereby individuals explore cur-
rent interests, gain new knowledge and skills, and reflect up-
on those things which initially drew them to the field of coun-
seling. All of these benefits are salient in maintaining well-
ness and meaning in the work we all do each and every day.
Although the conference tends to be the highlight of the year,
there are also local chapters and areas of specializations to
be involved in. Specialty areas include: Mental Health Coun-
seling, School Counseling, and the nation’s only Native
American Counseling Association. Likewise, if you are inter-
ested in legislation and advocacy for clients and/or the pro-
fession, students are encouraged to be involved in advocacy
efforts.
The local chapters are the best way to meet counseling pro-
fessionals in your area. Throughout the year local chapters
will host various social, service, and professional events.
This is a great way to learn about services available in your
area while also having some fun. Local chapters also provide
the opportunity for leadership experiences. Join SDCA,
SDSCA, and your local chapter to receive updates about ac-
tivities and events.
As the Graduate Student Coordinator for SDCA I am pas-
sionate about getting students more involved. This year we
currently have 14 student moderators for the state confer-
ence. Being a moderator has a number of benefits including:
Networking with professionals in the counseling field; re-
duced conference registration fees; learning to be a leader in
the counseling profession; being a part of the SDCA annual
conference; become familiar with the conference, and it looks
great on a resume! If you are a student and are interesting in
getting more involved with SDCA or SDSCA please contact
me and let me know! [email protected]
SDSCA Public Relations Co-Chair
School Counselor
Dakota Prairie Elementary School,
Brookings
Unite. Support. Empower.
Randi Hartman
Stay Connected with
SDSCA
Facebook: https://
www.facebook.com/
SDSCounselors/
Twitter:
@SDSCounselors
Pinterest: SDSCA Board
SD Legislature 2018
Find your legislators, see
committee or bill activity,
and stay on top of the new
legislative session by
visiting: http://
sdlegislature.gov/
Be aware of what can be
impacting our state, our
profession, and your life.
Stay connected and take an
active role in the process!
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Congrats to Kim Goebel By: Andrea Diehm
Gettysburg K-12 school counselor, Kim Goebel, attended the School Counselor of the Year Ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Space Center of Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. today, held by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Ted Allen, host of the Food Network show, Chopped, was the master of ceremonies and former First Lady, Michelle Obama, was the keynote speaker.
Kim Goebel received the Professional School Counselor Award, awarded by the South Dakota School Counselor Association (SDSCA) in May, 2017, which provided the opportunity for her to at-tend the national School Counselor of the Year event in Washing-ton, D.C. Kim was joined by other distinguished school counselors from across the country at the ceremony.
Kim Goebel shared it was a memorable experience. “My favorite part of the event was hearing all the different people (especially Michelle Obama) speak to the profession of school counseling – that our work is important now more than ever!” Some of the speakers at the ceremony were former Education Sec-retary, John B. King; Starz series “Power” actress, La La Anthony; chef and Food Network Food Network TV personality, Amanda Feit-ag; actress Connie Britton; and more. Michelle Obama was the key-note speaker. “You have the power to show our children that they matter,” was one of the remarks Obama made during her speech to school counselors. Kirsten Perry, PK-8 school counselor at Lawndale Community Acad-emy in Chicago, IL, who has been named the 2018 School Counse-lor of the Year by ASCA, was recognized at the ceremony.
A big congratulations goes to Kim Goebel for
representing South Dakota at this amazing event!
Unite. Support. Empower.
Andrea Diehm SDSCA Dept. of Education Liaison
School Counseling & Work-Based
Learning Specialist,
SD Department of Education
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Unite. Support. Empower.
Congratulations to
the winners of our
NSCW18 photo
contest winners:
Ashley Seeklander
(left) and Michelle
Pliska. Both receive
free registration for
the 2018 Counselor
Connections work-
shop this fall!
Thanks to all who
participated!
Thank you for sharing your
celebrations of #NSCW18
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Unite. Support. Empower.
2018 SDSCA Awards It is time again to submit nominees to be recognized for the outstanding work they do for students, communities, and
the school counseling profession. These include:
The Orv Schmieding Award– SDSCA’s top award,
recognizing distinguished contributions
The Outstanding Professional School Counselor Award
The Rising Star Award– recognizing an outstanding new-
comer to the profession
The Special Contributions Award– given to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions
to schools, school counselors, or the profession
This year we are pleased to announce a new award:
The Administrator Advocacy Award– recognizing a school administrator who is a true ally to their school
counselor(s) and the school counseling profession
Click here to see the complete set of criteria for each award
and to see a list of past recipients.
The nomination window is open until March 5th and award recipients will be announced at SDSCA ‘s luncheon, taking place April 20th, 2018 at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference
Center in Pierre.
Help us in honoring our colleagues and allies who really go the extra mile in helping students, families, schools, and
fellow school counselors.
SDCA Awards
The window is also open to submit
nominations for SDCA’s awards.
A complete list of awards and criteria
can be found by clicking here.
The nomination process is as follows:
1) All nominations must come from either
areas of specialty or chapters. Individuals
are encouraged to channel their nomina-
tion interests through their area of
specialty or chapter committees.
2) Nominating materials should include
three letters: one letter of nomination and
two letters of recommendation. Resumes
are not required, but the nominator should
submit a comprehensive compilation of
the nominee’s accomplishments.
3) Nominees for Marvin Kemp, C.J. Peter-
son, Mary Lark and Counselor of the Year
Awards must be a current members of
SDCA, unless the award is given posthu-
mously. To verify a membership, contact
SDCA at [email protected]
2018 SDSCA Elections
SDSCA is looking for our next group of leaders to be part of our board.
Elementary Vice President — Voting member, serves a two year term
Secondary Vice President — Voting member, serves a two year term
President-Elect — Voting member, serves a three year term
(President-Elect, President, Past President)
Be watching your email for self-nomination window to open.
Email us with questions: [email protected]
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Unite. Support. Empower.
School Counselor Spotlight
Sheila Davis Terry Redlin Elementary, Sioux Falls
How long have you been a school counselor?: This is my first year as a
school counselor.
Why do you enjoy being a school counselor?: I love connecting with stu-
dents and helping them to be successful. Education and helping chil-
dren are two passions of mine, so I love serving students in a school
setting.
Who are your inspirations or role models?: Women who have overcome
great obstacles in life, dared to push boundaries, and go beyond what
was expected of them: My mother (she is a single mother and foster par-
ent who has adopted two children), Eleanor Roosevelt, Amelia
Earhart, and Mia Hamm to name a few.
What do you see as the biggest issues facing school counselors today?: Mental health, trauma, and poverty–
which are really all interrelated and woven together. I believe these are the greatest issues and barriers
children face today.
What advice would you give to anyone new to the profession?: There will be tough days in this profession,
but the blessings and rewards that come from being a school counselor and helping students
completely outnumber and outweigh the tough days.
Kris Sweeter K-12 School Counselor, Agar-Blunt-Onida School District
How long have you been a school counselor?: On year five
Why do you enjoy being a school counselor?: My job is the best– even on the hard
days. I love making personal connections with a majority of our students. It is
also an awesome feeling to walk down the hallways and have the students
excited to see you.
If you weren’t a school counselor, what other vocation would you like to be in?: I
would stay at home and help my husband raise our cattle.
What advice would you give to anyone new to the profession?: You are doing great! Each year gets better.
Don’t be afraid to ask other counselors questions. I would not have survived my first year without
Ashley Seeklander .
What do you see as the biggest issues facing school counselors today?: The biggest issue I see is burn out
or having “extra” stuff added to our already full plate.
Continued on page 7
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Unite. Support. Empower.
School Counselor Spotlight con’t
Morgan Robey K-6 School Counselor, Holy Spirit and Saint Lambert Schools,
Sioux Falls Catholic Schools
How long have you been a school counselor?: 5 months
Why do you enjoy being a school counselor?: I enjoy all of the roles we get
to play and how different each and every day is. We get to serve
students at their best and worst and give them a voice throughout it all.
It’s an absolute joy to meet these students right where they are.
What do you see as the biggest issues facing school counselors today?:
This question is tricky. While I am still new to the field, I would say there
is still a lot of confusion within society as to the extent school counse-
lors are utilized. In some areas, they are highly valued to the point of
over-exertion. Others have yet to believe in the mission of the school counselor and use them to their
full potential. I am blessed with where I am to be closer to that balance, but I am well aware of the vari-
ance across communities and see how it impacts counselor perception.
Who are your inspirations or role models?: I have many educators in my life who inspire me in the way
their cared for the students they worked with. I also have numerous spiritual mentors who truly met me
where I was in every season in my life to empathize with me and love me through it. Because I saw how
genuine these people believed in and supported those journeys to become our best selves, it led me to
want to do the same for my students.
What advice would you give to anyone new to the profession?: Because this is still fresh for me, I would say
to have grace with yourself. Even though we are educated to do everything at once, it is completely ap-
propriate to ease into that. Take on each piece as you become comfortable with the one before. Be
present for your students now and all of the extra, above-and-beyond things you can do and be as a
school counselor will fall into place.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?:School counseling is a team effort. We become advocates for
our teachers, schools, districts, and always our students. A district in support of assisting its students
in all the best ways, sees the importance of this and collaborates to make it happen. I feel honored to be
in the Sioux Falls Catholic School System because I see this team effort lived out. As a first year coun-
selor, I had so much fear in building that trust and getting everyone on board. So, it is incredibly cool to
be in a place that lifts up and respects each other to serve the students well.
Continued on page 8
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Unite. Support. Empower.
School Counselor Spotlight con’t
Natalie Selchert K-12 School Counselor, Gayville-
Volin School District
How long have you been a school coun-
selor?: 17 years
Why do you enjoy being a school coun-
selor?: I love working with children
and adolescents, I love helping peo-
ple, I love the variety that the job
brings! I especially enjoy the preven-
tative aspects of this counseling field,
and I really enjoy being able to be a
part of students’ everyday lives. I en-
joy helping educators look at students in a less problem-centered and
more solution-focused way. I love helping students discover their
strengths and talents, and helping them find ways to use them!
What do you see as the biggest issues facing school counselors today?:
I believe the work load has dramatically increased over the years.
School counselors are expected to do more within their school
systems, and at the same time the challenges students face in their
daily lives and family systems seem to more frequent and more com-
plex so their needs have increased as well.
What advice would you give to anyone new to the profession?: Try to start
each day reminding yourself why you chose this profession, and at
the end of the day, rather than count the things that you didn’t get ac-
complished, focus on all that you did accomplish! Never be afraid to
ask for help and feedback from fellow counselors and educators. Al-
low students to tell you their story, do your best to be present in the
moment with them, and listen with your heart and mind.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?:I feel so blessed to have been a
part of so many children’s lives over the years. This profession can be
very challenging and draining at times, but it also has such bountiful
rewards in the relationships that are formed with students, their fami-
lies, colleagues and
community.
Mark Your Calendar:
April 19th– SDSCA and SDMHCA
pre-conference : The ABCs of
SFBC: An Introduction to Solu-
tion-Focused Brief Counseling.
April 19th-21st– 2018 SDCA Con-
ference in Pierre. More infor-
mation coming soon to the
SDCA Website.
April 26th-29th– 2018 ACA Con-
ference in Atlanta, GA. For more
information or to register, please
click here.
July 14th-17th– 2018 ASCA
Conference in Los Angeles, CA.
Details can be found here!
Coming Next Month…
March’s PIC takes a focus
on the importance of
counselor self-care.
Join us for this, another
set of school counselors
showcased in the Spot-
light and more.
Have a great month!
ASCA Webinars
Looking for professional
development opportunities?
ASCA’s webinar series still
has several sessions over the
next few months. Past
webinars are also available.
Click here for details on how
you can participate!