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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! Randi.Hartman@k12.sd.us

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 sdca.counseling@gmail.com

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: sd.schoolcounselors@gmail.com

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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!