DRAFT AS OF JANUARY 14, 2015 – SUBJECT TO CHANGE! SCHEDULE OF SECTIONAL MEETINGS Wednesday, February 18, 2015 WSCA Graduate Course—7:30 a.m.—Hall of Fame Room, Level 2 General Session 8:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker—Marcus Engel Hall B, Level 1 SECTIONAL 1 ‐ 10:30 ‐ 11:30 a.m. 1.
ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success (Pre-K – Gr. 12)
Ballroom C
ASCA’s Student Standards have guided school counselor practice for decades and have been updated to describe the knowledge, skills and attitudes that students in the 21st century need to achieve academic success, college and career readiness and social/emotional development. The revised standards, ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success: K‐12 College and Career Readiness Standards for Every Student, are based on research and best practices from a wide array of educational organizations. Presenter: Host: Overcoming Adversity (Pre‐K – Post Secondary) 2. 3. Richard Wong, Executive Director ‐ American School Counselor Association (ASCA), Alexandria, VA Lisa Koenecke Ballroom D Overcoming adversity doesn’t happen overnight. It takes authentic, vulnerable dialogue from within. It also takes diligence to stay focused on achieving a better life. As an addition to Marcus’ acclaimed keynote, this sectional focuses on the conversation starters to help gain clarity for the future. Audience members will have additional time to dialogue with Marcus about how to implement healthy practices for the best life possible. Presenter: Marcus Engel, Keynote Speaker – WSCA 2015 Conference / Best Selling Author and Keynote Speaker, Orlando, FL Host: Kaila Rabideau The Critical Need for Counselors to Practice Self‐Care to Avoid Burnout Hall of Ideas E in a High Stress Profession (Pre‐K – PS) Professional school counselors are responsible for countless services. Intense demands increase their potential for burnout, which impacts physical and emotional health. Often counselors are so busy caring for others; they forget to care for themselves. This presentation will discuss the implications of unmanaged job stress and the warning signs of burnout. Strategies and assistance in developing self‐care plans will improve life quality and increase one’s ability to provide effective counseling services. 4. Presenter: Carol Lynn Brown, Ph.D., LP, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education – University of Wisconsin – Superior, Superior, WI Host: Laura Howard From Loner to Killer: How Psychosocial and Biochemical Factors May Prime Individuals to Perpetrate School Shootings (Gr. 6 – PS) Hall of Ideas F This presentation will include a review of the literature on what may predispose an individual to chronic loneliness (becoming a ‘loner’); the factors that may influence the progression toward a school shooting (including increased stress and aggression, dissociation and/or rage) and other links between chronic loneliness and violence. Case studies of school shootings in the U.S. from 1997 – 2015 will be explored. Presenter: Host: 5. Sheila Evanoff, MS, NCC, Mentor and Transitional Living Specialist, Lad Lake & Orion Family Services, Madison, WI Tammi Fure Data, Data, Data! What Are the Critical Components for a School Data Profile? (Gr. 9 – 12) Hall of Ideas G Are you looking to create a data profile for your school to create school counseling program goals or closing the gap plans? Information from best practices from ASCA and NOSCA will be shared as well as how to find this data. Presenter: Stacy Eslick, WSCA Treasurer / Professional School Counselor – Madison School District, Madison, WI Host: Brianne Mehlos 6. Learning to Play, Playing to Learn (Pre‐K – Gr. 5) Hall of Ideas H Why do we play? To have fun! Healthy Play, developed by Charlie Steffens and Spencer Gorin, is a series of research‐based, therapeutic rules and games that are designed to promote empathy and compassion. Used as classroom lessons, Healthy Play is an effective tool for character education, classroom management, violence prevention, conflict resolution and social skills. 7. Presenters: Emily McKee, Professional School Counselor – Mount Horeb Area School District, Mt. Horeb, WI; Nicole Tepe – Professional School Counselor – Mount Horeb Area School District, Mt. Horeb, WI Host: Olin Morrison Mindful Moments: Brief Activities to Calm and Focus Students Hall of Ideas I (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Mindfulness is a research‐based approach for improving attention, self‐control and mood. After a short review of supporting evidence and controversies/considerations in school settings, participants will learn and practice several mindfulness strategies for individual, small group and classroom use. All activities have been successfully “road tested” with students in K – 12 urban and/or rural schools. Presenter: Host: Barb Flom, Professor of School Counseling ‐ University of Wisconsin – Stout, Menomonie, WI Heather Lemke 8. Question and Answer for ACP (Gr. 9 – 12) Hall of Ideas J Two Western Wisconsin high school counseling programs will share their work including Academic & Career Planning in their counseling curriculum. Blair‐Taylor High School has implemented a portfolio program over the last 5 years resulting in a polished senior exit presentation. Black River Falls High School is in its first year of RAMP It Up to Readiness curriculum implementation and will show how their students create electronic portfolios of their accomplishments. 9. Presenters: Susan Leadholm, Professional School Counselor – Black River Falls High School, Black River Falls, WI; Hilary Walters, Professional School Counselor – Blair‐Taylor High School, Blair, WI Host: Rachel Berg Wisconsin School Counseling Program Accountability Report (WSCPAR) Meeting Room K (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) The WSCPAR can be a useful tool in helping grow your school counseling program. We will explore the basics of the WSCPAR and how it aligns with Student Learning Objectives and Professional Practice Goals already required. Whether you are simply curious about the WSCPAR or have submitted a WSCPAR for a Program of Promise award, you will find this sectional to be valuable as you promote your program and school counseling in general. Presenter: Todd R. Hadler, Professional School Counselor – Manitowoc Public School District, Manitowoc, WI Host: Nate Rice 10. STEM: Fueling the Future (Gr. 9 – 12) Meeting Room L Do your students understand the relevance of their academic subjects to future career pathways? Think all S.T.E.M. careers require four years of post‐secondary education? Join us as we demonstrate how to build the crosswalk between S.T.E.M. and “Hire Education” and to partner with industry in problem‐
solving activities for your career lessons. We will go to the races with our partner, NASCAR , where you and your “pit crew” will diagnose your driver’s situation and, hopefully, win the race! Presenters: Janice Tkaczyk, National Director – Universal Technical Institute, Scottsdale, AZ; Tim Zoch, Admissions Representative – Universal Technical Institute, Scottsdale, AZ Host: Andrew Stendahl 11. Where the Gavel Meets the School Bell: Best Practice When the Criminal Meeting Room M Justice System and Your Role Collide (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) For child crime victims, the tenuous and intimidating task of maneuvering the criminal justice system spills into the classroom. As counselors, you often see the ramifications. In this sectional, the Victim Resource Center will outline the basics of the criminal justice system, best practice for aiding child victims under restraining orders and/or no contact orders, and discuss one of the biggest catalysts for trauma in child victims – when their offenders walk the same halls. Presenters: Stephanie Mock, Victim Rights Coordinator – Wisconsin Department of Justice, Madison, WI; Amy Severt, Victims Rights Coordinator – Wisconsin Department of Justice, Madison, WI Host: Gregg Curtis 12. Camp HOPE (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Meeting Room N Camp HOPE is a wonderful place in central Wisconsin where children and teenagers gather to work through the grieving process after a loved one dies. The camp gently guides kids through complex emotions showing them they are not alone. They learn it’s okay to laugh and play and that doing so is not disrespectful to the memory of the person who died. At Camp HOPE, their pain is understood and shared. See more at www.camphopeforkids.org. Presenter: Mariah Singer, Creator of Kissingglue.com, Amherst, WI Host: Liz Singer SECTIONAL 2 ‐ 12:30 ‐ 1:30 p.m. 13. State of the State in School Counseling (Pre‐K – PS) Ballroom C Join the WSCA President and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) School Counseling consultant to learn about the state of school counseling. Learn more about the Wisconsin School Counselor Program Accountability Report, Academic and Career Plans and educator effectiveness. We will also cover any new initiatives at ASCA, like the Mindsets and Behavior models and the First Lady’s Reach Higher initiative and other education issues as they may pertain to school counselors. Come and see what Kelly and Gregg have to share. Presenters: Kelly Curtis, WSCA President / Professional Counselor – Hudson School District, Hudson, WI; Gregg Curtis, WSCA DPI Educational Consultant ‐ School Counseling / DPI Consultant for School Counseling – Department of Public Instruction, Madison, WI Host: Gregg Curtis 14. Integrating Social Media into your School Counseling Program Ballroom D (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Do you want to get information out to students and parents in an efficient and effective way? Go to where they are already…Social Media. This session will provide you with easy resources to set up and begin utilizing right away. Topics covered include: Remind, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Presenter: Katrina Eisfeldt, WSCA Technology Chair / Professional School Counselor – Spencer School District, Spencer, WI Adriana Plach Host: 15. School Counselors: Head Injury & Student Athletes (Gr. 8 – 12) Hall of Ideas E What are the social, emotional and academic challenges that student athletes may experience after an injury, specifically a sports related concussion? Learn how current school counselor skills can help with interventions, consultation and working within an academic team to develop a supportive plan. The participant will learn to: identify and support social, emotional and academic needs of student athletes, how to assist a student transitioning from injury to classroom and how to advocate for student athletes. Presenters: Carol Johnson, Associate Professor – School of Education/School Counseling Program ‐ University of Wisconsin – Stout, Menomonie, WI; Daniel Krenzer, Assistant Professor School of Education ‐ University of Wisconsin – Stout, Menomonie, WI Host: Andrew Stendahl 16. Career Planning & Readiness for Healthcare Interested Students (Gr. 9 – Post Secondary) Hall of Ideas F Wisconsin Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) will share multiple resources. Learn about free, professional resources from hands‐on curriculum for the classroom to mentoring program to healthcare facility partnership programs. Join us to learn how your regional AHEC can assist your students in meeting their academic and professional goals related to healthcare occupations. Presenters: Nicole Thill, Education & Outreach Coordinator ‐ Scenic River Area Health Education Center, Cashton, WI; Jann Brill, Executive Director ‐ Northwest Area Health Education Center, Superior, WI; Wendy Hinz, Health Careers Education Consultant ‐ South Central Area Health Education Center, Beloit, WI Host: Kaila Rabideau 17. Data Power (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Hall of Ideas G Marquette University interns share classroom and small group strategies and interventions that they planned, implemented and evaluated. Their data tells the story that school counselors contribute to student success. Presenters: Mark Kuranz, WSCA Past President / WSCA Past Conference Co‐Chair / Adjunct Professor – Marquette University, Racine, WI; Marquette Interns Host: Kara Baker 18. A Systems Approach to Academic Achievement Counseling (Gr. 9 – 12) Hall of Ideas H How can high school counselors best utilize their skills and resources to help students achieve academic success? The Superior High School Counseling Department’s response to increasing academic achievement has been to provide data driven targeted programming to help struggling students pass their classes. By utilizing the guided study hall structure, counselors at Superior High School provide systematic weekly, individual academic counseling to each struggling student. Presenters: Kelly Bergum, Professional School Counselor – Superior School District, Superior, WI; Wendy Nelson, Professional School Counselor – Superior School District, Superior, WI Host: Jenny Holle 19. Hot Topics in University of Wisconsin System Admissions Offices Hall of Ideas I (Gr. 9 – 12) This session will be a valuable opportunity to learn more about the UW System campuses and promote your students’ success. Representatives from UW System campuses and UW Help will be present to provide updates for fall 2015 and beyond. The majority of time will be spent addressing audience members questions and answers. Presenters: Sarah Egerstrom, Admissions Director ‐ University of Wisconsin – River Falls, River Falls, WI; Mary Vilmo, Director ‐ UW HELP, University of Wisconsin – Extension, Madison, WI Host: Michelle Borleske 20. 10 Things to Know about Taking School Counseling Interns (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Hall of Ideas J A current school counselor and school counseling professor share their top 10 things to know about working with a school counseling student intern. From planning to wrapping up a successful internship and everything in between. We will cover best practices for internship supervisors. Share your best practices and gather ideas for your next school counseling intern. Presenters: Mark Gillen, Professor – Department of Counseling & School Psychology ‐ University of Wisconsin – River Falls, River Falls, WI; Olin Morrison, WSCA Director / Professional School Counselor – River Falls School District, River Falls, WI Host: Olin Morrison 21. LGBTQIA Support Using the National Model (Pre‐K – PS) Meeting Room K Learn how the ASCA National Model can ethically guide your professional practice to support our LGBTQIA community. Attitude, skills and knowledge will be addressed in all three domains and in each level (Pre‐K – Post Secondary). Learn how to include transgender language into policies and walk away with a plethora of resources. Presenter: Host: Lisa Koenecke, WSCA Past President / WSCA Public Relations & Advocacy Chair / Professional School Counselor – River Bluff Middle School, Stoughton, WI Nicole Bilzing 22. Top 10 Things Siblings of Children with Special Development or Health Meeting Room L Care Needs Wish School Counselors Knew (Pre‐K – Gr. 5) When a child grows up with a sibling with special needs, they experience many of the same fears, worries and joys of parents. But unlike parents, they have a life‐long bond with their sibling. They take on the roles of protectors, caregivers, advocates, and interpreters their whole lives. Often they don’t get the attention or support they need to sustain healthy relationships. This session provides information that siblings need counselors to know in order to support them. Presenters: Harriet Redman, Executive Director – WisconSibs (formerly Fox Valley Sibling Support Network), Appleton, WI; Amy Marler ‐ Professional School Counselor – Southern Door Elementary School, Brussels, WI; Siblings of Children with Special Development or Health Care Needs Host: Kristen Lauda 23. Critical Ethical & Legal Issues for School Counselors (Pre‐K – PS) Meeting Room M INTENSIVE SECTIONAL – 12:30 – 2:45 P.M. Every ethical decision that a professional school counselor makes has consequences, and no one solution is right for all students. Participants in this sectional will get an overview of the ethical standards, be presented with decision‐making models and given the opportunity to address the most frequent ethical issues school counselors encounter. While there are no concrete answers when it comes to ethical dilemmas, exploring answers will be helpful to counselors. Presenters: Carrie King, WSCA Director / WSCA WCA Representative / Director ‐ M.S. in Counseling Program – Mt. Mary University, Milwaukee, WI; Jennifer Betters‐Bubon, WSCA Director / Assistant Professor of Counselor Education – University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Whitewater, WI Host: Jennifer Betters‐Bubon 24. Gifted Student Growth: Valid Assessment, Targeted Resources and Meeting Room N and Scholarship Opportunities (Pre‐K – Gr. 8) Is your school meeting the needs of your gifted students? Do you measure the full extent of their achievement? Are your teachers differentiating instruction to ensure their academic growth? Or are these students referred to you because they are bored and exhibiting behavioral problems? Meet the needs of your gifted students; provide above‐grade‐level assessment, targeted resources, and scholarship opportunities. Ensure gifted student growth and make a positive contribution to the accountability rating of your school. Presenters: Juliet B. Frate, Coordinator – Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; Tammie Stewart, Manager of Community Outreach – Northwestern University, Evanston, IL Host: Gary Campbell SECTIONAL 3 ‐ 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. 25. Data Basics for SLO’s and WSCPAR! (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Ballroom C Feeling stressed about SLO’s? It doesn’t have to be as complicated as it looks! Join two 2013 Program of Promise winners to learn the basics of data, and how to make it work for you. The same skills will help you pursue a Wisconsin School Counseling Program Accountability Report (WSCPAR), if that is a goal this year. Look at sample SLO’s and WSCPAR documents K‐12 to illustrate the ways counselors are showing the effectiveness of their programming. Presenters: Kelly Curtis, WSCA President / Professional School Counselor – Hudson School District, Hudson, WI; Paula Haugle, WSCA Professional Development Chair / Professional School Counselor – School District of Elmwood, Elmwood, WI Host: Paula Haugle 26. Discipline with Love and Logic Solutions (Pre‐K – Gr. 8) Ballroom D Discipline with Love and Logic offers counselors practical ideas to use with students K‐12. It is one of the most accepted discipline programs available. You will learn how to reduce power struggles, enhance self esteem, neutralize arguing and prevent bad behavior. A few ideas on how you can incorporate “Love & Logic” into your PBIS programs will be shared. You will walk out of this session with ideas that you can use right away. Presenter: Deborah Engen, Educational Consultant – North Dakota State University and Silver Lake College, McFarland, WI Host: Kara Baker 27. Conferencing at 100%: You Can Do It, We Can Help! (Gr. 6 – 12) Hall of Ideas E Individual Planning Conferences (IPCs) provide school counselors a unique opportunity to build strong relationships with both students and families, promote rigor, reinforce relevance and deliver Academic and Career Plans. When we meet with 100% of our students and families, we are truly Promoting Excellence for All! Come be reminded how IPC’s inspire college and career readiness and learn strategies that have resulted in consistent 100% student/family participation at grades 8, 9 & 11. We will inspire you to believe you can make it happen and show you how! Presenters: Nate Rice, WSCA Government Relations / Professional School Counselor – West Allis‐West Milwaukee School District, West Allis, WI; Tammi Fure, WSCA Director / Professional School Counselor – West Allis‐West Milwaukee School District, West Allis, WI Host: Tammi Fure 28. “School First” Promoting INCREASED Student Attendance (Pre‐K – Gr. 8) Hall of Ideas F Attendance impacts every area of student success. This sectional will demonstrate creative ways to promote the value of attendance. We will showcase prevention, promotion, incentives and interventions that are all geared towards improving school attendance rates and overall student success. Presenter: Heidi Schneider, K‐8 Attendance Officer/Professional School Counselor – Kenosha Unified School District, Kenosha, WI Host: Katie Caprez 29. A Big Brothers Big Sisters / K‐12 Collaboration (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Hall of Ideas G Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County and the Valders School District have been in collaboration for eight years in an effort to enrich the lives of young people through mentoring. The program matches high school “Bigs” with elementary and middle school “Littles”. Weekly match meetings provide opportunities for the youth to bond and experience an ongoing friendship. The program is operated in accordance with BBBS guidelines and procedures. Program monitoring is provided by BBBS staff and supported by school counselors, administrators and faculty. Presenter: Lee Kotyza, Match Support Specialist, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County, Manitowoc, WI Host: Liz Singer 30. Top 10 Team Building Activities Using Only a Tarp (Pre‐K – PS) Hall of Ideas H Team Building activities can be expensive, difficult to set up and time consuming, but they don’t have to be. In this interactive session, you will learn at least 10 activities that are fun, engaging and cheap. You will enjoy seeing how versatile a common tarp can be. Presenter: Shawn Becker, Professional School Counselor – West Bend School District, West Bend, WI Host: Kristen Lauda 31. Program Ideas to Cut Back on the Recess “Drama” (Pre‐K – Gr. 5) Hall of Ideas I Are you and your teachers tired of the post recess drama? Learn to implement creative ways to help students help themselves and each other through the use of peer mediators and buddy benches. You will learn a simple, effective way to use peer mediators during recess and strategies to implement buddy benches. You will walk away with ideas you can implement right away and great data tracking tools to assess needs and effectiveness. Presenter: Tiffani Schley, Professional School Counselor – Manitowoc Public School District, Manitowoc, WI Host: Laura Howard 32. “Seeing Red”: An Anger Management and Anti‐bullying Curriculum Hall of Ideas J for Kids (Pre‐K – Gr. 5) The ever‐popular “Seeing Red” anger management curriculum for elementary and middle school aged kids has been updated and revised! Its unique group process enables participants to learn from and empower one another through role play, helping participants to identify associated feelings and recognize negative behaviors. Come see for yourself how to best facilitate such groups and walk away with practical, hands‐
on activities you can use with your students instantly. Presenter: Jennifer Simmonds, Program Director – Fairview’s Youth Grief Services, Burnsville, MN Host: Jenny Holle 33. ACT: Still Number 1! Why the New SAT will Fall Short of It’s Top Competitor (Gr. 9 – 12) Meeting Room K Andrew Peterson, the Director of Education at Method Test Prep, will be discussing both the broad and specific differences between the ACT and the New SAT and how the many changes to the SAT stack up against the ACT. This information will help to provide direction to younger high school students, and to counselors who are looking to give informed advice with regard to the standardized test prep process. Presenters: Andrew Peterson, Director of Education – Method Test Prep, Planeview, NY Host: Brianne Mehlos 34. An Introduction to Wisconsin’s Independent Colleges (Pre‐K – PS) Meeting Room L Who are Wisconsin Independent Colleges? There are over 20 great private college options in Wisconsin. Come hear from a few admissions professionals about the benefits of attending a private college, and about the admissions process. This program is designed to help you best help your students in finding the perfect college match. Presenters: Mary Beth Petrie, Director of Admissions – Lawrence University, Appleton, WI; Additional Independent College Representatives Host: Rachel Berg 35. Critical Ethical & Legal Issues for School Counselors (Pre‐K – PS) Meeting Room M INTENSIVE SECTIONAL – 12:30 – 2:45 P.M. **Continuation of Intensive Sectional #23 which began at 12:30 p.m. ** Presenters: Carrie King, WSCA Director / WSCA WCA Representative / Director ‐ M.S. in Counseling Program – Mt. Mary University, Milwaukee, WI; Jennifer Betters‐Bubon, WSCA Director / Assistant Professor of Counselor Education – University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Whitewater, WI Host: Jennifer Betters‐Bubon 36. Wisconsin’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth and Youth Apprenticeship (YA) Programs (Gr. 9 – 12) Meeting Room N Wisconsin’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is for at‐risk youth 14 – 21 seeking skills and work experiences to successfully transition to adulthood, careers and further education and training. Youth Apprenticeships (YA) integrates school‐based and work‐based learning to instruct students in employability and occupational skills defined by Wisconsin industries. Local programs provide training based on Youth Apprenticeship curriculum guidelines endorsed by employers. Instruction is provided by qualified teachers. Students are enrolled in academic classes, in YA related instruction and are employed by a participating business. Presenters: Scott Fromader, Education Consultant – Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Madison, WI; Amy Phillips, Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator – Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Madison, WI Host: Stacy Eslick SECTIONAL 4 ‐ 3:15 ‐ 4:15 p.m. 37. Closing the Achievement Gap (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Ballroom C Learn how the WSCPAR, a Program Audit and other resources can help school counselors close the achievement gap. Students need personalized support, safe environments and assistance planning for their future. Let’s prepare our students to become productive members of society. Presenters: Lisa Koenecke, WSCA Past President / WSCA Public Relations & Advocacy Chair / Professional School Counselor ‐ River Bluff Middle School, Stoughton, WI; Tammi Fure, WSCA Director / Professional School Counselor ‐ Lincoln Intermediate School, Milwaukee, WI Host: Tammi Fure 38. Mental Health in the Classroom (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Ballroom D Each year school counselors are asked to deal with children with complex mental health issues. These include, but are not limited to ADHD, ODD, Autism, Sensory Integration and Bipolar. This presentation is designed to equip school counselors with the tools they will need to handle these disorders, including strategies for classroom management. Presenters: Christie Rogers‐Larke, Owner / Operator – Outside of the Box Therapy, Gaffney, SC; John Barbey, Tutor – Self‐Employed, Eau Claire, WI Host: Kaila Rabideau 39. The Power of Including Local Employers in the Academic and Career Planning Process (Gr. 9 – 12) Hall of Ideas E Looking to provide meaningful context for the Academic and Career Plan (ACP) process at your school? Collaborating with local employers in your community to build career pathways, students go beyond the classroom to gain better knowledge of their future career and educational pathway. Employers, knowledgeable of the ever changing workforce, are not only able to provide a more enriching learning experience for students, they help to ensure a future of effective workers for their community. Presenters: Erin Wood, Professional School Counselor ‐ Sheboygan South High School, Sheboygan, WI; Steve Schneider, Professional School Counselor ‐ Sheboygan South High School, Sheboygan, WI; Mike Trimberger, Principal ‐ Sheboygan South High School, Sheboygan, WI Host: Carrie King 40. Three Cost‐free Multimedia for School Counselors (Gr. 6 – 12) Hall of Ideas F Explore the cost‐free multimedia that responds to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population! 
Becoming Successful in Middle School – reaches out to students in middle school by
addressing a host of important issues.
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Coming Out: What Every Teen (Gay or Straight) Needs to Know – offers revealing
portraits of LGBT kids who have come out in schools across the country
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PBS LearningMedia – the go-to destination for hundreds of career education assets
Presenter: Kristin Leglar, Content and Outreach Manager – Educational Communications Board, Madison, WI Host: Adriana Plach 41. Empowerment: What It Is, How to Find It and What to Do With It (Gr. 9 ‐ 12) Hall of Ideas G (Gr. 9 ‐ 12) Every teenager has heard the effects of bullying, alcohol and drugs dozens of times, so how does a leadership group keep these discussions from becoming cliché’, overused and predictable? Spencer High School senior Amanda Springob, counselor Katrina Eisfeldt and advisor Karla Brehm will discuss the creation and leadership of their student‐led prevention group, BLAST (Being a Leader And Standing Tall), focusing on the principles of fearlessness, honesty and empowerment. Presenters: Amanda Springob, Student – Spencer High School, Spencer, WI; Katrina Eisfeldt, WSCA Technology Chair / Professional School Counselor – Spencer High School, Spencer, WI; Karla Brehem, BLAST Advisor, Spencer High School, Spencer, WI Host: Katrina Eisfeldt 42. Act Now! – Bullying Prevention for Students, Staff and Parents Hall of Ideas H (Pre‐K – Gr. 8) Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is excited to present the latest additions to the Act Now! bullying prevention program. In addition to the e‐learning curriculum for students in grades K – 8 and updated staff training: Act Now! includes bullying prevention resources and education for parents, and now PBIS Tier II/III online interventions. This session will introduce the new programs as well as highlight the student and staff training components. A school representative will also share personal experience with Act Now. Presenter: Catherine Sutryk, Lead e‐Learning Account Rep – Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI Host: Olin Morrison 43. Comprehensive School Counseling Programs and RAMP (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Hall of Ideas I Utilize the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) process to take your comprehensive school counseling program to the next level! You don’t have to be ready to apply to benefit from this process. This comprehensive approach will help you identify gaps and strengths in your program while using data to drive your decision making. Walk away with ready to use resources. Presenter: Paula Haugle, WSCA Professional Development Chair / Professional School Counselor – School District of Elmwood, Elmwood, WI Host: Gary Campbell 44. Schools Don’t Provide Us With Employees! A Solution for High Schools Hall of Ideas J (Gr. 9 – 12) Do you need some new ideas on how to get students 21st century work place skills and experience? Would you like to help your students become more certain of what pathway they would like to take after high school? If so, come learn about Pittsville High School’s Career Technical Education Academy (CTEA) and how it’s changing students’ perspective regarding job prospects. As a part of our school curriculum, students are completing job shadows and internships to meet workforce demands and student interest levels. Presenters: Emily Krystowiak, WSCA Exhibitor Chair / Professional School Counselor – Pittsville High School, Pittsville, WI; Kate Kaster, Business Education Teacher – Pittsville High School, Pittsville, WI Host: Michelle Borleske 45. The Bucket Squad: Teaching Children Positive Behavior through Bucket Filling (Pre‐K – Gr. 5) Meeting Room K Elementary students love the concept of Bucket Filling! This workshop will show you how to take a wildly popular theme and use it to effectively teach social skills in a small group setting. Students get weekly coaching lessons on how to become a team of bucket fillers in their school. Steps for implementing these groups, sample small group lessons and adaptations for classroom instruction will also be covered. Take materials back to use tomorrow! Presenter: Host: Lisa Hansen, Professional School Counselor – District 196, Rosemount, MN Laura Howard 46. A Career Development Continuum: Introducing Career Cruising K12 Meeting Room L (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) College and career readiness is most effective when children are provided a continuum of activities and experiences starting in kindergarten and transitioning through to middle and high school. This longer‐
term approach enables students to evolve and grow their plans and choose the pathway best aligned to their interests, skills and ability. Join us for this session and learn how Career Cruising K12 helps students become self‐aware, explore their options, prepare a plan and realize their full potential. Presenter: Jennifer Stark, Educational Sales Consultant – Career Cruising, Madison, WI Host: Nicole Bilzing 47. Responding to the Unique Needs of Gifted and Talented Children Meeting Room M (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Giftedness stretches far beyond academic performance. These children and youth tend to have specific and intense psychosocial needs and traits that make them vulnerable to misdiagnosis, missed diagnosis, behavior or mental health issues, relational conflicts and academic underperformance. This sectional will provide information about gifted traits, including why it is important to address their particular needs and how to respond effectively. Presenter: Heather Boorman, LCSW, Therapist – Boorman Counseling, Baldwin, WI Host: Gregg Curtis 48. The Truth Revealed About Technical Colleges (Gr. 9 – 12) Meeting Room N Be prepared to have your eyes opened and your mind changed! Find out why Wisconsin’s technical colleges are a great option for your students! The education is practical and hands‐on, and our grads get good jobs! Graduate employment rates average about 90%, with an average salary growth of 48% over 5 years. If your students want career training for jobs that are in demand, consider one of Wisconsin’s technical colleges. Come learn about us. Presenters: Kevin Vosters, Student Recruitment Specialist – Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, WI; Katie VandeSlunt, Recruitment Specialist – Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac, WI Host: Andrew Stendahl SECTIONAL 5 – 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. 49. Program Goal Setting: The Process (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Ballroom C Program goals are critical to the implementation and maintenance of the school counseling program. Goals guide the development of action plans, state desirable outcomes and aligned with the school counseling vision and mission. This session outlines the process for writing SMART goals that clearly identify the data needed for their development. Strategies, examples and tips are provided. Presenter: Mark Kuranz, WSCA Past President / WSCA Past Conference Co‐Chair / Adjunct Professor – Marquette University, Racine, WI Jennifer Betters‐Bubon Host: 50. SBIRT – Screening Brief Intervention Referral to Treatment (Gr. 6 – 12) Ballroom D SBIRT is a comprehensive and evidence based model for delivery by student services. The service begins with administering a standardized screening instrument. For students who show moderate or high risk results a Brief Intervention (BI) is conducted. The BI is delivered with motivational interviewing and is protocol guidance. Presenter: Carol Zabel, Western Regional Coordinator – Wisconsin Safe & Healthy Schools Center/ Educational Consultant ‐ CESA 10, Chippewa Falls, WI; Chris Kleiman, Eastern Regional Coordinator – Wisconsin Safe & Healthy Schools Center, Green Bay, WI Host: Rachel Berg 51. Academic Career Plans (ACPs) are as Easy as 1‐2‐3 at Hall of Ideas E WICareerPathways.org (Gr. 9 – 12) Get a jump on helping your students create Academic Career Plans (ACPs) with the WICareerPathways website – it’s free and accessible to Wisconsin schools! Learn how high school and college programs are integrated with student ACPs, all within the Career Clusters framework. Check out the latest features added for counselors and students. See how this collaborative initiative resulted in a unique interactive online resource that is sure to engage students in career exploration and academic planning. Presenters: Jennifer Wagner, Assistant Project Coordinator – WICareerPathways Website Project / Career Pathways Coordinator – Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac, WI; Dr. Marge Rubin, Project Coordinator – WICareerPathways Website Project / Director of College & Career Pathways ‐ Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, WI Host: Nate Rice 52. P.I.E. (Parents in Education) Nights & the Counselors’ Component Hall of Ideas F (Pre‐K – 8) Engaging parents in education is a critical component to student success. Learn how to reach parents about academic, personal/social and career development through PIE (Parents In Education) Nights. PIE Nights successfully draw in parents and students to provide education and information pertinent to your school or program. It is a simple, yet powerful program that gets parents involved in their child’s educational programming. In addition, find out how school counselors utilize PIE Nights to network with parents, market a Comprehensive School Counseling Model, and provide engaging family activities that relate to WSCA and ASCA standards being taught in classroom lessons. We will share specific ideas and activities for PIE Night related to Career Development and Bullying Prevention (programming activities/documents will be provided via Google drive or email). Presenters: Andrea Donegan, Professional School Counselor – Burlington Area Schools, Burlington, WI; Joyce Uglow, School Principal – Burlington Area Schools, Burlington, WI; Becky Hoesly, Professional School Counselor – Burlington Area Schools, Burlington, WI Host: Kristen Lauda 53. Positive Classroom Climates: Empowering Youth, Managing Conflicts Gr. 5 – 8) Hall of Ideas G As educators, how do we empower youth to think, speak and behave differently toward the daily conflict that drains classroom instruction time and strains peer relationships? How do we develop healthy classroom climates that honor diversity, tolerance and inclusiveness? This workshop will discuss effective tools and strategies used by Peace Learning Center of Milwaukee to engage students (grades 4 – 8) in activities which teach healthy ways to communicate. Presenters: Tara Serebin, Executive Director – Peace Learning Center of Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI; Kathleen Knudson, Facilitator – Peace Learning Center of Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI Host: Katie Caprez 54. Truly Teaming UP: Collaboration for College & Career Readiness (CCR) Hall of Ideas H (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) There’s no “I” in “TEAM” so let’s all work together. This session will share best practices for integrating CCR activities at all grade levels and encourage true community collaboration to ensure success! Bring your pom‐poms, let’s TEAM UP and WIN! Presenter: Sharnissa Dunlap‐Parker, College Access Coordinator – Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee, WI Host: Sue Putra 55. Why College Fit Matters – and How We Can Help Students Get It Right Hall of Ideas I (Gr. 9 – 12) College fit is a make or break factor in student outcomes. With so many post‐secondary options today, any student can get overwhelmed. It’s especially hard for those who are first in their families to go, or those in low‐income communities with scant resources. Join us for strategies any counselor can use to guide students in finding the colleges, academic programs and aid packages that will give them the best shot at a bright future. Presenter: Chandar Robertson, College Access Advisor, Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation, Madison, WI; Ellen Kreger, College Access Advisor – Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation, Madison, WI Host: Brianne Mehlos 56. Stop, Walk, Talk – A Simple Approach to Bullying Prevention (Pre‐K – Gr. 5) Hall of Ideas J Elementary students need a simple way to manage disrespectful behaviors that may lead to bullying. “Stop, Walk, Talk,” developed by Ross and Horner offers a 3‐step response to problem behavior which supports PBIS expectations in your building. “Stop, Talk, Walk” empowers students to refuse disrespectful behaviors and encourages bystanders to step up. We will provide electronic files for all you need to implement “Stop, Walk, Talk” in two lessons. Presenters: Christine Paulsen Strop, Professional School Counselor – Hudson School District, Hudson, WI; Linda Jacobs, Professional School Counselor, Hudson School District, Hudson, WI; Kristen Ziebol, Professional School counselor – Hudson School District, Hudson, WI Host: Kelly Curtis 57. Are Your Students Missing Opportunities? Adult Apprenticeships & Meeting Room K Careers in Construction (Gr. 9 – 12) Construction is one of the largest industries in the country. In 1911, Wisconsin was the first state to approve a formal registered apprenticeship program. Yet, when it comes to picking a career, most students do not consider apprenticeships or careers in construction. In this lively discussion, learn about the high paying and highly rewarding careers in construction as well as the many benefits of post high school apprenticeships. Presenter: Elizabeth Roddy, Recruitment & Training Coordinator – ABC of WI Apprenticeship & Training Trust, Madison, WI Host: Kaila Rabideau 58. School Age Parent Program on a Dime (or Two) (Gr. 9 – 12) Meeting Room L As with all schools, budgets are tight! How can you best serve your school aged parent population on a small budget by using your community resources? This roundtable/sectional will lay out how one school district structures their school aged parent program in a school of approximately 1,2000 students. This can also be adapted to smaller schools as needed. The speaker will provide an outline of the program and explain how local agencies are utilized to enhance the program and connect students to these resources. Walk away with practical ideas that will cost your district very little or NOTHING! Presenter: Lisa Sproul, Professional School Counselor – Eau Claire Area Schools, Eau Claire, WI Host: Stacy Eslick 59. Changing a Fixed Mindset to a Growth Mindset: How Students Can Meeting Room M Become Motivated, Welcome Challenges and Become Life‐Long Learners. (Pre‐K – 12) In a Fixed Mindset, students feel they are born with a certain amount of intelligence and feel there is little they can do to change it. Students with a Growth Mindset understand that hard work and determination can increase intelligence and in turn that perseverance can lead to success. You will leave this sectional with a clear understanding of Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset and tangible ideas and resources you can take back to your school. Presenters: Tiffany Schuette, Professional School Counselor – New Holstein School District, New Holstein, WI; Casey Mertens, Professional School Counselor – New Holstein School District, New Holstein, WI Host: Kara Baker 60. Graduate Student Hot Topics (Graduate Students) Meeting Room N In this sectional, aimed at first‐year graduate students or those currently interning, a panel of experts on current trends in school counseling will present on topics such as mindfulness practices in school, academic and career plans and innovate school counseling technique. Time will be allowed for an interactive portion. Presenters: Liz Singer, WSCA Graduate Student Representative / Graduate Student – University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Whitewater, WI; Jessica Pagel, Graduate Student – University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI Host: Gary Campbell Thursday, February 19, 2015 SECTIONAL 6 – 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. 61. Lessons from the Field: Integrating MTSS into Your Role as School Ballroom C Counselors (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) As more schools integrate multitier systems of support (RTI, PBIS), school counselors need to know how to streamline their responsibilities. This sectional will include school counselors, school counseling interns and a school counselor educator/PBIS external coach. Session participants will learn how to coordinate a Tier 1 PBIS Team, lead a successful CICO program at the elementary level and how to think about MTSS at the middle/high school levels. Materials and examples will be shared. Presenters: Jennifer Betters‐Bubon, WSCA Director / Assistant Professor of Counselor Education – University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Whitewater, WI; Lorice Ratas, Graduate Student – University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Whitewater, WI; Avery Kansteiner, Professional School Counselor – Sugar Creek Elementary School, Verona, WI Host: Jenny Holle 62. Impact on Learning: Concussions and the Classroom (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Ballroom D Concussions among youth are on the rise and the impact on the classroom can be a challenge for both the student and the teacher. This session will focus on the medicine behind concussions and the unique challenges that face an injured student. Practical suggestions to aid in the recovery from the concussion while attending to the academic needs of the students will be discussed. Presenters: David Lynch, Director of Student Services / Professional School Counselor – Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, Milwaukee, WI; Stacy Lynch, Sports Medicine / PM&R Physician – Froedtert Medical College of Wisconsin, West Bend, WI; Dr. Kevin Walter. Associate Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin, Program Director, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Primary Care Sports Medicine Host: Michelle Borleske 63. So You Have a Twitter Account…Now What? (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Hall of Ideas E This session will teach you how to participate fully in Twitter so that you can participate in the best professional development there is. You will learn what Twitter chat is, how to participate in one and how to organize your Twitter feed. Presenter: Katrina Eisfeldt, WSCA Technology Chair / Professional School Counselor – Spencer School District, Spencer, WI Host: Kaila Rabideau 64. Career/Life Planning Conferencing (Gr. 5 – 12) Hall of Ideas F With needing to provide an Individual Career/Life Plan for all our 5/6 through 12th graders in a few years, could you benefit from looking at the conferencing we are doing with our students? This sectional will provide you with the outline and materials Wisconsin Rapids counselors use for the 5th or 6th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade conferences. We have experienced great success with our conferences and we would like to share with you. Presenter: Mary Schultz, Professional School Counselor – Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools, Wisconsin Rapids, WI Host: Kristen Lauda 65. Strength Based Career Decision Making for Young Adults (Gr. 9 – PS) Hall of Ideas G A more affirming career development process can be achieved by combining life‐planning concepts with Appreciative Inquiry process. Using this approach, career development processes emerge as appreciating, envisioning, co‐constructing and sustaining. This also shifts the focus of the planning process toward a strength‐based whole person, whole life approach. The presenters will share practical activities and strategies to use with high school and post secondary students as they navigate their way through the career decision making process. Presenters: Kathy Eidsmoe, Career and Technical Education Coordinator – CESA #1, Greenfield, WI; Don Schutt, Director of Human Resource Development – University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI Host: Heather Lemke 66. Mindfulness in the Classroom: Best Practices Guide (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Hall of Ideas H Implementation of mindfulness activities in schools can help increase student success in the areas of academic performance, the development of social skills and help with learning coping mechanisms to enhance the quality of life. In this session, you will learn best practices in mindfulness techniques and learn how to implement mindfulness with student groups. Participants will walk away with a strong knowledge of mindfulness and a resource guide of mindfulness techniques. Presenter: Host: Helena Rindone, Assistant Professor School Counseling – University of Wisconsin – River Falls, River Falls, WI Kelly Curtis 67. View the Redesign of CareerLocker (formerly WISCareers)! (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Hall of Ideas I We are pleased to introduce you to WISCareers new name, CareerLocker, and give you this sneak peek at the redesigned CareerLocker website. The CareerLocker website provides students with a wide selection of tools for career exploration and planning. The new design is cleaner and easier to use, and includes several new features. The launch of this redesigned site is planned for fall of 2015. Come view the new website look and give us your suggestions. Presenters: Amy Rivera, Training Representative – University of Wisconsin –Center on Education & Work, Madison, WI; Ann Fillback‐Watt, Interim Associate Director of CIS ‐ University of Wisconsin – Center on Education & Work, Madison, WI Host: Adriana Plach 68. Introduction to the Nurtured Heart Approach (Pre‐K – Gr. 5) Hall of Ideas J Feeling like she was run over by a truck after some of her elementary guidance lessons (because of learner behaviors) Tammy Holtan Arnol was motivated to learn the Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA). Five years later, guidance is a breeze and she works with teachers in multiple school districts to help them grow their NHA practices. Come learn the basics of NHA and how you can grow NHA use in your school. New examples since last year’s introduction will be provided. Presenter: Tammy Holtan Arnol, Professional School Counselor – Verona Area School District, Verona, WI Host: Katie Caprez 69. K‐12 Swap Shop & Share (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Meeting Room K K‐12 School Counseling positions pose unique challenges and benefits. K‐12 School counselors unite! Let’s meet to collaborate, share resources and best practices. Bring 30 copies (electronic or hard copy) of a lesson (classroom or small group), list of resources used, your time management system (calendar or a list of websites you have found valuable). There will be time to network, collaborate and share your questions, hot topics and/or concerns with other K‐12 school counselors. Presenters: Paula Haugle, WSCA Professional Development Chair / Professional School Counselor – School District of Elmwood, Elmwood, WI Host: Nicole Bilzing 70. High School Hot Topics (Gr. 9 – 12) Meeting Room L This sectional offers the opportunity to network, collaborate and share ideas with other secondary school counselors. You will choose one of the available topics for discussion and spend the session sharing thoughts, ideas and concerns. Topics include: Academic and Career Plans (ACPs), social media, Anxiety‐
Based School Refusal and Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) for school counselors. Presenters: Brianne Mehlos, WSCA Director / Professional School Counselor – Arrowhead Unified School District, Waukesha, WI; Rachel Berg, Professional School Counselor – Luck School District, Luck; Additional Board Members Host: Rachel Berg 71. I’m About to Graduate…Now What? (Graduate Students) Meeting Room M Designated for graduate students at all levels, most specifically, students in their internship year, this sectional will focus on need‐to‐know information for securing a job and succeeding as a first‐year counselor. Topics will include resume critiquing, resource – sharing, interviewing tips and how to run small groups. Presenters: Liz Singer, WSCA Graduate Student Representative / Graduate Student – University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Whitewater, WI; Katelyn Wells, Graduate Student – University of Wisconsin – Stout, Menomonie, WI Host: Gregg Curtis 72. Three Ways to Develop Partnerships with Stakeholders (Pre‐K – PS) Meeting Room N School counselors can go from good to great in the near future. The White House recognizes our important work and so does the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Come and learn how to find who can help your program succeed. From the Reach Higher Initiative to Academic and Career Plans (ACPs), let’s make the next 50 years even better than our first fifty in Wisconsin! Presenter: Lisa Koenecke, WSCA Past President / WSCA Public Relations & Advocacy Chair / Professional School Counselor ‐ Stoughton Area School District, Stoughton, WI Host: Carrie King SECTIONAL 7 – 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. 73. Crisis/Grief Response: A District Perspective for Planning (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Ballroom C In the counseling profession crisis and grief issues can often be a part of our realm. In this
sectional, we will walk through the role of the school in taking a proactive approach to build
support for your school, involving community resources and self care. We plan to share how a
District Crisis Response Team can help prepare your schools for the tough situations we face.
Presenters: Gary Campbell, WSCA Past Government Relations Chair / Professional School Counselor ‐ Meyer Middle School, River Falls, WI; Olin Morrison, WSCA Director / Professional School Counselor – Greenwood Elementary School, River Falls, WI Host: Olin Morrison 74. Here Come E‐Cigarettes: What’s Old is New Again (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Ballroom D E‐Cigarettes have become extremely popular, especially among youth. Tobacco corporations advertise e‐
cigarettes as a safer alternative to smoking. Is it safer and is it considered an alternative to smoking? In this sectional you will learn about e‐cigarettes, the chemicals they contain, and what current case reports show about the risks of using e‐cigarettes. We will also discuss how to alter school policies to continue to obtain a tobacco free‐school. Presenters: Tiffany Schuette, Professional School Counselor – New Holstein School District, New Holstein, WI; Casey Mertens, Professional School Counselor – New Holstein School District, New Holstein, WI; Anna Carpenter, Assistant MJC Coordinator / Health Educator – Winnebago County Health Department, Oshkosh, WI; Cath Pape, Tobacco Control Coordinator – Northeastern Wisconsin Area Health Education Center, Manitowoc, WI Host: Nicole Bilzing 75. Field Trips in Manufacturing (Gr. 9 ‐ 12) Hall of Ideas E A partnership in Southeastern Wisconsin between Wilmot Union High School, Gateway Technical College, and area industries is creatively addressing the shortage of skilled workers in manufacturing through a unique field trip program. Students are taken to area manufacturing facilities to tour and receive information about opportunities in that particular company and industry. The unique aspect of the program is that students are then taken directly to visit the corresponding skills program at Gateway Technical College. Presenters: Allen Reynolds, Professional School Counselor – Wilmot Union High School, Wilmot, WI; Vincent Lieu, New Student Specialist – Gateway Technical College, Racine, WI Host: Jim Schultz 76. What Exactly is ROTC (Gr. 9 – 12) Hall of Ideas F Students ask about ROTC all of the time and I never really knew exactly what it was until I heard Jared speak at UW ‐ Stout. Jared will provide you with all of the information you need to give students sound advice on the ROTC program in a handy binder already made for you. Presenters: Jared M. Siverling, Army ROTC Scholarships & Enrollment Officer – University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point & University of Wisconsin – Stout Army ROTC, Menomonie, WI; Katrina Eisfeldt, WSCA Technology Chair / Professional School Counselor – Spencer School District, Spencer, WI Host: Katrina Eisfeldt 77. Promoting a Growth Mindset in Our Students (Gr. 6 – 8) Hall of Ideas G A person with a growth mindset believes that intelligence is achievable with effort and practice. Research by Carol Dweck from Stanford University shows that students with a growth mindset will experience higher levels of motivation and eventual academic success. Middle School students who naturally fear being imperfect and therefore judged often struggle with developing a growth mindset. This sectional will allow you to evaluate your current mindset, understand the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, demonstrate the impact of each on one’s learning and gather strategies to empower students to adopt a growth mindset. Presenters: Cindy Lakatos, Professional School Counselor – Elmbrook School District – Pilgrim Park Middle School, Elm Grove, WI; Jenny Walsh, ELA Teacher – Elmbrook School District – Pilgrim Park Middle School, Elm Grove, WI; Karin Sundelius, ELA Teacher – Elmbrook School District – Pilgrim Park Middle School, Elm Grove, WI Host: Tammi Fure 78. The Importance of the Student College Application Essay and Supporting Hall of Ideas H Students in Writing Them (Gr. 9 ‐ 12) With holistic reviews becoming more common in the college application process, student essays are becoming a critical component in admission decisions. Learn how you can support your students in writing the college essays and what colleges are looking for. Presenter: Stacy Eslick, WSCA Treasurer / Professional School Counselor – Madison School District, Madison, WI Heather Lemke Host: 79. Cross‐Age Peer Helpers – A Shareshop (Pre‐K – Gr. 12) Hall of Ideas I There are so many wonderful peer‐to‐peer programs in our schools. Peer Helpers, Peer Mediators, Peer Leaders, TATU, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters name just a few. This sectional will focus on cross‐age peer programs. We will share one program we like at Brillion and invite you to share the details regarding any of your programs that are having a positive impact in your home districts. See you there! Presenters: Jeff Vande Hey, Professional School Counselor – Brillion High School, Brillion, WI; Amber Popp, Professional School Counselor – Chilton High School, Chilton, WI Host: Katie Caprez 80. The Mental and Emotional Took Kit for Teens (Gr. 9 – 12) Hall of Ideas J Most problems and issues teens struggle with are defined by, or caused by them generating a dysfunctional amount of emotion in response to their life events. This makes them react to life, and less response‐able. We can give them “tools” to turn their emotional thermostats down, freeing them to stop behaving in unhealthy, self‐defeating ways, and start making healthier behavioral and lifestyle choices. Learn to do this with individual students or an entire student body. Presenter: Host: Ray Mathis, Speaker/Educator/Trainer – Chicago Institute for Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), McHenry, IL Andrew Stendahl 81. Supervising School Counseling Interns: Benefits & Tips (Pre‐K – PS) Meeting Room K Many of us have taken a supervisor class in order to supervise school counseling interns and practicum students, but what makes an effective supervisor in real life? Attend this sectional to learn how to be a top‐notch supervisor and how supervising school counseling interns can benefit you. Walk away with resources to start hosting interns next semester. Presenter: Paula Haugle, WSCA Professional Development Chair / Professional School Counselor – School District of Elmwood, Elmwood, WI Adriana Plach Host: 82. College and Career Readiness Using Student Portfolios (Gr. 6 – PS) Meeting Room L As college and career readiness becomes more and more essential, we are all looking for efficient and accessible ways to prepare our students. This session will discuss the use of Google sites to create an online portfolio that students can use as part of their Academic and Career Plan. Development, implementation and examples will be presented. Presenter: Brooke Davis, Professional School Counselor ‐ Edgar School District, Edgar, WI Host: Nate Rice 83. Building a Quality Character Education Program (Pre‐K – Gr. 5) Meeting Room M This session provides counselors with a proven character education program implemented in a grade 4/5 low income title 1 elementary school. After implementing the program discipline referrals decreased by over 65% within two years of starting the program. The program is also based on recognition. Within two years, student recognition increased by over 80%. Within two years, all core academic courses increased along with attendance. Counselors attending this session will leave with a host of information to increase their character education program. Presenter: Host: Ronnie Hall, Sr., Program Coordinator – Currituck County Learning Center / Professional School Counselor ‐ Currituck County High School, Barco, NC Kara Baker 84. Get Happy & Cultivate Compassion (Gr. 6 – 8) Meeting Room N Adolescents busily read and learn algebra, but they don’t often learn how to productively manage their emotions. Meanwhile a curriculum teaching happiness is available through Project Happiness with free downloads of curricula for K‐12 students. This session will review the “Get Happy and Cultivate Compassion in 15 Minutes a Day” program. Topics include short and long term happiness, gratitude and mindset. Modifications, extra resources and results with a class of 8th grade boys will be shared. Presenter: Macarena Correa, Professional School Counselor – Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee, WI Host: Laura Howard