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  • Magnolia State School Counselor Association
    PO Box 5053 | Brandon MS 39047-5053
    conference@magnoliastateschoolcounselor.org | magnoliastateschoolcounselor.org




    © 2023 Magnolia State School Counselor Association 0

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2023 SESSIONS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2

PRE CONFERENCE SESSION
9:00am - 12:00pm

School Counseling Ethics: Standards, Practice and Challenges

Presenter
Dr. Amy Upton
Assistant Professor, Counseling and Instructional Science at the University of South Alabama

Dr. Amy Upton serves as an Assistant Professor of Instruction and School Counseling Coordinator at the University of South Alabama. She has served on the ALSCA board since 2016 and is a member of the Evidenced Based School Counseling Advisory Board. Prior to moving to Alabama in 2013 to teach at USA, she spent 15 years as a middle school and high school counselor in Virginia and also taught adjunct at Old Dominion University.
 
Dr. Upton passionately believes in the importance of the profession of school counseling and the impact that school counselors can have on students. Her primary research interests are centered around professional identity for school counselors, ethical and lgal issues in school counseling, best practice in school counselor training and practice including ASCA model implementation, as well as enhancing advocacy and multicultural competencies within school counselors. A key component of her work centers around collaboration with practicing school counselors, local school districts and stakeholders at the state level.
SESSION I
2:30pm-3:30pm

Creative Lesson Planning

Discover the secrets to creating effective and engaging lesson plans! We’ll learn the art of crafting impactful lessons that captivate your students' attention. Gain valuable strategies for boosting student engagement and ensuring your message is conveyed clearly. Get ready to fall in love with your lesson plans as you are provided with practical tips and techniques to make your teaching experience more rewarding than ever before for your students.
Presenter
Carol Miller
School Counselor and Creator of Carol Miller Counseling Essentials

School Counselor Growth Rubric: In Theory and Practice

This presentation will provide an overview and review of the Professional School Counselors Growth Rubric with specific examples. Presenters will then walk counselors through the rubric using real-world examples.
Presenter
Carmen Taylor
Jackson Public Schools

Tamika Harris
Counselor
Jim Hill High School
Jackson Public Schools

Dr. LeSian Davis
Director of Counseling Services
Jackson Public Schools

Let Me Check Your Pulse: Trauma-Informed Behavior Challenges

For child survivors of trauma, the pandemic only compounded the level of stress, trauma, loss, and adversity already plaguing this generation. Children and adolescents have endured loss and traumatic experiences similar to adults. However, their development and comprehension of their experiences can add additional barriers to their healing processes. This session will cover a trauma-informed approach and how trauma affects or relationship with others. We will address the unique factors children and adolescents carry that impact their responses to trauma.
Presenter
Jimmie C. Keaton
Jackson Public Schools

Building Relationships: Fostering Staff Morale Throughout the Year

This presentation will explain the benefits of building positive relationships between counselors and other school personnel and how fostering staff morale positively impacts the school’s culture, climate, as well as student achievement. The presentation will incorporate a comprehensive look at how to plan the school year with morale and support for staff in mind and will include examples of activities (staff and school-wide,) as well as sample calendars that can be adapted for use by other school counselors.
Presenter
Brittany Peresich
School Counselor
Colmer Middle School/Pascagoula-Gautier School District

TaLaceia Lamb
School Counselor
Colmer Middle School/Pascagoula-Gautier School District
SESSION II
3:50pm-4:50pm

AutPlay Therapy: Play Therapy with Neurodiverse Students

Join in for an interactive and informative session concerning meeting the needs of neurodivergent students in your school. You will leave with concrete knowledge, skills, and tools to implement immediately in your individual/ group sessions.

  1. The participants will gain background knowledge of AutPlay Therapy and the theoretical underpinnings and research behind the AutPlay framework.
  2. The participants will learn to recognize children who could benefit from AutPlay Therapy.
  3. The participants will leave the session with strategies to add to their counseling toolbox to meet the needs of all students in their school.
Presenter
Belinda Tutor, EdS., LPC, NCC, SB-RPT
School Counselor
Itawamba County Schools

School Counselors can do VIRTUALLY anything

In a post COVID era, we have used technology in a way that has allowed us to be cutting edge, responsive, and deliberate in delivering direct and indirect services. Utilize Google Classroom to engage students in weekly/monthly content based on the Social Emotional Learning Standards. We are able to keep students informed of national campaigns and communicate school initiatives to the student body and staff. We also create digital QR Codes to have students check in or request to see the counselor. We also use this feature to track students.
Presenter
Kimberly Ray
Lamar County School District

LaDonna Townsend, NCC, NCSC

Treenecia Garraway, NCC, NCSC

Urgency of School Counselors' and Principals' Collaboration

What is impeding school counselors and principals from working effectively together? Research shows communication, trust/ respect, and collaborative planning are issues that thru mitigation of challenges can make meaningful differences for students. Differences could include promotion to the next grade, improvement of attendance, academic performance of students, or increase of graduation rates. With counselors and principals collaborating, more data-driven decisions can be made as well as equitable advocacy for ALL students.
Presenter
Charlotte Christian
North MS Education Consortium / MS NISL

FENTANYL: FAKE AND FATAL

Fentanyl is now the #1 cause of death in America for 18 - 45 years of age. The fastest growing age demographic in America for fentanyl poisoning and death is now 14 years of age and younger. It’s no longer a drug that is killing addicts. It’s a weapon of mass destruction destroying a generation. Awareness is not enough; we must provide comprehensive education. This session will teach attendees exactly how to do that.
Presenter
Michael Deleon
Steered Straight

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3

SESSION III
10:30am-11:30am

Computer Science Legislation: How counselors can help districts comply

This session will answer the question, "Why Computer Science?" and outline the important role counselors play in meeting the computer science legislation. Additionally, the typical stereotypes about computer science and the importance of changing the mindset around which students should be placed in computer science classes will be addressed.
Presenter
Amanda Taylor
Center for Cyber Education, Mississippi State University

Utilizing Art therapy in the Comprehensive Counseling Program

Participants will learn how to incorporate Art Therapy into their comprehensive counseling program. Several user-friendly techniques/projects will be discussed and demonstrated through hands-on experiences.
Presenter
Amber Combs
Franklin County School District

The Perfect Mirror: A Neurodivergent Counselor for a Neurodiverse School

While school counselor training programs try to prepare future school counselors to deal with the issues faced by modern students, they do not do enough to prepare future counselors to deploy their expertise in aid of students with special needs. Over the course of the presentation, I will give my background and discuss the history of Innova Prep. Second, I will highlight the challenges of being a first year school counselor with autism in a school exclusively for neurodiverse students. Lastly, I will present some ideas about how we can better prepare counselors for this kind of work.
Presenter
Ryan Turner
Innova Preparatory School

Zachary Murphy

Vaping Me Crazy!

Do you know what a Vape Cup Is?

The complete misunderstood fixation of the Vape and use of marijuana, nicotine, and fentanyl by adolescents and the susceptibility of the adolescent brain to these dangerous stimulants.

What are the systemic dangers to the brain and body that is completely underestimated and the Tri-Fecta Gateway of Nicotine, Alcohol and Marijuana.

This session discusses the issues facing educators in the classroom with vaping (which now includes fentanyl) and learning. It covers the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms, language and what is happening among youth with vaping, fentanyl, and marijuana.
Presenter
Michael Deleon
Steered Straight
SESSION IV
1:00pm-2:00pm

Turning Ordinary Materials Into Extraordinary Counseling Resources

Unlock the potential of everyday objects in your counseling practice! In this session, we will explore creative ways to transform ordinary materials into extraordinary counseling resources. Discover how simple items such as art supplies, toys, and household objects can be repurposed to facilitate meaningful therapeutic activities and interventions. Gain practical tips and innovative ideas for incorporating these resources into your counseling sessions, promoting engagement, self-expression, and emotional growth. Don't miss this opportunity to maximize your toolkit and unleash your creativity as we explore the endless possibilities of turning everyday materials into powerful counseling tools.
Presenter
Carol Miller
School Counselor and Creator of Carol Miller Counseling Essentials

Powerful Student Support Practices

Counselors and administrators can team together to lead for student success by leveraging SREB’s Powerful Student Support Practices as an effective strategy for aligning practices to comprehensive results.  Participants will learn how their school teams can keep student success at the forefront of improvement efforts by exploring sets of success behaviors and artifacts for students, teachers, counselors, and administrators, and how they work collaboratively to empower faculty, staff, and students.
Presenter
Philippa Whitfield
Southern Regional Education Board

Building a Queen (or King!): A Holistic Small Group Approach

A comprehensive small group approach that integrates small group counseling, community service and peer-to-peer mentoring. This session aims to empower and provide the blueprint for educators to build a small group program that has shown to increase student’s resiliency, self-awareness, leadership and communication skills.
Presenter
Quinandria Lee
Wake County Public School System

What You Need to Know About the New FAFSA

Major changes are being implemented for the 2024-2025 FAFSA cycle! Come hear about all these changes and be prepared to work together in small groups to plan a strategy that will work best for your students and their families.
Presenter
Shannon Grimsley
Woodward Hines Education Foundation-Get2College

Brian Thomas
Director of the Jackson Get2College Office,

Kimberly Trosclair
Director of the Ocean Springs Get2College Office

Daniela Griffin
Director of the Southaven Get2College Office

Brandi Lyndall
Director of Gear Up Outreach
SESSION V
2:10pm-3:10pm

How to Pitch Your Boss on Your Crazy Idea

Facing a roadblock with your innovative idea? "How to Pitch Your Boss on Your Crazy Idea" will arm you with strategies to advocate for your vision effectively. This breakout session tackles the disconnect between ideation and implementation, helping you communicate your 'out-of-the-box' proposals compellingly and convincingly. Join Jeff Becker, a seasoned counselor and entrepreneur, as he shares proven techniques to articulate your ideas, validate your role, and overcome the inertia of 'business-as-usual'. Discover the power of persuasion, and leave equipped to turn your 'crazy ideas' into reality.
Presenter
Jeff Becker
Founder, In Control SEL
Former School Counselor

Changing the School Culture through Trauma-Infomed Classrooms

Professional School Counselors have become the cultural curators of their schools. They have the responsibility of ensuring teachers, staff, and stakeholders have an understanding of why trauma-informed classrooms produce positive student outcomes. This presentation will focus on trauma-informed classroom strategies that assist in creating a culture which nurtures the social and emotional wellness of all students. Participants will learn how to provide stakeholders with trauma-informed strategies that will produce systemic change and create a culture that enhances the learning environment for all students. 
Presenter
Tajuana Williams, Ed.S., LPC-S
Director of Mental Health Services
DeSoto County Schools

Tamra Walendzik, M.Ed., LCSW
School Counselor
Desoto Central High School

Everybody Talking About College Ain't Going

One of the primary purposes of school counseling is to assist students in planning their careers. Current processes in school counseling are geared towards highlighting the benefits of pursuing college or a skill trade program after high school. Despite that information, for many students, high school graduation will still be their final stop. The current postsecondary advising process does not offer resources for counselors to assist students who will not choose to attend college or pursue a trade. This workshop will express the overall importance of offering career guidance services to this population of students. During this session, attendees will work to identify businesses and occupations that offer primary sector employment so that school counselors can assist students in selecting employers and occupations that offer long-term employment, livable wages, opportunities for growth and advancement, health insurance, retirement, and employee benefits.
Presenter
Elisabeth Ward Weston
Callaway High School--Jackson Public Schools

How Major is Your Clarity?

This presentation will provide an overview of Major Clarity by PAPER platform. School Counselors and other Counselor Educators will learn tools to assist students in building a digital guide based on their individual interests. It will simplify the process of students pursuing a post-secondary education or entering the workforce.
Presenter
Verneatha Corey
Jackson Public Schools

Tonnett James
School Counselor
Jackson Public Schools (Powell Middle School)

Ebonie Butler-Cheeks
School Counselor
Jackson Public Schools (Forest Hill High School)

Tabatha Kenney
School Counselor
Jackson Public Schools (Career Development Center)
SESSION VI
3:40pm-4:40pm

Selective College Admissions: a View from Mississippi

This presentation is a brief overview of the current state of selective and highly selective admissions in the US, and the specific ramifications and opportunities nationally for Mississippi students.
Presenter
Malika M. Lindsay
Director of College Counseling
Jackson Preparatory School

Hunter Upchurch
Co-Director of College Counseling
Jackson Preparatory School

School-Based Play Therapy: Why, What, and How

Participants will be introduced to the nuts and bolts of school-based play therapy including:
  • Why-developmental, therapeutic, and empirical rationale for use of play in therapy;
  • What-is play therapy; and
  • How-application of play therapy in practice within a school setting.
Presenter
Dr. Chancey Fort

Dr. Valerie Jenkins

*EVERYBODY CLAP YOUR HANDS*: A Black History Month Initiative!

Let’s move past our schools having an isolated Black History Month program on February 28 every year and create an interactive program that celebrates Black history and culture consistently throughout the month of February. In this session, you will be given the tools to build a BHM initiative that allows space for all students to celebrate Black history, culture, music, dance and food through weekly activities and facilitated discussions. You will have your students saying, “this was lit, I’ll be back next week!”
Presenter
Quinandria Lee
Wake County Public School System

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

SESSION VII
8:30am-9:30am

Stories Matter

Presenter
Kanesha Adams
Bearapy Bookshelf

Are You Ramp Ready? Do you want to be?

To date 5 schools in Mississippi have earned Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) status. Is your school next? This session is for school counselors who want to learn more about the RAMP process and how it has evolved. Session participants will also learn important tips and resources to successfully apply for the RAMP designation from a RAMP reviewer. Whether you are just trying to figure out if you want to work toward RAMP designation or you are well on the way to applying, this session will help you along your way.
Presenter
Crystal Brewer
Simpson Central School

There's No Such Thing as a "Bad" Kid

As counselors, we have many different responsibilities! The responsibility that I am most passionate about is being an Advocate. I am here for ALL students. As a society, there are some people that we love to hate. And in a school environment, EVERYONE can get caught up in talking about "THAT" kid... You know... The "BAD" kid. You probably just thought of a kid who fits that at your school. We will discuss causes for misbehavior; we will examine our own beliefs about maladaptive behavior; and we will collaborate about how to advocate for "THAT" kid.
Presenter
Kristel Thrash
Kosciusko School District

Listen Up! State Financial Aid Updates and New Program Info

The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid will provide updates on the state's student financial aid programs, including the newly created Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Scholarship program for high school students. SFA will answer questions about the FAITH Scholarship for foster youth, the HELP Grant, MTAG, MESG, and the MAAPP.
Presenter
Jennifer Rogers
Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid
SESSION VIII
10:00am-11:00am

The Big Bad "B" Word

Tired of the angry emails and phone calls? Tired of parents and schools being at odds? Tired of all of the social division creeping into schools without a way to handle it? Tired of EVERYTHING being called "bullying"? Tired of the "same old same old" not working? Chris will show you the simple, fun, laugh-out-loud methods to help unite schools and parents, and help students achieve unbelievable growth in social emotional learning and resilience.
Presenter
Chris Scheufele
Chris in the Classroom

The Journey to SCOY

Presenter
Crystal Brewer

Ebonee Magee-Dorsey

Suzanne Stokes

Belinda Tutor

How to Become Nationally Board Certified, A Step By Step Guide

This presentation will cover the essentials of pursuing National Board Certification. We will explore the barriers, the process, the NCE, and the benefits of becoming a National Certified School Counselor. Study materials and required fees will also be discussed. With three of the four school counselors on our campus who have recently obtained National Board Certification, we are confident that we can encourage and motivate school counselors to initiate and complete the process.
Presenter
Treenecia Garraway
Lamar County School District- OakGrove Middle School

Kimberly Ray

LaDonna Townsend

What You Need to Know About the New FAFSA

Major changes are being implemented for the 2024-2025 FAFSA cycle! Come hear about all these changes and be prepared to work together in small groups to plan a strategy that will work best for your students and their families.
Presenter
Shannon Grimsley
Woodward Hines Education Foundation-Get2College

Brian Thomas
Director of the Jackson Get2College Office

Kimberly Trosclair
Director of the Ocean Springs Get2College Office

Daniela Griffin
Director of the Southaven Get2College Office

Brandi Lyndall
Director of Gear Up Outreach

TOTAL CEUs: 1.4 (14 contact hours)