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• Real Talk: Race, equity, and affirming lives IDEA microcredential

  • Start
    22 Jan 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • End
    26 Feb 2026
  •  
    12:15 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Register

  MASCA is pleased to offer our first Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) microcredential focused on supporting and advocating for racial and gender diverse students.  Over the seven virtual sessions participants will discuss topics such as:
  

  • Being comfortable with being uncomfortable when discussing race and gender identity with students;
  • Exploring how identity impacts our biases and responses to oppression and stereotyping;
    
  • Exploring the intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation and how they connect with school culture, professional practice, pedagogy, and student and staff relationships;
  • Determining roles in examining oppression; and
    
  • Teaching students skills on how to process methods of addressing reactions to microaggressions and incidents of racism.

  There will be seven virtual meetings from 11:00-12:15 on the following days:

  • Session I - Thursday, November 20 - Johnny Cole - Discussing race with students and how identity impacts our biases and responses to oppression.
  • Session II - Thursday, December 4 - De'Shawn Washington - Creating opportunities for meaningful and planned discussions around race.
  • Session III - Wednesday, December 17 - Jazzmyn Rodrigues - Teaching students skills to process reactions to microaggressions and racism incidents.
  • Session IV - Thursday, January 8 - Anjali Deshpande - Explore intersectionality of race, gender and sexual orientation and how that impacts school culture and relationships.
  • Session V - Thursday, January 22 - Malcolm Andrews - Discussing gender identity with students and how identity impacts our biases.
  • Session VI - Thursday, February 5 - Anjali Deshpande - Creating opportunities for meaningful and planned discussions around gender identity.
  • Session VII - Thursday, February 26 - Tom Schiff - Teaching students skills to process reactions to microaggressions and gender identity incidents.

  While we encourage everyone to attend each virtual session synchronously, we know that is not always possible.  Therefore each session will be recorded and made available only to participating registrants for the microcredential. Participants who attend all seven sessions (or watch the recordings) and complete appropriate pre and post assignments, will be eligible to earn a minimum 10 PDPs and earn a MASCA Microcredential for IDEA.  Ten CEs are also available for an additional cost.

  If you have any questions please contact Bob Bardwell, Executive Director.

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• January 27 Middle Level SIG Meeting

  • When
    27 Jan 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    via zoom

  January 27 Meeting Agenda - Lisa Harney from MA DESE will speak about the middle school MyCAP.

  Pre-register here.

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• The Compass: Ethics Symposium & Microcredential II

  • Start
    27 Jan 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • End
    04 Jun 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Register

  The Compass: Ethics Symposium & Microcredential II

  MASCA’s Ethics Committee is excited announce its second microcredential offering.  The Compass: Ethics Symposium & Microcredential II will provide registered MASCA members with high-quality, relevant, timely and interactive content pertaining to topics that often involve legal and ethical challenges and conundrums.  Each session will include a brief overview of the topic, augmented with case studies, and time for small group discussion and debate. The ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors will be used to ground our discussion, providing us the compass we need in order to navigate the gray situations that we face in our profession.  Upon completion of the symposium, you will feel empowered to make decisions with confidence regarding the array of ethical challenges we face daily.  Participants who attend all 10 sessions (or watch the recordings) and complete appropriate pre and post assignments, will be eligible to earn a minimum 10 PDPs and earn a MASCA Microcredential for Ethics.  10 CEs are also available for an additional cost.

  NOTE: This symposium is open to all participants, regardless whether you participated in Ethics Symposium I during the 24-25 school year.  The concepts do not build on each other, but rather, are discreet learning units. We look forward to you joining us!

  The series will run roughly once a month from November to June, on varying Tuesdays (with one exception as noted) from 11:00-12:00 via zoom.

  $50 for all 10 sessions for members; $105 for non-members (which includes membership). Additional $100 for the 10 CEs.  

  The 2025-26 dates and topics are:

  2025-2026 DATES	TOPIC
  November 18	The Ethical Decision Making Model
  December 9	The Cyberspace World as a Counselor
  January 13	Diplomacy
  January 27	Negligence
  February 10	Case Law: Navigating Local, State, and Federal Law
  March 3	Individual & Small Group Counseling
  March 31	Sexual Harassment
  April 14	Violence & Threat Assessment
  May 19	DEI: Diversity Fellows Present
  June 4 (Thursday)	Ethics and Advocacy

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• January 27 Governing Board Meeting

  • When
    27 Jan 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

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• January 29 Counseling Directors SIG

  • When
    29 Jan 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

  
  

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• January 30 Secondary SIG meeting

  • When
    30 Jan 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  The Secondary SIG is excited to host its next meeting on Friday, January 30 from 9:00-10:00 AM via zoom.  Kaylen Overway, Assistant Director of High School Review at the NCAA Eligibility, will provide an overview of the NCAA Eligibility process for Division I & II college athletes.  The presentation will feature best practices for school counselors. We will build off of the information in A High School Counselor's Tutorial to the NCAA Eligibility Center. We recommend completing this free course prior to the webinar. There will be plenty of time for questions about information covered in the course and any additional questions you may have.

  To participate in the meeting you must pre-register here.

  
  

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• Understanding the various roles of the School Mental Health Team

  • When
    02 Feb 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  This one-hour virtual panel presentation is designed to help participants better understand the similarities and differences of the three major school-based mental health professional roles - school counselor, school adjustment counselor/social worker, and school psychologist. During this session, speakers will explain the distinct yet collaborative roles for each position. Attendees will learn how each role contributes to students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral achievement and success, and how families and staff can best access and partner with these providers.

  Speakers:

  Sugeily Santos, School Counselor, Curley K-8 School, Boston

  Nyki Clark, School Adjustment Counselor, Gardner High School

  Andrew Nickerson, School Psychologist, Narragansett Regional High School 

  You must pre-register here

  
  

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• A virtual Tour of CSCORE

  • When
    02 Feb 2026
  •  
    2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  A virtual Tour of CSCORE via zoom - 2:30-3:15

  The UM Ronald H. Fredrickson Center for School Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation -  CSCORE is “dedicated to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for all children by identifying and developing research-based and effective school counseling practices”.

  Presented by Claudia Smith, Ed.S. and CSCORE Fellow, UMASS Amherst

  You must pre-register here.

  
  

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• Got Attendance Issues? Leveraging School Counselors to Improve Attendance Rates

  • When
    03 Feb 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    33 Forge Parkway, Franklin MA

  Got Attendance Issues? Leveraging School Counselors to   Improve Attendance Rates

  Tuesday, February 3, 8:30-11:30, @MSAA, 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin. Presented by Bob Bardwell, Executive Director, MASCA.  $30 for school counselors and includes breakfast

  School districts across the country are struggling with the increased number of students who are labeled as chronically absent, meaning they miss more than 10% (typically 18+ days) of the school year. The growing number of students is primarily caused by the pandemic but also is because of more and more mental health challenges faced by our students today. This session will focus on how school counselors, along with school administrators, can move the needle to improve attendance rates. Participants will learn about the root causes of chronic absenteeism and hear about specific strategies that schools can implement to assist chronically absent students get to school, such as warning systems, family engagement tactics, and community partnerships. We will also share best practices and resources, and everyone will leave the session with an action plan to implement upon return to their schools/communities

  Workshop Goals/Objectives:

  • Define chronic absenteeism and its effects on student achievement and
    well-being
  • Examine the root causes, including the pandemic's impact and rising mental health challenges
  • Identify evidence-based strategies that effectively improve student attendance
  • Discuss collaboration between school counselors and administrators to reduce absenteeism
  • Learn how to build relationships and create school environments that support consistent attendance
  • Discover strategies to support students struggling with attendance due to mental health and other barriers
  • Create a tailored action plan to address chronic absenteeism in participants’ schools and districts

  Registration questions: Contact Victoria Ellison, vellison@msaa.net.

  Register here

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• NSCW North Shore Meet Up

  • When
    03 Feb 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Location
    Dave & Busters, Woburn

  NSCW North Shore Meet Up

  Time: - 4:00-6:30 PM

  Dave & Busters, 271 Mishawum Road    Woburn, MA 01801

  Contact: Kathi Moody or Lauren Gee 

  
  

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• NSCW Metro Boston Meet Up

  • When
    03 Feb 2026
  •  
    4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Location
    Tempo Restaurant

  NSCW Metro Boston Meet Up
  Time: 4:30-6:30 PM

  Tempo Restaurant

  474 Moody St, Waltham, MA 02453 

  Contact: Jacki Lundstrum

  
  

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• BE THE CHANGE - Advocacy & Leadership Workshop

  • When
    04 Feb 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    Massachusetts State House

  Register

  Join us in celebrating National School Counseling Week and learn how you can be an agent of change for your students and the school counseling profession. This day-long professional learning and advocacy workshop is designed to strengthen school counselors’ leadership skills and deepen understanding of current legislative issues impacting students and schools.

  
  

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• NSCW Central Mass. Meet Up

  • When
    04 Feb 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Clark University, Worcester

  NSCW Central Mass. Meet Up
  Time: 5:00-7:00 PM
  Location & Sponsor:
  Clark University, Worcester
  (Dinner Included)

  Registration Required

  Limited seating
  Register here.

  
  

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• NSCW Cape & Islands Meet Up

  • When
    04 Feb 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Sam Diego's, Hyannis

  NSCW Cape & Islands Meet Up

  Time:  5:00 PM

   Sam Diego's, Hyannis

  sponsored by UTI

  Contact Sean Kingman to register

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• NSCW Berkshire County Meet Up

  • When
    05 Feb 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Location
    Taconic High School, Pittsfield

  NSCW Berkshire County Meet Up
  Time: 8:00-9:00AM
  Taconic High School, Pittsfield

  Register here
  

  Contact Josh Mendel 

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• VIRTUAL OFFICE BINGO

  • When
    05 Feb 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  VIRTUAL OFFICE BINGO 

   8:30 AM or 11:00 AM

  Celebrate NSCW with a fun round of Virtual Office Bingo! Connect with colleagues, enjoy school counseling–themed prompts, and show appreciation for the amazing work our counselors do. Play along from anywhere, have some fun and win prizes and bragging rights! Each session will be the same and  last no more than 15 minutes.
  Join here for either session.

  
  

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• NSCW South Shore/Coast Meet Up

  • When
    05 Feb 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Stoneforge, Raynham

  NSCW South Coast/South Shore Meet Up

  Time: 4:00-6:00 PM

  Stoneforge, 

  90 Paramount Drive

  Raynham, MA 02767

  sponsored by UTI

  Contact Jen McGuire or Ali Robidoux to register

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• NSCW Pioneer Valley Meet Up

  • When
    05 Feb 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    110 Grille, Holyoke

  NSCW Pioneer Valley Meet Up

  Time: - 4:00-6:00 PM

  Location: 110 Grille, 50 Holyoke Street, Holyoke MA 01040

  Contact: Kelly Larcheveque or Tama Lang

  
  

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• MASCA’s Annual Virtual Awards Gala

  • When
    05 Feb 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  MASCA’s  Annual Virtual Awards Gala 
  

  Time: 7:00 - 8:00 PM - Zoom

  Join in for this special celebration as we recognize our 2026 honorees. 

  • School Counselor of the Year
  • Administrator of the Year
  • Rising Star Award
  • MASCA Counselor Educator of the Year
  • Leadership Award
  • Graduate Student of the Year
  • Counseling Intern of the Year
  • MASCA Special Award
  • Excellence in School Counseling Program Award
  • *NEW* Social Justice Award

  REGISTRATION LINK

  No pre-registration is necessary.

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• Friday Reset: Building Empathy Through Mindfulness

  • When
    06 Feb 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Friday Reset: Building Empathy Through Mindfulness

  Presented by Chris Soverow, Certified Life Coach, Mindfulness Practitioner and retired School Counselor

  As the week winds down and your to-do list is still doing the most, you are invited to gift yourself 30 minutes to pause, breathe, and reset before the weekend begins.

  You will experience mindfulness practices created especially for school counselors—no experience needed, no fixing required, and no expectations beyond showing up as you are.

  Today’s practice supports a deeper sense of connection with yourself and others, while strengthening empathy, emotional regulation, and presence. This session aligns with the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors, which emphasize the importance of self-care to maintain wellness, effectiveness, and ethical practice.

  What to expect:

  • Gentle, guided mindfulness

  • Space to release the week

  • A chance to reconnect and feel grounded

  • A calm, intentional transition into Friday afternoon (and the weekend!)

  Think of this as a small but meaningful way to honor the incredible work you do—because taking care of yourself is not an extra, it’s essential.

  Bring your coffee, your tea, or just yourself! Put away your phone and turn off reminders.

  Pre-register here

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• NSCW Boston Meet Up

  • When
    06 Feb 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Museum of Fine Arts

  NSCW Boston Meet Up 

  Time: 4:00-6:00 PM

  Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston

  RSVP is required.  Contact Rashaun Martin to register by January 30.

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• February 9 Elementary SIG Meeting

  • When
    09 Feb 2026
  •  
    3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

  You must pre-register here.

  Show details
• February 11 SAC/SSW SIG Meeting

  • When
    11 Feb 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    via zoom

  February 11 Meeting Agenda - TBA

  Pre-register here.

  Show details
• March 4 Retirees SIG

  • When
    04 Mar 2026
  •  
    3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Show details
• March 17 Governing Board Meeting

  • When
    17 Mar 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Sheraton Framingham

  Agenda - TBA

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• Build Data Confidence in Two Hours: Learn It, Try It, Use It

  • When
    17 Mar 2026
  •  
    12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    Sheraton Framingham

  Register

  Looking for free school counselor specific data training?  In this in-person workshop, learn step-by-step how to find and work with data to support your goals. We’ll explore public data on student attendance, achievement, discipline, school climate, postsecondary success, and more available in the E2C Hub. We’ll show you how filter the data by student groups and create your own custom charts to draw new insights about your school’s programs and performance. We’ll also talk about how you can discover key student-level data using powerful tools available in your district. Bring your laptop, and come ready to learn it, try it, use it!

  This training will occur immediately after the close of the annual spring conference.  Anyone can attend.  You do not have to attend the conference to attend the workshop but encourage you to do both.
  

  
  

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• April 8 SAC/SSW SIG Meeting

  • When
    08 Apr 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    via zoom

  April 8 Meeting Agenda - TBA

  Pre-register here.

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• April 13 Elementary SIG Meeting

  • When
    13 Apr 2026
  •  
    3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

  You must pre-register here.

  Show details
• May 11 Elementary SIG Meeting

  • When
    11 May 2026
  •  
    3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

  You must pre-register here.

  Show details
• June 4 Counseling Directors SIG

  • When
    04 Jun 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

  You must pre-register here.

  Show details
• June 10 Governing Board Meeting

  • When
    10 Jun 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

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• MASCA’s School Counselor Summer Camp - Counselors in the Wild

  • Start
    21 Jul 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    23 Jul 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • Location
    Bridgewater State University

  Register

  MASCA’s School Counseling Summer Camp (SC²)

  Counselors in the Wild
  

  July 21 - 23, 2026

  Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA

  Join your school counseling colleagues for MASCA's fourth annual School Counselor Summer Camp (SC²). 

  This three-day summer camp experience will include plenty of opportunities for learning, networking and fun, including a big chunk of time on Wednesday afternoon/evening on your own.  The program will include thought provoking keynote speakers, breakout sessions, small groups and incredible food options, including a reception and dinner sponsored by the admission office on campus.

  22 PDP's will be provided to participants.  CEs will also be available for an additional cost

  COST: 

  The registration cost includes six meals (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 1 dinner), double occupancy air-conditioned housing for two nights (single room is $150 extra) and access to all speakers and curriculum materials.

  Early bird - before May 1:  $400

  Regular - May 2 - June 26:  $475

  Single room +75 per night or $150 for the two nights

  No housing - registration only - $250

  $100 fee will be assessed if cancelled before July 21.

  
  

  QUESTIONS: - Please contact Amanda Ugrinow, Conference Chair or Bob Bardwell, Executive Director

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• MASCA’s SC Summer Camp - Counselors in the Wild - Continuing Education registration

  • Start
    21 Jul 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    23 Jul 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • Location
    Bridgewater State University

  Register

  MASCA’s School Counseling Summer Camp (SC²)

  Counselors in the Wild
  

  July 21 - 23, 2026

  Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA

  Earn up to 9 Continuing Education for $45 (summer special, half off the regular fee)

  
  

  QUESTIONS: Bob Bardwell, Executive Director

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