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• Fall 2024 Book Club - 1st Meeting

  • Start
    20 Nov 2024
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    05 Dec 2024
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Viz zoom

  MASCA BOOK CLUB RETURNS THIS FALL

  This year the #MASCAReads Book Club is again partnering with the MASCA Professional Development Committee to offer 20 PDPs for 2 book studies.  

  The first book will be studied from October through December 2024 and the second book will run from January through April 2024.  Each book can earn you 10 PDPs by completing the following:

  1.    Read the book.

  2.    Register to participate in the Fall Book Club book
  

  3.    Attend 2 Book Club meetings to discuss the book.

  4.    Attend 1 additional Book Club meeting with the author.

  Additional PDPs can be earned by completing a learning task that will be announced at the first meeting.

  For the time period of October 2024 - December 2024, we will be reading Connections Over Compliance: Rewiring Our Perceptions of Discipline by Lori Desautels, Ph.D.  One reviewer writes, “this book is truly an essential tool for [anyone] … who wants to understand behavior and know how to help children connect, heal, and move into a positive life trajectory.”

  The Zoom meeting links are as follows:

  • Wed. Oct. 23, 20240 - 4pm – 5pm (EDT) – You must pre-register here.
  • Wed. Nov. 20, 2024 - 4pm – 5pm (EST) – You must pre-register here.
  • Thu. Dec. 5, 2024 - 4pm – 5pm (EST) – You must pre-register here.

  The second book (title TBD) will be read between January 2025 through April 2025.

  If you have any questions regarding the Book Club, please contact one of the Book Club co-coordinators, Shanelle Fernandez and Ben Greenwood.

  Sincerely,

  Shanelle Fernandez & Ben Greenwood
  

  Book Club Coordinators

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• Navigating the Grey: MASCA’s Legal & Ethical Monthly Symposium

  • Start
    03 Dec 2024
  • End
    03 Jun 2025
  • Location
    Via Zoom

  Register

  Navigating the Grey: MASCA’s Legal & Ethical Monthly Symposium

  Transform Your Practice Through Expert-Led Ethical Decision Making

  Are you facing increasingly complex ethical situations in your role as a school counselor? Join MASCA's innovative virtual symposium series designed to strengthen your decision-making skills and expand your professional toolkit.  

  Program Overview

  Dive deep into pressing ethical challenges through this dynamic, interactive workshop series. Each monthly session creates a collaborative learning environment where you'll:

  • Explore real-world case studies relevant to today's school counseling landscape
  • Engage in facilitated small-group discussions with peers
  • Learn from experienced presenters on specialized topics
  • Build a stronger foundation in ethical decision-making

  Series Details

  • Dates & topics listed below
  • Time:  11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
  • Format: Virtual via Zoom
  • Investment: $50 for the complete series (members) and $90 (non-members)

  Dates and Topics

  DATE	TOPIC
  Nov 26	Artificial Intelligence
  Dec 3	College Admissions
  Dec 17	Dual Relationships & Professional Boundaries
  Jan 14	Underage drugs, sex, consent
  Feb 11	Parental rights
  March 4	Race
  March 18	DCF and external agencies or providers
  April 15	Special Education/504s/Testing
  May 13	Confidentiality
  June 3	LGBTQ+ Gender

  *Please note that there will be an additional 2 hours of assigned asynchronous work, to be outlined during the course, in order to earn the 10 PDPs

  Earn While You Learn

  • Qualify for a minimum of 10 Professional Development Points (PDPs)
  • Receive MASCA's specialized Microcredential in Ethical Practice
  • Access session recordings for flexible learning
  • Gain valuable resources through the Counselor's Notebook

  Program Leadership

  Expertly coordinated by MASCA's Ethics Committee in collaboration with our Executive Director and Professional Development Chair, ensuring high-quality, relevant content aligned with current professional standards.

  Why Participate?

  • Address real ethical challenges you face daily
  • Build confidence in handling complex situations
  • Network with colleagues facing similar challenges
  • Access ongoing resources and support
  • Contribute to the broader counseling community through shared learning

  Registration Includes

  • Access to all live sessions
  • Session recordings for flexible viewing
  • Pre and post-session materials
  • Small group discussion opportunities
  • Certificate of completion
  • Microcredential upon meeting all requirements

  I'm interested, but what if I can't make all the sessions?

  • Not to worry!  While live sessions are always more engaging, dynamic, and interactive, the sessions will be recorded and available online for you to view if you need to miss a session.  Please note that a check-in (to be described at the first session) will be required to verify completion of a recorded session.  

  Join us in this transformative professional development opportunity designed specifically for school counselors who seek to elevate their ethical practice.

  Space is limited. Register today to secure your spot in this comprehensive professional development series.

  
  

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• MASCA Governing Board Meeting

  • When
    04 Dec 2024
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

  Questions - Email Bob Bardwell - executivedirector@masca.org.

  Show details
• December 5 Counseling Directors SIG Meeting

  • When
    05 Dec 2024
  •  
    3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Level Up Your Ethical Decision-Making Skills 

  As school counseling leaders, we make countless decisions every day. Join us on Thursday, December 5 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM to learn how to navigate ethical dilemmas with confidence. Mindy Cripps and other members of MASCA’s Ethics Committee will share their expertise on the ASCA Ethical Decision-Making Model and lead in some group ethical case studies.

  To join the December 5 meeting, you must pre-register here.

  Contact Carol Cohen or Megan Clougherty, SIG Co-leaders with any questions or agenda suggestions.

  The spring Counseling Directors SIG virtual meeting will be on March 13 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

   

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• December 9 LGBTQ+ Affinity Group Meeting

  • When
    09 Dec 2024
  •  
    4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Join the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group for MASCA school counselors on Monday, December 9 from 4:30-5:30 PM!  
  
  Are you an LGBTQ+ school counselor seeking a safe and supportive space to connect with like-minded professionals? Join MASCA's LGBTQ+ Affinity Group!
  
  Our Mission:

  • To create a welcoming and inclusive community for LGBTQ+ school counselors.
  • To provide opportunities for professional development and networking.
  • To advocate for LGBTQ+ students and promote equity and inclusion.

  
  What to Expect:

  • Engaging Discussions: Participate in thought-provoking conversations about the unique challenges and opportunities facing LGBTQ+ school counselors.
  • Peer Support: Connect with other LGBTQ+ counselors who understand your experiences and can offer support and advice.
  • Professional Development: Learn strategies for creating inclusive school environments, addressing LGBTQ+ student needs, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Social Connection: create community and a strong support network.

  
  Join us on December 9th at 4:30 PM for our second meeting of the year!  You must pre-register here.

  Didn't come to the first meeting?  No problem!  We welcome you to join us.  
  
  Note:  While we are grateful for MASCA's LGBTQ+ allies and supporters, this affinity group is only open to those who identify as LGBTQ+. 

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• December 11 SAC/SSW (School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker) SIG Meeting

  • When
    11 Dec 2024
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA
  
  

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• December 18 Counselors of Color Affinity Group

  • When
    18 Dec 2024
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Agenda TBA
  

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• January 8 SAC/SSW (School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker) SIG Meeting

  • When
    08 Jan 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA
  
  

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• January 13 LGBTQ+ Affinity Group Meeting

  • When
    13 Jan 2025
  •  
    4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

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• January 16 Retirees SIG Meeting

  • When
    16 Jan 2025
  •  
    3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Retirees (and Aspiring Retirees!) SIG Meeting:

  January 16 – Getting Started with Genealogy – Speaker: Jessy Wheeler, Genealogy Specialist, Boston Public Library
  
  Pre-register here

  Save the Date - The last meetings this school year is scheduled for:

  • March 20 – Preparing for Retirement. Speaker TBA

  If you have any questions about the Retiree SIG, please reach out to one or both of us. 
  

  Anne Thidemann French
  

  Helen O'Donnell

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• January 28 Elementary SIG meeting

  • When
    28 Jan 2025
  •  
    3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda & Registration Link - TBA
  

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• January 29 Counselors of Color Affinity Group

  • When
    29 Jan 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Agenda TBA
  

  Show details
• 2025 National School Counseling Week

  • Start
    03 Feb 2025
  • End
    07 Feb 2025

  Celebrate National School Counseling Week!

  Details TBA.

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• February 10 LGBTQ+ Affinity Group Meeting

  • When
    10 Feb 2025
  •  
    4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

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• MASCA Governing Board Meeting

  • When
    11 Feb 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

  Questions - Email Bob Bardwell - executivedirector@masca.org.

  Show details
• February 12 SAC/SSW (School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker) SIG Meeting

  • When
    12 Feb 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA
  
  

  Show details
• February 26 Counselors of Color Affinity Group

  • When
    26 Feb 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Agenda TBA
  

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• March 10 LGBTQ+ Affinity Group Meeting

  • When
    10 Mar 2025
  •  
    4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

  Show details
• March 12 SAC/SSW (School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker) SIG Meeting

  • When
    12 Mar 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA
  
  

  Show details
• March 13 Counseling Directors SIG Meeting

  • When
    13 Mar 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Agenda TBA
  

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• March 20 Retirees SIG Meeting

  • When
    20 Mar 2025
  •  
    3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Retirees (and Aspiring Retirees!) SIG Meeting:

  March 20 – Preparing for Retirement. Speaker TBA

  Pre-register here
  

  If you have any questions about the Retiree SIG, please reach out to one or both of us. 
  

  Anne Thidemann French
  

  Helen O'Donnell

  Show details
• March 25 Elementary SIG meeting

  • When
    25 Mar 2025
  •  
    3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda & Registration Link - TBA
  

  Show details
• March 26 Counselors of Color Affinity Group

  • When
    26 Mar 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Agenda TBA
  

  Show details
• MASCA 2025 Annual Conference

  • Start
    06 Apr 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    08 Apr 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center, Framingham

  Annual Spring Conference

  Details can be found here
  

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• MASCA Governing Board Meeting

  • When
    08 Apr 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

  Questions - Email Bob Bardwell - executivedirector@masca.org.

  Show details
• April 14 LGBTQ+ Affinity Group Meeting

  • When
    14 Apr 2025
  •  
    4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

  Show details
• April 30 Counselors of Color Affinity Group

  • When
    30 Apr 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Agenda TBA
  

  Show details
• May 12 LGBTQ+ Affinity Group Meeting

  • When
    12 May 2025
  •  
    4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

  Show details
• May 27 Elementary SIG meeting

  • When
    27 May 2025
  •  
    3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda & Registration Link - TBA
  

  Show details
• May 28 Counselors of Color Affinity Group

  • When
    28 May 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    via zoom

  Agenda TBA
  

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• MASCA Governing Board Meeting

  • When
    03 Jun 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Via zoom

  Agenda - TBA

  Questions - Email Bob Bardwell - executivedirector@masca.org.

  Show details