"School Counselors...We Got the Beat!"
SDSCA - A Year in Review
By Andree Johnson
The theme for 2005-06 was "School Counselors...We Got the Beat!" As school counselors, we set the tone in our schools through programs that foster a genuine respect for differences, improve communication skills, and build self-esteem. Harmony is created when school counselors promote nonviolent or bully-free environments. Just as the maestro of a symphony tries to bring out the best in each musician and his instrument, counselors too are conductors, as everyday we try to bring out the best in each individual. This year the sound of school counselors resonated throughout the state and SDSCA can be proud of several accomplishments."School Counselors…We Definitely Got the Beat!"
In September, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, LA. News of the devastation rallied school counselors from around South Dakota. Counselors involved their schools in a variety of projects: nonperishable food items were collected at athletic events as admittance to the games; several elementary classrooms collected "Coins for Katrinas"; "Comfort Kits" (hygiene and baby items) were made for distribution by the American Red Cross; 50/50 lottery was held at volleyball matches; and "Hit Me With Your Best Shot", a pie throwing event raised funds for families. All proceeds from these events and many more around the state went to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The SDSCA newsletter went completely online this year with a new format. In order to determine viewer readership of the online newsletter, a "Hidden Message" campaign was conducted. After reading the newsletter, readers could email a board member with the SDSCA theme "School Counselor...We Got the Beat!" Everyone who responded had their name put into a drawing for two CD players/earphones. The drawing was held at the state conference in April; it was a fun way to determine the effectiveness of the new format.
Stacy Solsaa, the SDSCA Technology Coordinator, can be credited with an updated website as well as the formation of the SDSCA "Members Only" Listserv. A previous school counselor listserv allowed anyone interested to sign up for it. The new listserv recognized that often members want only school counselors to respond to their queries. The new listserv clearly addressed the needs of school counselors throughout the state as well as providing an additional benefit to members.
Advocacy Chair, Jenny Noteboom, developed a new SDSCA brochure that focused on the importance of school counselors in education. This brochure was sent to all members along with an identical brochure that allowed for counselors to personalize it for their school district.
The legislative "Day on the Hill" in January drew twenty-four SDSCA members. Government Relations Chair, Jill Stephenson led the way by keeping members updated on bills, encouraging members to write their legislators and testifying at committee hearings. A lobbyist hired by SDCA and the areas of specialties worked actively with the associations on bills of concern for counselors.
With the leadership of Past President Diana Mach, SDSCA collaborated with the South Dakota Mental Health Counselors to bring Dr. Ed Jacobs to the SDCA state conference in Pierre. Dr. Jacobs presented a workshop entitled "Counseling Should Never Be Boring". Using a brief, active and multi-sensory approach to counseling, Dr. Jacobs challenged participants to think more imaginatively about counseling. Many creative techniques incorporating props, chairs, filters and drawings were presented along with the components of Impact Therapy.
"Fly High for Kids!" was the theme of the first annual SDSCA Fun Run/Walk Held during the SDCA convention in Pierre, the run/walk was designed as a benefit for both the SDSCA and the Oahe Child Development Center. Under the direction of Jean Lakner, Past President of SDCA, the run/walk was a tremendous success raising $1,000 for both organizations! But, SDSCA could not do this alone - the Air National Guard sponsored the t-shirts, and the Army National Guard, St. Mary's Healthcare and the Ramkota provided breakfast and beverages for all participants after the run/walk.
One of the highlights of SDSCA was the Annual Banquet held in Pierre at the SDCA convention. In keeping with the theme, "School Counselors...We got the Beat!" the 170 attendees were treated to the sounds of the Riggs High School Choir Department. This was followed by dinner and the annual awards ceremony. The following people received awards: Mary Tucker, Elementary Counselor of the Year; Jean Larson, Middle School Counselor of the Year; Donald Bell, Multi-level Counselor; Jodi Sternhagen, Secondary Counselor; Damon Alvey, the Special Award; Matt Mims, the Human Rights Award; and Gloria Schulz received the Orv Schmeiding Award, the highest honor given by SDSCA. At the end of the awards, counselors from around the state gathered to sing a hilarious version of "We Got the Beat" using school counselor lyrics. The fun ended as everyone looked under their coffee cups to see if they had won one of the two CD's that served as part of the centerpieces at each table.
In the 2005-06 school year, 260 counselors joined the SDSCA. The sound of school counselors can be heard loud and clear in South Dakota!"School Counselors...We Got the Beat!"