President’s Letter: Embracing the New

New year. New approaches. And new beginnings for the Kansas School Counselor Association. KSCA passed the revised bylaws separating KSCA from our ACA state division (KCA) allowing for a continued charter with ASCA.
 
We look forward to transitioning to new partnerships with our valued colleagues of KCA. Our relationship with KCA will remain special because of our shared mutual interests and professional connections. For these reasons and more, it is my hope that KSCA, KCA and all the divisions will grow and thrive.
 
Although the organizational change was not as I envisioned the beginning of this academic year, I have reframed our transition year to a growth mindset. I have faith in the talented school counselors in Kansas who are able to meet challenges, problem solve, and implement creative and effective strategies for a successful transitional year. With the leadership and collective wisdom of our independent, critical-thinking, hardworking and dedicated KSCA Governing Board, I am excited about the new year and new approaches. I believe great potential awaits us. We have the possibility for tremendous membership growth across our state. However, with increased membership comes the responsibility to make sure we are meeting the needs of all members, east to west. The KSCA board has worked to create a strategic plan with short- and long-term SMART goals designed to advance our organization and profession and support the professional growth of each KSCA member.
 
What an awesome time to be a school counselor in Kansas! We have school administrators wanting to hire MORE school counselors because they recognize the value of school counselors and the contributions counselors make to the mission of the school! Administrators, teachers, parents and – most important – students appreciate and recognize the worth of a standards-based school counseling program. Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Commissioner of Education, promotes the importance of school counselors and encourages administrators not only to hire more school counselors, but for school counselors to be protected from non-counseling duties! Counselors are indeed fortunate to have the support of Dr. Watson.
 
Finally, consider the KSDE State Board Outcomes, for which every school in Kansas has been directed to measure:

• Social/emotional growth, measured locally
• Kindergarten readiness
• Individual Plan of Study based on career interest
• High school graduation
• Postsecondary success

The school counselor is integral to each of these board outcomes. What an empowering opportunity for school counselors! New year! New approaches! Great anticipation!

Contact Dr. Judith Hughey, KSCA president, at jhughey@ksu.edu.