From the Chair: Responding and Ready to Renew

What a school year this has been! When I wrote the article for our first newsletter titled “New Normal,” I had no idea the challenges we would face this year. I am so proud and awed by how the incredible people in our profession have responded to these challenges during this school year. There have been so many changes, uncertainties, increased expectations and increased student needs, and of course trying to figure out everyone’s different definition of SEL. We have managed to keep our eye on what matters – our students.

The Connecticut School Counselor Association has also responded to challenges and needs of our members. I am so proud of the Governing Board for assisting in the development of our future through our five-year strategic plan. Numerous round table and professional development opportunities have been offered and even more at our virtual conference last month. A big thank you to Laura Ehlinger, Lisa Kilcourse, Michelle Catucci and the annual meeting committee for a great conference! Our Government Relations and Advocacy (GRAC) committee has been spending a lot of time getting the word out on the need for testimony on numerous bills this busy legislative season. School counselors were almost left out of “school mental health” bills – unbelievable. Big thank-you’s to Virginia DeLong and the entire GRAC committee for their dedication to making sure our voice is heard in Hartford. Several of our members worked with CEA on their “What you don’t see” campaign to urge legislators to support the roles of school counselors, school psychologists and school social workers. Members of the Governing Board have volunteered to participate in multiple committees, conferences and meetings. Thank you to all the volunteers that have given so much of their time to serve you, our members. On that note, I encourage you to get involved – we have several open positions and can always use more members on committees. Please reach out if you are interested!

This year’s theme for our conference was “Recognize, Restore, and Renew.” So, as you enter your summer break, remember to recognize all that you did accomplish this year. It is okay if a lesson was missed, or a meeting not recorded; we were there for our students and families. Let yourself take this summer to restore and renew your energy for the upcoming school year. If you are entering as a new counselor this year, take this summer to feel the excitement of the important work you will do and recognize that you have much to offer our profession. Now more than ever, what we do matters! Always remember that CSCA is here to support you in your important work. Let us know if there is anything you would like to see us offering. We are here for you!

Contact Sharon Veatch, chair, CSCA Board of Directors, at cscachairman@gmail.com.