“It’s Operational” – Prevention and Preparation
By PSSCA | September 2026
A new school year brings fresh opportunities to create safe, supportive environments where every student can thrive. This month’s theme, “Prevention and Preparation,” emphasizes the importance of being proactive, prepared and ready to respond with confidence and compassion.
In this issue, you’ll find resources on substance use, suicide prevention, emergency response and supporting school communities after a crisis. Together, we can strengthen prevention efforts, build resilience, and ensure students have the support they need to succeed.
Thank you for your continued commitment to advocating, uniting, and serving South Carolina’s students.
Here’s to a safe and successful school year!
Warm regards,
Dr. LaWanda R. Felder-Myers
Executive Director, PSSCA
_____________________________________________________________________
Get ready to be inspired and empowered at our annual conference, January 28–30, 2027! This year’s theme, “Amplify Your Impact,” challenges school counselors to elevate their voices, strengthen their practices and expand their influence.
Connect, learn, and grow through engaging sessions, innovative strategies and meaningful conversations designed to help you make an even greater impact on students, schools, and communities. View complete details.
PSSCA is exploring new professional development opportunities specifically designed to support, inspire and connect school counselors. Your feedback will help us determine the types of programs and topics that would be most valuable to you. This survey should take approximately 3-5 minutes to complete. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Complete the survey
PSSCA is excited to announce a new mentoring initiative designed to support new school counselors. Dr. Tavita Herriott will serve as the mentoring director of operations, leading a team currently developing program requirements and the application process.
School counselor affinity groups provide supportive, identity-affirming spaces to connect with peers, share experiences and practical strategies, and engage in honest reflection. These groups promote psychological safety, belonging, professional growth and wellness while helping reduce isolation and burnout. They can also strengthen leadership and advocacy by elevating shared needs and perspectives that contribute to positive, system-level change.
PSSCA is thrilled to announce our Swag Store! Now you can purchase stylish PSSCA apparel and have it delivered directly to your door.
Store hours will vary, so don’t wait – get your SWAG ON and show your PSSCA pride at work, meetings, or wherever your travels take you!
The NCAA offers student-athletes the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level while pursuing their education. Students interested in playing sports at an NCAA school should review the Initial-Eligibility Requirements early to help prepare for college athletics.
Students and families can also learn about the new Division I and Division II Age-Based Eligibility Rules.
Start planning early and stay informed about NCAA opportunities!
Call for Nominations
This open call for applicants is an opportunity for PSSCA members to lead our member-driven organization. Under PSSCA’s current Bylaws, members must self-nominate for the position of Director. Directors will serve a four-year term (July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2031). Directors may serve no more than two consecutive terms and shall have a maximum of three terms. Access complete details
Are you interested in earning the RAMP designation or looking to strengthen your school counseling program? Join us for an opportunity to learn from experienced school counselors and school counselor educators who will share valuable insights, strategies, and best practices.
Take your program to the next level—sign up today!
In this issue, you’ll find resources on substance use, suicide prevention, emergency response and supporting school communities after a crisis. Together, we can strengthen prevention efforts, build resilience, and ensure students have the support they need to succeed.
Thank you for your continued commitment to advocating, uniting, and serving South Carolina’s students.
Here’s to a safe and successful school year!
Warm regards,
Dr. LaWanda R. Felder-Myers
Executive Director, PSSCA
_____________________________________________________________________
Conference Highlight: “Amplify Your Impact”
Get ready to be inspired and empowered at our annual conference, January 28–30, 2027! This year’s theme, “Amplify Your Impact,” challenges school counselors to elevate their voices, strengthen their practices and expand their influence.Connect, learn, and grow through engaging sessions, innovative strategies and meaningful conversations designed to help you make an even greater impact on students, schools, and communities. View complete details.
Professional Development Survey 
PSSCA is exploring new professional development opportunities specifically designed to support, inspire and connect school counselors. Your feedback will help us determine the types of programs and topics that would be most valuable to you. This survey should take approximately 3-5 minutes to complete. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!Complete the survey
New Mentoring Initiative
PSSCA is excited to announce a new mentoring initiative designed to support new school counselors. Dr. Tavita Herriott will serve as the mentoring director of operations, leading a team currently developing program requirements and the application process.
- For more details, email Dr. Herriott at pssca.mentoring@gmail.com.
- Be sure to look out for additional information and review the overview.
Membership: Investing in Our Future! Join PSSCA!
Connect, grow and thrive with a community dedicated to school counselors. PSSCA membership supports you and your program with:- professional development
- advocacy
- mentorship
- leadership opportunities
- valuable resources
PSSCA Affinity Groups
We are currently seeking middle and high school facilitators for our PSSCA affinity groups. If you are interested in serving, please contact Dr. LaWanda Felder-Myers at lawandafelder47@gmail.com.School counselor affinity groups provide supportive, identity-affirming spaces to connect with peers, share experiences and practical strategies, and engage in honest reflection. These groups promote psychological safety, belonging, professional growth and wellness while helping reduce isolation and burnout. They can also strengthen leadership and advocacy by elevating shared needs and perspectives that contribute to positive, system-level change.
Show Your PSSCA Pride
PSSCA is thrilled to announce our Swag Store! Now you can purchase stylish PSSCA apparel and have it delivered directly to your door.Store hours will vary, so don’t wait – get your SWAG ON and show your PSSCA pride at work, meetings, or wherever your travels take you!
Make an Impact, Be Recognized, Be Empowered
NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunities
The NCAA offers student-athletes the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level while pursuing their education. Students interested in playing sports at an NCAA school should review the Initial-Eligibility Requirements early to help prepare for college athletics.Students and families can also learn about the new Division I and Division II Age-Based Eligibility Rules.
Start planning early and stay informed about NCAA opportunities!
Nominations and Elections
Call for NominationsThis open call for applicants is an opportunity for PSSCA members to lead our member-driven organization. Under PSSCA’s current Bylaws, members must self-nominate for the position of Director. Directors will serve a four-year term (July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2031). Directors may serve no more than two consecutive terms and shall have a maximum of three terms. Access complete details
Program Planning and Implementation
Are you interested in earning the RAMP designation or looking to strengthen your school counseling program? Join us for an opportunity to learn from experienced school counselors and school counselor educators who will share valuable insights, strategies, and best practices.Take your program to the next level—sign up today!