SESSION II

(10:05 – 11:05)
PROGRAM # 12

ACT Update 2017-2018 – Fall Educator’s Workshop Series

This session will discuss ACT updates for the 2018-2019 school year. We will
discuss the development of ACT Academy. ACT® Academy is a free online
learning tool and test practice program designed to help students master the
skills they need to improve their ACT scores and succeed in college and career.
We will discuss ways counselors can use ACT Academy to assist students in
preparing for the ACT. This session will discuss updates to the ACT test along
with the PreACT and ACT Tessera. We will also discuss using ACT WorkKeys
to help students prepare for careers and as a student option for CDOS.
Application: High School Counselors
Presenter: Sean Corcoran, ACT, Client Relations- NY State Lead
PROGRAM # 13

Financially Ready for College

Building a successful college-going culture begins with early education and
planning. You can help by introducing middle & elementary school parents to
savings and financial aid concepts while they still have time to plan. This session
will provide an entry-level glimpse at financial aid concepts, various savings
options, including New York's 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan.
A representative from Ascensus College Savings, the Program Manager for NY’s
529 will share what other districts are doing and provide resources you can
incorporate to engage parents as they plan for college. It’s a great addition to any
PTA, College Planning or Financial Aid Night! Join today’s workshop or learn
more by visiting www.ny529atwork.org. Application: Elementary and Middle
School Counselors
Presenter: George Makras, New York’s 529 College Savings Program
PROGRAM # 14

Changing With the Times: the New NYSED School

Counseling Regulations
Change in NYS took 40 years but now that it is almost here, the new NYSED
regulations come with additional school counselor expectations. You may be
unsure what you need to do first OR next to implement a comprehensive school
counseling program. Do you realize that you are probably already well on your
way? Using user friendly tools, and see how far along in the process you already
are! Application: Elementary, Middle and High School Counselors
Presenters: Carol Dahir Ed.D. Professor and Chair School Counseling
Department,New York Institute of Technology; Cynthia Walley Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School Counseling Coordinator, Mercy College
 PROGRAM # 15

Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating: The School Counselor’s

Role
Eating disorders tend to be considered female disorders, but they are increasingly
occurring in males. School counselors are in a unique position to recognize
eating disorders in both male and female students and to create a culture that
makes students feel comfortable seeking help for themselves or for the friends
they are concerned about. Speakers will address prevalence rates, signs, and
symptoms of eating disorders as well as strategies, roles and responsibilities of
school counselors and other school personnel to identify students who are
struggling and create an environment that promotes healthy body image and
greater self compassion and acceptance in students. Application: Elementary,
Middle & High School Counselors
Presenters: Dr. Merle Keitel, Dr. Jennie Park-Taylor, Erin Ott, Kate Terranova,
and Hannah Wing, Graduate School of Education, Fordham University
PROGRAM # 16
Supporting LGBTQQIA+ Students of Color: Family-Focused
Interventions
This presentation provides school counselors with practical information about
helping LGBTQQIA+ students of color and their families. Research shows that
LGBTQQIA+ students of color encounter multiple barriers to their success,
including a reduced sense of belonging in their families and racial/ethnic
communities. School counselors are in a unique position to provide support for
families who struggle with embracing LGBTQQIA+ youth. Application:
Elementary, Middle School and High School Counselors
Presenters: Laurie Bonjo, Ph.D., Counseling and School Psychology, Southern
Connecticut State University;
 PROGRAM # 17

A View from Behind the Desk

This program will explore the technology, processes, and the ways in which
admissions counselors review and make decisions about both regular
applications and EOP applications. With the changing technology admissions,
there is no longer stacks of file folders of hand written applications; rather much
of the review happens on two computer monitors. We will show how the
application is seen, the format of review, and give an in-depth glimpse across
SUNY campuses. Application: High School Counselors
Presenter: Frank S. Pizzardi Jr.,Director of Admissions,SUNY Old Westbury:
James T Hall; Director of Admissions and Enrollment Planning, Farmingdale
State College
PROGRAM # 18

The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) and School

Counselors' Role in Bullying Prevention
The state anti-bullying law requires many school counselors take on new
responsibilities. Some of these are perfectly fit to our expertise as culturally-
sensitive social justice advocates while others might be inappropriate. This
session is designed to help practicing counselors navigate the various roles
defined by the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). Application: Elementary,
Middle and School Counselors
Presenter: Daniel Cinotti, Ph.D. ,Department of School Counseling, New York
Institute of Technology

PROGRAM # 19
Back on Track: Treatment Options for School Refusal in Youth
School refusal is a prevalent mental health concern, with up to 5% of youth
exhibiting school refusal behavior. School absenteeism is associated with
elevated rates of psychiatric disorders and developmental problems in adulthood;
it is therefore important to address school refusal behavior promptly and
effectively. Evidence suggests that a comprehensive treatment approach,
including cognitive-behavioral individual treatment, behavioral parent
management training, medication, and collaboration among community
clinicians, school staff and parents, can facilitate normal school attendance for
youth who refuse school due to anxiety. This session will (1) review the different
functions of school refusal, (2) provide an overview of cognitive-behavioral
treatment for school refusal and school-related anxiety, and (3) outline strategies
in which school staff can collaborate with clinicians and parents to help a child
return to school and maintain consistent attendance. Application: Elementary,
Middle and High School Counselors
Presenters: Anthony Puliafico, Ph.D.,Director, Columbia U. Clinic for Anxiety
& Related Disorders,Westchester;Courtney DeAngelis,Psy.D.,Clinician,
Columbia U. Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders – Westchester
 PROGRAM # 20

The Importance and Application of Elementary School

Counseling
An introduction to school counseling needs to happen at the elementary level.
In society today, the need for mental health advocates to offer empathy building
opportunities for our younger students is greater than ever. Social and emotional
support has to be the center of our elementary school programs to promote a
healthy learning environment for our students.This workshop will energize,
encourage, and help you to implement new ideas into your elementary
counseling toolbox. Application: Elementary and Middle School Counselors
Presenters: Jessica Price, Elementary School Counselor, Brentwood School
District and NYSSCA VP Elementary School Counseling Representative Lysa
Mullady, Elementary School Counselor, Copaigue School District

PROGRAM # 21

School Counselors: First Responders in Special Education

As school counselors, you are on the "front lines" of identifying students who
may require special education. We explain how the IEP referral process works,
and why it is necessary under the IDEA. The presentation will tackle essential,
but often controversial topics such as: school refusal; students who are
achieving academically but lack social, functional, or adaptive skills; serious
mental health challenges; DCF referrals; and what to do when you fear a child
may be at risk to harm himself or others. You will leave this presentation
informed and prepared to take on these difficult situations and hone your best
practices. Application: Elementary, Middle and High School Counselors
Presenters: Attorney Jennifer Laviano and Special Education Advocate Julie
Swanson: Co-authors of Your Special Education Rights: What Your School
District Isn’t Telling You
PROGRAM # 22
,
Will or Do You Have Enough Money to Retire? Cracker Barrel
Session
In addition to the workshop “Will or Do You Have Enough Money to Retire?”,
this Small Group Session is an opportunity to have your individual questions
answered about safely managing your investments, maximizing your Social
Security benefits, planning your retirement, prudently saving for college savings,
and protecting your investments from rising nursing home and health care costs.
Feel comfortable putting your investment questions to experienced advisors in
this “Townhall” session. Application: Elementary, Middle, & High School
Counselors
Presenters: Joseph Brunelli, Financial Advisor - Morgan Stanley
.