Dear MASCA Colleagues -

February is now history and spring is just around the corner! Here is what is happening this month in MASCA.

In this issue:

SPRING CONFERENCE
The clock is ticking. The final touches are being put together for the annual MASCA spring conference in Hyannis. Counselors Advocating to Change History promises to be a conference like no other. Our new exhibitor format, awards banquet and hospitality events will only add to the great program and nationally known keynote speakers. Registration information is available at http://www.masca.org/pdf_05_06/Spring_Conf_07_Registration_Form.doc. To take advantage of the early bird discount, you must register by April 1. See you in Hyannis.

MTA CONVENTION REPRESENTATIVES NEEDED
MASCA is looking for up to two delegates to attend the annual MTA Convention at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston in early May as delegates of MASCA. If you are interested in attending, please email me (bardwellr@monsonschools.com) know ASAP.

COLLEGE POTENTIAL WORKSHOP
The NEACAC Human Relations Committee cordially invites you to Helping Rural Students Reach Their College Potential: A Workshop for High School Guidance Counselors on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 from 8:15AM – 2:30 PM at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Art in North Adams, MA. The keynote speaker will be Joe Bellavance, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing at Regis College. Joe will reflect on his journey as a first generation student from rural Vermont to Vice President of Enrollment in suburban Massachusetts. As a graduate student at St. Michael's College, VT Joe researched persistency rates among first-generation students in the Vermont State College System. Combining his personal experience and graduate research Joe will discuss strategies for helping other first-generation, rural students achieve their educational goals.

A panel discussion led by admissions reps from a variety of colleges regarding letters of recommendation and financial Aid 101 for the High School Counselor will also be offered. An optional tour of MCLA will also be offered at the end of the program. A certificate of attendance, and forms for CEUs will be provided. If you have questions please contact, Danielle Nash 203-625-8092, Danielle_nash@greenwich.k12.ct.us.

COMMITTEE CHAIR PROFILE - MEET CYNTHIA TANG
Cynthia Tang is currently in her second year as a school counselor at Lexington High School, coming to the field as a recent business technology convert. An avid, modern-day Renaissance woman, Cynthia’s interests have taken her from singing and acting, to working on education policy in Washington, D.C., to working on the MA State Model.

Cynthia’s passion for social justice, critical thinking, and development of independent thought spurred her to develop a grade 9-12 Media Literacy Curriculum that she presented at the 2004 MASCA Spring Conference. She is currently the Technology Committee Chair for MASCA, charged with the task of bringing MASCA into the 21st century. The goals of the Technology Committee are to create a more professional and useable website, and to educate Massachusetts school counselors on integrating current and emerging technologies into their lives and work (be on the lookout for a Technology Seminar at the upcoming 2007 MASCA Spring Conference).

Cynthia has worked with kids from pre-school to college; from schools to a wildlife sanctuary; from counseling to teaching diversity, cooking, and how to sing in a vocal band. She enjoys reading Discover and Science magazines, dabbling in graphic and web design, and has several creative projects on the backburner including a screenplay, book and solo CD.

Cynthia received a BS in Management & Technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1999. After working at General Electric in the Information Management Leadership Program for two years, Cynthia left GE and pursued a MEd and CAGS in School Counselor Education from UMASS Amherst.

If you are interested in chatting about any of her aforementioned endeavors, please don’t hesitate to email Cynthia at cynthia.tang@santiagobar.com.

Bob Bardwell
School Counselor & Director of Guidance & Student Support Services
President, Massachusetts School Counselors Association
Monson High School
55 Margaret Street
Monson, MA 01057
413.267.4589x1107
413.267.4157 (fax)
bardwellr@monsonschools.com

www.monsonschools.com/guidance
The Monson Public Schools provide Equal Educational and Employment
Opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national
origin, sexual orientation, and disability.