Western Suffolk Counselors' Association - WSCA

06/12/2026

WOW! If you came to the annual award ceremony yesterday, you felt the wonder. Inspiring, uplifting and energizing were the sentiments being passed around. Between the applause, murmurs of assent, tears, smiles, and hugs, the mutual support was palpable.

Each attendee represented the very best of our profession. Whether they were a recipient of an award, honor, or simply committed to showing up for their colleagues, the strength of our professionalism was evident.

Dr. Michael Catalano, NYS School Counselor of the Year, drove all the way from Saugerties to deliver a powerful reminder: “One caring adult can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.” We are equally grateful for administrators like Jenna Restivo who understand, “If it is not good for students, then we shouldn’t be doing it.”

Facilitating this kind of community and connection is exactly what WSCA is proud to do. Yesterday validated why our hard work over the past year is so vital.

Thank you to our generous sponsor Nova Southeastern University and Brooke McGuinness for believing in our mission. Congratulations to Diana Bonilla from Huntington HS for winning the trip to FL. She will be able to see first hand how special NSU is.

06/01/2026

05/26/2026

This guide provides counselors in middle and high schools with foundational knowledge, practical strategies, and actionable resources to support immigrant students and their families.

The guide was developed by CUNY-IIE in partnership with 11 practicing school counselors across New York State. It provides counselors with grounded practices for creating welcoming school environments, navigating legal and policy considerations, supporting students through the college access process, and building meaningful partnerships with families and community organizations.

What's Inside the Guide

* Working with Immigrant-Origin Students and Families in Schools: Implement strategies for welcoming students, partnering with families

* Providing Professional Development for Staff: Build practices and language for educators and other school staff members

* College Access and Postsecondary Guidance: Support students through financial aid, documentation requirements, and campus resources for undocumented and immigrant students

* Building Community Support Through CBO Partnerships: Develop meaningful collaborations with community-based organizations serving immigrant families

We invite you to explore the guide and consider how it can enrich your practice and support the learning process for schools in New York.

This guide has been reviewed by the New York State Education Department.

Access the guide here: http://tinyurl.com/NewCounselorguide

This guide provides counselors in middle and high schools with foundational knowledge, practical strategies, and actionable resources to support immigrant students and their families.

05/21/2026

We wonder which one of our members is going to win the FREE, all expenses paid, trip to sunny Florida that will be raffled off at the annual awards luncheon on June 11th?

One of you will be wearing sunscreen and smiling on Nova Southeastern University's campus in February. With a waitlist every year, this is your chance to secure a guaranteed spot for this unforgettable professional getaway!

Have you registered yet? 35 of your colleagues have. It is going to be a GREAT TIME!

05/20/2026

Always a great time to connect with colleagues. We had former administrators, counselors, college professionals and even NYSSCA representatives. We hope you will join us next time.

05/19/2026

Calling all retirees!! Don't miss our get together today at 12. Can't wait to see everyone.

05/18/2026

Last week, we awarded scholarships to six outstanding students during a truly inspiring evening. We are deeply grateful to the dedicated school counselors who nominated them and spoke so eloquently at the ceremony. Hearing their moving tributes alongside the students' own stories gave us a vivid glimpse into a bright future shaped by these remarkable young leaders.

05/15/2026

More to come about the fabulous reception we had this week to honor these recipients. These students are going places and we couldn't be more proud to help them reach their goals.

05/13/2026

Register today and put it on your calendar! Prepare to kick off the year in style with some energizing PD and great fellowship with colleagues from across the island. Haven't been to a WSCA event yet? Why don't you try it out? Commit to filling your professional tool box and come sample the great food. We are waiting to welcome you with open arms.




New York State School Counselor Association
Nassau Counselors' Association

05/11/2026

NYSSCA Members are encouraged to apply for the ASCA RAMP designation for their schools. NYSSCA will support members by paying application fees and supporting ASCA Coaching for your RAMP Application (up to $3500/school chosen). ASCA RAMP details are linked HERE: https://schoolcounselor.org/Recognition/RAMP.

The Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) recognizes schools committed to delivering school counseling programs aligned with the ASCA National Model framework. The RAMP designation demonstrates to administrators, school boards, families and the community at large that the schools are committed to supporting the mission of the school and district. To date, approximately 1,300 schools have earned the RAMP designation.

The RAMP application process is the culmination of successfully implementing the ASCA National Model framework to show evidence of direct and indirect services to students, program planning and improved student outcomes in the school counseling program.

Schools considering seeking the RAMP designation are encouraged to review the program assessment tool to determine whether your school counseling program is aligned with the ASCA National Model and to determine when to apply. Schools will need at least one entire academic year to collect the data and information needed to fulfill the RAMP application requirements.
The RAMP designation lasts for five years. Schools are encouraged to maintain their RAMP status by submitting a successful application at the end of their fourth year (Re-RAMP).
RAMP Scholarship Applications are due June 30, 2026

The Online Application for the
NYSSCA RAMP Scholarship
is available HERE: https://form.jotform.com/260966313605155


New York State School Counselor Association
American School Counselor Association