More than 2,000 school counselors gathered in Atlanta June 28-July 1 for professional development, networking and ASCA's charity event, Bet the House to Build a Home, which raised more than $7,000 for the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. A special thanks to the Pennsylvania School Counselor Association for its $250 donation. Additionally, the silent auction brought in $2,367 for the ASCA Foundation Scholarship fund.

And now it's time to start thinking about next year's conference, June 28-July 1, in Dallas. Got a great idea for a conference session? Submit your session proposal by Sept. 5 to be considered.

Are you getting ready to apply for the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) this year? Do you have questions on the process? ASCA is developing a podcast addressing the RAMP submission process as well as an online FAQ. Let us know you're questions, and we'll address them in either the podcast or online. E-mail questions to Jill Cook by July 31. And don't forget, RAMP applications are due Feb. 1.

At the 2008 Delegate Assembly in June in Atlanta, the delegates approved five updated position statements and two new positions statements. Updated statements include: The Professional School Counselor and Confidentiality, The Professional School Counselor and Gender Equity, The Professional School Counselor and Group Counseling, The Professional School Counselor and Peer Helping and The Professional School Counselor and Use of Support Staff. New position statements include: The Professional School Counselor and Response to Intervention and The Professional School Counselor and School Counseling Preparation Programs.

ASCA's School Counselor of the Year program honors the best of the best - school counselors who are running a top-notch, comprehensive school counseling program at either the elementary, middle or high school level. This program brings up to 10 finalists and their nominators to Washington, D.C., in conjunction with National School Counseling Week each February, where they participate in a congressional briefing, tour Washington, D.C., and are honored at the School Counselor of the Year Gala. From these 10 finalists, one school counselor of the year is selected. Nominations are due Sept. 5, 2008.

Anita Young, Ph.D., has been named ASCA's 2008 School Counseling Director/Coordinator of the Year. Young, the secondary counseling specialist for Fairfax County Public School District, Fairfax, Va., was honored at ASCA's 2008 annual conference in Atlanta, June 28-July 1.

"Anita Young has made valuable contributions to the school counseling profession both across the state and across the nation. She exemplifies what a school counseling director should be, and for that we're pleased to honor her with this award," said Eric Sparks, ASCA president.

E-newsletter Offers Insight into Health Careers: The Health Care Careers e-Letter from the American Medical Association is a popular source of information on education and practice trends in the health professions. A recurring newsletter theme is the workforce challenges many health professions face as they struggle to recruit and retain qualified personnel. A related issue is the growing need for health professions education faculty to teach the practitioners of tomorrow. Read the current issue online.

Internet Safety Resources Available:The Department of Justice Office of Justice Program hosted a successful Internet Safety briefing on June 4, 2008, to raise public awareness of Internet safety issues, cyberbullying and cell phone safety. DOJ also shared Internet safety and cyberbullying resources.

Summer Video Contest for Kids: MeetMeAtTheCorner.org, the Web site that sends kids on virtual fieldtrips, is hosting the "Summer in My Town" video documentary contest for children ages 7-13. The winner will receive a cash prize of $250 plus a special airing of his/her video on the Web site this fall. The contest deadline is Aug. 31, 2008. Get more information.

Download Free Parent Information: The U. S. Department of Education has developed a publication, "Empowering Parents School Box: A Tool To Equip Parents For the School Year," that it is distributing free of charge. The school box contains three booklets: What Parents Need to Know, Taking a Closer Look, and Learning Checklists; a brochure: Examples of Resources; a poster: Empowered Parents Stay Involved With School; a bookmark; and a door hanger. The school box provides tips on working with children from birth to high school; guidelines for taking advantage of free tutoring opportunities; steps for selecting a high-quality school; ways to get involved in children's schools; information about financial aid and scholarships; and resources for improving learning.

Honoring the Best Youth: The Nestlé USA Very Best in Youth Program honors young people ages 13 to 18 who have excelled in school and who are making their community and the world a better place. Maximum Award: $1000. Eligibility: youth ages 13 and 18 years of age who demonstrate good citizenship, a strong academic record, and can show how they have made a special contribution to their school, church or the community. Entrants must have permission from a parent or legal guardian to submit the nomination. Deadline: November 20, 2008. Get more information.