If you haven't made your plans yet to attend the ASCA Annual Conference, it's time to get moving. The conference, June 28-July 1, in Dallas brings together big-name keynote speakers (Louis Gossett Jr., Harry Wong and Frank Warren of "Post Secrets") and hard-hitting breakout sessions. View the whole lineup.

The conference hotel is now sold out. Make your reservations at the overflow hotel, the Adolphis. The majority of the conference events will be at the Dallas Convention Center. Shuttle buses will be available from both the Hyatt and the Adolphis.

And, while you're thinking "conference," think about submitting a session proposal for next year's conference, July 3-6 in Boston. The online call for programs is open through Sept. 4, 2009.

Congratulations to the 2008-2009 class of Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) recipients. You are to be commended for your hard work and dedication to developing a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program.

Thinking about applying for RAMP status? The next deadline for applications is Feb. 1, 2010. Application criteria are currently being revised and will be posted this summer. Also be sure to read the article in the July/August ASCA School Counselor on how the RAMP saved one member's school counseling program.

Do you look at "data" as a four-letter word? Do you panic at the thought of using data to show how students are different as a result of what you do? Fear no more. "Making DATA Work, an ASCA National Model publication" can help you break down data into easy-to-handle components, and before you know it, you'll be well on your way to proving your effectiveness with data. This newly released second edition contains many new charts, examples and sample documents ready to use.

* Become a fan of ASCA on Facebook
* Check out the new manuscript categories for Professional School Counseling

The May/June issue of ASCA School Counselor, which you should be receiving soon, focuses on the school counselor's role in working with students with mental health issues. Read the online version now or access these Web-only companion pieces to the printed version.
* Chart of commonly used medications
* Presentation on sensory processing disorder

Bob Bardwell, ASCA secondary level vice president and school counselor, Monson High School, Monson, Mass., was asked by The New York Times to be a guest blogger for a week, responding to questions from high school juniors about what they should focus on for the remainder of the school year in regard to college admissions.

July 17: School Counselor of the Year nominations deadline
Oct. 15: ASCA Foundation Scholarship applications due

RTI State Database Available: The National Center on Response to Intervention is pleased to announce the new RTI State Database. This new Web site section provides resources on a number of topics related to response to intervention (RTI). The resources range from policy documents and briefs to trainings and tools and are available in an easy-to-use database. In addition, information is presented for each state about its RTI framework, RTI-related State Performance Plans or State Professional Development Grants and the use of RTI for Specific Learning Disability eligibility.

New Resource Published on "Welcoming Schools": On the heels of two high-profile tragedies, the suicides of 11-year old-children who were relentlessly bullied at school, many school counselors are looking for new approaches to combat bullying, particularly bullying based in anti-gay sentiment. To help you learn how to effectively intervene and how to integrate LGBT diversity issues into existing anti-bullying or character development initiatives, the Human Rights Campaign's Family Project has published a new resource offering a specific approach to address family diversity, name-calling and gender-stereotyping in K-5 environments. The resource has been piloted in 13 schools thus far. To learn more, download "An Introduction to Welcoming Schools."

NCAA Eligibility Software Launched: The National Athletic Testing System (NATS) has recently launched Teammate-SC. This free software application is a personal academic tool used to track student progress toward freshman NCAA Initial-Eligibility. It automatically calculates core course GPA, minimum ACT and SAT test score requirements, as well as tracking core courses completed and credits remaining for NCAA Initial-Eligibility. The TeamMate-SC is a free service to all ASCA members, state counselor associations, school systems, student athletes and high school and college coaches.