peter franzese
wsca president
western suffolk counselors' association
Hello WSCA members, I hope this message finds you well and that you are having a good start to the New Year. I'm so excited for what 2026 has to offer. This year, our goal is to strengthen our professional network, provide meaningful development opportunities, and elevate the voice of school counselors throughout our community. I encourage you to stay connected—share your ideas, attend our upcoming events, and utilize our member resources. As we approach the halfway point of the 2025-2026 school year, I want to highlight all the exciting events that WSCA will be holding in 2026.
Our first event of the year will take place on Thursday, February 26th, from 8 am to 10 am, when Suffolk County Community College will host and sponsor our Professional Development Breakfast. Space is limited, so please sign up as soon as possible. Orfelina Cisneros, Middle School Counselor, NYCPS/04M108, will present- "Free Resources for Your Comprehensive School Counseling Program."
As Winter turns to Spring, Stony Brook University will host the 37th Annual Spring Conference on Tuesday, March 17th.
I'm super excited for April, when Hauppauge High School will once again be hosting our Spring College and Career Fair on Monday, April 20th, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. This event is free and open to ALL students and families. Over 100 representatives will be on hand to answer questions and offer information. A scholarship will be awarded to one lucky attendee. In addition, we ask that you encourage your students to show up at 5:30 pm for the Ask the Expert panel. Admission representatives will be speaking about how to maximize students' chances of being accepted to their top choices.
On Friday, April 30th, from 12 pm to 2 pm, I'm extremely pleased to announce that WSCA is bringing back the Administrative Assistant Appreciation luncheon hosted by Stony Brook University. Our Administrative Assistants are the glue that holds our offices together! So let's plan to gather together to show deep appreciation for all their hard work and dedication. Please save the date for this celebratory luncheon in their honor.
The end of the school year allows us the opportunity to honor our exceptional students, school counselors, and administrators
Wilson Tech will be hosting our annual WSCA Scholarship Awards on Wednesday, May 13th. Applications will be opening soon, so please nominate your students for this scholarship. These are not transitional scholarships- the criteria are not grade-based, but rather on service to their school and community. So start to think about students in your caseloads that you would like to nominate for this scholarship.
Know a retiree? Or perhaps you are getting ready to retire soon? Come down to J&R Steakhouse in Islip on Tuesday, May 19th for our Retiree Luncheon –
Our final event of the school year will take place at the View in Oakdale on Thursday, June 11th, from 12 pm to 3 pm for our End of the Year Awards luncheon honoring the School Counselor, School Administrator of the Year, and upcoming retirees.
Details for all of these events will be updated on our website, as well as being sent to you via email. Please keep an eye out for more information. I hope to see you in the coming months at these WSCA events. As always, if you have any questions or want information on how you can get more involved, please email me at peter.franzese@stonybrook.edu
Until then, stay safe and warm over the next few weeks- Let the countdown to Spring begin!!!
Warm Regards,
Peter Franzese
2025-2027 WSCA President
