Welcome Back!
ESC 20 Counselors Newsletter August 2021
A New Year
Kindly,
Moriah, Tracy, and Lisa
Suicide Prevention Information
Senate Bill 279 requires that each student identification card issued by a public school to a student in grade six and higher must have printed on the card the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) (8255), the Crisis Text Line (Text HOME To 741741) and may have printed on the card information for a local suicide prevention hotline, if available. Both resources provide free 24/7 confidential crisis counseling and emotional support on any topic for people in distress. LEAs should confirm the accurate contact information for printing these suicide prevention resource numbers on the ID cards for students. This new requirement applies to student ID cards issued after September 1, 2021.
*Information from 87th Legislature Update from TEA
MH & School Safety Summit
Agenda
SEL4TX
Mental Health with Moriah
Highlighted program: Restorative Justice/Restorative Practices
"The implantation of restorative justice practices has been a God send to the students, staff, and overall culture of KIPP Aspire Academy. Restorative practices have helped our students and teachers to have healthier and more meaningful relationships with one another which has overall changed the way our students interact with their peers. We hope that one day, each and every school will see the value that restorative justice can have on their entire campus."
-- Cassie Sosa, MS, LPC, Counselor at KIPP Aspire Academy San Antonio, TX
*If you/your campus has implemented a best practices program, I would love to highlight this so others may make informed choices*
Mental Health and Substance Use Resources
Partnership to End Addiction has several resources for parents, caregivers, and schools.
Texas Say What! provides free downloadable presentations, handouts, signage, guides and activities. Be sure to check out the DIY Tar Jar for a (super gross, but effective) visual aid of how much tar filters through a smokers lungs if they smoke a pack a day.
Back to School Resource List is a central resource of printed materials, videos and webinars related to mental health and trauma for educators.
Trainings
Classroom Wise is a free 3 part training to promote evidence based strategies and skills to engage and support students with mental health concerns in the classroom. Here is a summary video of the course.
Trauma and Resilience in Adolescents is a free webinar for 3 CEUs.
Processing Big Changes: Grief and Loss During COVID-19 is a previously recorded 1 hour webinar. The recording and slides are available and a certificate of attendance may be requested.
Trauma-Informed IEPs is a free 1.5 hour course, but an account will need to be created.
Self-Care and Compassion for the Educator 3 part recorded webinar series.
ASIST Training by Hill Country MHDD August 23 and 24.
Rape Crisis Center has several trainings available. This center serves Bexar County.
Post-Pandemic Mental Health Support: School Counseling Interventions at Each Tier (also available at Mental Health and Safety Summit by ESC20)
LMHA Contact Information
The Center for Health Care Services
- Crisis Line: 1-210-223-7233, Enrollment: 1-210-261-1250 (adults) or 1-210-261-3350 (children)
Hill Country MHDD
- Crisis Line: 1-877-466-0660, Toll Free: 1-833-426-4332
Camino Real Community Services
- Crisis Line: 1-800-543-5750, Main Office: 1-210-357-0300, Toll Free: 1-800-491-5201
Bluebonnet Trails Community Services
- Crisis Line: 1-800-841-1255, Appointments/Questions: 1-844-309-6385
Ask and Answer
Our Monthly Counselor's meeting will be August 18. We will carve out time during each session to answer specific questions you have on anything related to school counseling, mental health, etc. Ask here and we will answer at the next meeting!Headspace
EAP
Calm
Tracy Reinen
210-288-7050
Moriah Treadway
Lisa Ranallo
210-370-5434