School Counselor Connection
Tips for Success, Volume 9, September 2021
This month's newsletter is dedicated to support you in your Suicide Prevention efforts for the month of September and throughout the year. You will find a few toolkits with pre planned activity ideas you could launch as schoolwide SEL and Mental Health Awareness events, along with ready to go lessons, infographics for SEL activities.
September is Suicide Prevention Month
For students, feeling safe is important.
After meeting basic needs for survival
like food, water, and sleep,
feeling safe and secure is necessary before anyone
can focus on relationships, learning,
or other opportunities for personal success.
- Mental Health America
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and now more than ever, it is vital that we come together to make a difference in our community. Every person can play a role in suicide prevention by recognizing the signs of suicide, finding the best words to support someone in need, and promoting local and national resources.
Student Mental Health Must be a Priority this School Year
Mental Health America launches their annual Back to School Toolkit to give parents, and educators the tools and resources they need to support their children’s mental health. This year’s toolkit, "Facing Fears, Supporting Students", is full of hands-on materials that can help students navigate all the emotions and challenges of the new school year.
This year’s toolkit includes:
• Fact sheets for parents/teachers
• Fact sheets for children/teens
• Key messages and statistics
• A sample drop-in article; and
• Sample social media post language and images;
• Worksheets; and more!
Suicide Prevention Activities Toolkit
The term back to school takes on an entirely new meaning this coming year, and with it comes additional challenges and stressors for our youth. In addition to re-engaging on the usual tasks and roles that schools have typically served, there will need to be an even more vigilant effort paid to youth mental wellness. During Suicide Prevention Week, the month of September and throughout the year, schools are encouraged to use the resources below to engage students, staff and the larger school community.
- Download Activity Guide to help you plan your month's activities
- Download the toolkit today here
- Suicide Prevention Activities for Schools here
2021 Orange County Suicide Prevention Events Calendar
Interested in more events during the month of September? The OC Health Care Agency has you covered. Make sure to check out the 2021 Orange County Suicide Prevention Events Calendar – there are lots of valuable events lined up for the whole community to participate. Share the calendar widely and encourage your staff, friends, neighbors, and family members to get involved!
The full calendar of events can be found here.
Youth Suicide Prevention Resources
Click here for more information.
The collaborative services provided by all SBMHPs include:
- Supporting the mental health and wellness of students, families, and school communities
- Promoting equitable learning and student success
- Cultivating a safe and healthy school climate
- Fostering the academic, behavioral, and social/emotional development of “the whole child”
- Collaborating and consulting with parents/caregivers, teachers, and administrators
- Designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-informed and data-driven prevention, intervention, and responsive programs, within Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS).
Fostering the Whole Child: A Guide to School Based Mental Health Professionals: Read this guide to learn more about School Based MH Professionals, their roles and expertise, and best practices for a effective and collaborative relationship.
Roles of School Social Workers/ LMFTS, School Counselors, School Psychologists: together the School Based Mental Health Professionals are a mighty team. Learn more about each role and their specialization, and use this tool to help you guide your services this school year.
Help you Administrator Understand Your Role as s School Counselor
Visit our website for resources. Website will continue to get updated regularly
A Pathway to Wellness
Integrating SEL activities into school-wide/classroom practices enhance social & emotional skills for individual students and promotes mental well-being for all.
Watch the video below to learn more about SEL, Mental Health are interrelated.
ASCA Student Mindsets and Behaviors Standards
How are you embedding these standards in your school counseling programs?
CASEL Guiding Principles
Durlak, J. A., R. P. Weissberg, A.B. Dymnicki, R.D. Taylor, and K.B. Schellinger, “The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta- analysis of school-based universal interventions,” Child Development, 82 no. 1 (2011): 405-432.
(Adapted from Hatching Results, 2020)
SEL Roadmap for Reopening School
SEL: Reopening Guide
SEL Guide to Resources
CASEL Program Guide
CASEL Tools and Resources
SEL District Resource Center
Resources from districts where SEL programs, practices, and policies are working to support high-quality SEL implementation. https://drc.casel.org
Schoolwide Guide to SEL
Guidance for systemic SEL implementation in a school.https://schoolguide.casel.org/
SEL State Resources
Sample policies and practices that support SEL.https://casel.org/csi-resources/
SEL Assessment Guide
Guidance to choose and use an SEL assessment.http://measuringsel.casel.org/assessment-guide/
Guidelines for Selecting Evidence Base SEL Program
Recommendations for choosing the right program https://pg.casel.org/identify-your-goals/
SEL Starts at Home
Resources to bring SEL into your home and community.https://casel.org/in-the-home/
SEL Curriculum and Activity Ideas
Greater Good in Education: Find ready to go activities and lessons for K-Adult. Search by grade level, SEL core competency and duration. (Great resource for teachers as well!)
- Open an account using this link and access ready to go lessons to various SEL and Mental Health Topics
Trauma Informed Learning/ Toolkits
Trauma Sensitive School Training
Trauma Informed SEL Practices
Trauma Informed Practices: Staff Training
Good Reads for School Counselors
Parents report declines in academic, social-emotional skills of young children
For the youngest children, the pandemic's academic and emotional toll might not have received as much attention as it has for older kids, but it has still been severe, according to a new report from the Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative’s Early Learning Study at Harvard.
We'll need a lot more than academics to help students recover from the pandemic
This year will be like no other when it comes reengaging students in learning. Educators — working with parents and the community — are now planning how to close gaps in learning to get students on grade level. But job one is to address the social, emotional and physical issues that will make academic learning more challenging if they are not met, particularly for the students who have fallen most behind.
School-Based WellSpace Centers Offer a Space of Calm
The Orange County Department of Education and Children’s Health Orange County teamed up to pilot a limited group of new school-based “WellSpace” centers that encourage students to take a break from life’s daily stressors in thoughtfully designed, supervised environments that are safe, calming, and inclusive. WellSpace centers aim to teach students stress management strategies while boosting academic performance and reducing chronic absenteeism from an early age.
Suicide Attempts Rose Among Adolescent Girls During Pandemic
According to a recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study, in May 2020, emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts started to increase among adolescents ages 12 to 17, especially girls. The findings from this study reinforce the need for increased attention to, and prevention efforts for, this population. The CDC noted that suicide risks can be diminished with more social connections for young people and teaching an array of coping skills.
How Affirmations Can Support Your Child's Learning
Children’s mental health and well-being are frequently tied to their achievement in school. Affirmations can support K-12 student mental health and help students perform better in the classroom. This article is packed with information on what positive affirmations and self-affirmations are and how they can support children’s mental health.
Educator Wellness: 6 Resources and Ideas for Self-Care
Teachers and staff members are on the frontlines of daily school life. From creating lesson plans, to grading papers, to attending to students' social-emotional needs, the caring adults in our classrooms are juggling immense workloads. The teaching/school counseling profession can be equal parts rewarding and stressful.
101 Inclusive Get to Know You Questions for Students
This fall, many students will be returning to school in person for the first time in over a year.
Back to school is always a moment for relationship-building, but this year it's going to be even more important to reconnect and get to know students on a personal level.
21 Quick Questions to Check-in on Your Students' Well-Being in 2021
"How are our students doing? "If you're an administrator, teacher, or counselor, this has likely been on your mind—more than ever—this school year.
42 MTSS Intervention Strategies to Bring Back to Your Support Team
Resource by Panorama- Learning recovery is a top concern moving into the 2021-22 school year. If your district is resetting and recommitting to Multi-Tiered System of Support practices that were disrupted during hybrid and remote learning, this toolkit is for you.
Counselor Coffees!
Safe space to collaborate, share ideas and learn from each other. Each event is co-facilitated by our Counselor of the Year recipients and divided by grade level.
New School Counselor Collab
Collaborative dedicated to support new K-12 School Counselors and School Counselors who have changed to a new grade level within the K-12 system.
The Power of Groups
California Association of School Counselors Conference
FREE Online Training for Suicide Prevention
Here’s how it works:
Suicide Prevention 101 Webinar
Register for the webinar on September 7, 2021 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. hosted by The Priority Center’s Outreach and Engagement Team and available to all Orange County residents at no-cost. Register here
What you’ll learn during the presentation:
- Overview of statistics associated with suicide
- Signs and risk factors for suicide
- How to help someone who expresses suicidal thoughts or ideation
- Support strategies and safety planning
- Where to get help and how to locate available resources
- Suggestions for self-care
Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Trainings
The community trainings hosted by Didi Hirsch are designed for adults and provide an overview of suicide prevention. Participants will learn about risk factors and warning signs of suicide as well as protective factors. Trainings will be provided remotely via Zoom and will be offered in both English and Spanish.
English Training Dates:
· Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
· Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Spanish Training Date:
· Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
For more details or to RSVP contact: 714-989-8309 or kjow@didihirsch.org
Supported: Leveraging Attendance Data to Ensure Ongoing Success
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
11:00 am–12:30 pm PT / 2:00 pm–3:30 pm ET
Register here
The return to school this fall is more challenging than anyone could have anticipated. The surge in Covid-19 cases is increasing the number of students who miss school. In addition, families hard hit by the pandemic and poverty continue to face barriers to attending class and may also experience enrollment hesitancy. In this webinar we will explore what can be done at the local and state level to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and engage students and their families. We’ll examine how chronic absence data can be used to identify students, families and schools that need additional support.
Looking for somewhere safe to talk?
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in a suicidal crisis or in emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 741741.
OC Links Behavioral Health Line – 24/7 Support
OC Links is available 24/7 at (855) 625-4657 and provides information and links to any of the Health Care Agency’s Behavioral Health Services, including crisis services, via telephone and chat.
TEEN LINE – Teens Helping Teens
TEEN LINE is a nonprofit, community-based organization that provides emotional support to youth. TEEN LINE is answered exclusively by Orange and Los Angeles County teenagers, who can relate to what callers are going through. It provides services for individuals ages 19 and under. Call (310) 855-HOPE from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. for support or text “TEEN” to 839863 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Teens 4 Teens Help
You and App
School Based Mental Health Training Series
Resources and Leadership Opportunities for Students
Student Advocates for Mental Health
Do you know about the Student Advocates for Mental Health (SAMH) program and all the opportunities they offer to Orange County public, private, and charter schools at no cost?
The goals of the SAMH program are to engage, train, and support student leadership groups in youth-led efforts to increase mental health awareness, promote suicide prevention, reduce stigma related to mental illness, and increase access to support services on school campuses and in the community. To accomplish these goals, the program offers education, guidance, materials, and resources through the following components:
- Peer-influencer Workshops
- Peer-led Campaigns
- Directing Change Projects
- Mental Health Awareness Activities
Learn more about the offerings here
Signs of Suicide (SOS) Training for Middle and High School Students
SOS is an evidence-based prevention training developed by MindWise Innovations. Through videos and guided discussions, students will learn about symptoms of depression, warning signs associated with thoughts of suicide, and how to seek help for themselves or support a peer in need through the Acknowledge, Care, Tell (ACT) method. In addition, healthy coping strategies and school resources are discussed. To book this 50-minute in-person or virtual training, contact Stephanie Loscko at sloscko@ocde.us.
Mental Health 101 Workshop for Middle and High School Students
Young people can play an important role in reducing stigma related to mental illness, increasing awareness about suicide prevention, and promoting access to mental health services. In this in-person or virtual workshop, students will learn foundational knowledge of mental health concepts that will support them to become advocates for themselves and others. To book a 45-60-minute in-person or virtual workshop, contact Stephanie Loscko at sloscko@ocde.us.
Understanding and Managing Emotions Workshop for Elementary School Students in Grades 4-6
Self-management is an important component of social and emotional learning. For students to achieve this competency, they must understand how different situations can influence their emotions and behavior, as well as how to respond in a healthy and constructive way. In this in-person or virtual workshop, students will learn how to identify different emotions, manage strong feelings, use calming strategies to cope, and identify resources that can help when they need support or are worried about a friend. To book this 50-minute workshop, contact Stephanie Loscko at sloscko@ocde.us.
Important Dates to Remember in September
September: National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September 7: Suicide Prevention Training Webinar and Didi Hirsch Training
September 7: Legal Considerations in School Based Mental Health Training
September 9: New School Counselor Collaborative
September 5-11: Suicide Prevention Week
September 23: Didi Hirsh Suicide Prevention Training
September 23: Showcase of Youth Engagement Opportunities
September 28: Trauma Informed Practices- School Counselor and Admin paths available
September 29: “Leveraging Attendance Data to Ensure Ongoing Success” Webinar
September 30: Elementary SC CoffeeUpcoming Events!
November 10, 2021: School Counselor Counselor Symposium
October 19: The Power of GroupsOCDE Support & Resources
Instructional Continuity Website- find resources to support your students and families during distance learning.
Be Calm Session- guided meditations led by Dr. Vezzuto
Crisis Response Network:
Jennifer Ponce, MSW, CHES, Program Specialist
Family Engagement Program:
Sheree Newman, Program Specialist
Social & Emotional Learning:
Colleen Ferreira, M.Ed., Coordinator
Student Mental Health & PBIS:
Virginia Joseph, Ph.D, Coordinator
Restorative Practice:
Toby Jean Espley M.Ed, Coordinator
McKinney Vento Homeless Information & Support:
Jeanne Awrey Coordinator
Student Services (CWA/SARB):
Terrance Dunn, M.Ed., Coordinator
Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program:
Raina K Lee, Coordinator
Luz M. Arellano, Ed.D.
Educational Services
Orange County Department of Education
Email: larellano@ocde.us
Website: https://ocde.us/EducationalServices/LearningSupports/schoolcounselor/Pages/default.aspx
Location: 200 Kalmus Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, USA
Phone: 714-966-4476