COUNSELOR CONNECTION
ESC Region15
JANUARY 20, 2021
COVID Posters from the CDC
My name is Jessica Flores, I am a Regional Health Education Liaison for Education Service Center Region 15 (ESC 15) and Mental Health Mental Retardation of the Concho Valley (MHMRCV). This position is created by the House Bill 19 and is created as a bridge between our mental health organizations and the education community, so that everyone can receive the supports they need for their students, families, and themselves. I have my master 's degree in Psychology of Counseling from Angelo State University and am a License Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, licensed through Texas. I enjoy helping my community and people in general. Thank you for letting me be part of your team.
Mental health resource guide for Texas students
The socially isolating and frightening consequences of the pandemic have led Texas students to experience higher rates of clinical depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The Texas Tribune has provided a mental health treatment resource guide for Texas families with students who may be struggling with these issues. Learn more.
TSI Assessment, 2.0 (TSIA Launch)
The TSIA2 launched on Monday, January 11, 2021. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) staff hosted informational webinars for higher education and K-12 stakeholders. Each webinar addressed topics in context for the stakeholder group. Topics of discussion included the following:
- Test features and enhancements
- College Readiness benchmarks
- Online Remote Proctoring and COVID Waivers
- Equity-focused Corequisite placements and guidance for Multiple Measures Assessment
Scholarships
The College Board Opportunity Scholarships program is now open to all juniors (class of 2022)! Since 2018, nearly one million students have joined this program, which provides students with a digital college planning guide and chances to earn $500 for each action they complete. When students complete all six steps, they earn a chance at a $40,000 scholarship. Students whose families earn less than $60,000 per year have double the chances to earn scholarships. High school juniors can visit cb.org/opportunity to join.
Foster Care & Student Success - Information and Resources
Here is one of the resources available.
- Student in Foster Care Educational Best-Interest Factors
- Individual Transportation Plan Template for Students in Foster Care
U.S. Department of Education Resources
- Educational Supports for Youth in Foster Care–Publication – (April 2020) This publication examines State laws and policies regarding the programs that support youth who are in foster care or have been in foster to achieve their educational goals. The issues addressed include support for finishing high school; planning for postsecondary education; and accessing financial supports for postsecondary education, including Federal grants, education and training vouchers, and State tuition waivers.
NAEHCY Eviction Webinar: Video & PPT Now Available
The video recording and the slides have been uploaded to our NAEHCY website.
To access them, please click HERE.
The Current State of Evictions: What Advocates Should Know While Working with Students During the COVID-19 Crisis on Friday, January 15, 2021 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM EST at:
This webinar will provide an overview of evictions and ongoing efforts to prevent vulnerable tenants and their families from experiencing homelessness. Panelists will discuss the impact of evictions on students; and attendees will hear state and local perspectives from legal advocates on evictions during a global pandemic. Panelists will share considerations working with children and youth facing eviction proceedings and best practices for advocates working with students.
TEHCY MV 101 LIVE REGISTRATION LINKS:
TEHCY McKinney-Vento 201 Trainings
We anticipate these three trainings occurring the weeks of:
- February 8th
- February 15th
- February 22nd
TEHCY Support Center will be sending a follow-up email the week of January 18th with additional training information and dates.
Addressing Human Trafficking Webinar
Webinar Announcement
Addressing Human Trafficking: Supporting Vulnerable Populations
and Effectively Reintegrating Students
A national webinar hosted by
the U.S. Department of Education
Monday, January 25, 2021
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time
REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR
https://air-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ToQBjn42TxysTALxpF_cqg
This webinar will focus on efforts communities have taken to (1) address the needs of particularly vulnerable populations and (2) employ strategies to reintegrate students into the educational setting after extraction from trafficking. Featured speakers will describe how they provide targeted supports to students impacted by the trauma of human trafficking.
Highly Mobile and At-Risk Student Programs Webinar
Please join the Highly Mobile and At-Risk Student Programs Division for a Zoom Webinar on Thursday, February 4th from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm.
School, LEA, and ESC Staff should attend.
Zoom is limited to 1,000 participants. Any participants beyond 1,000 may watch via YouTube.
This meeting will be recorded and available for viewing on TEA’s Highly Mobile & At-Risk Student Programs Division website.
See the flyer, PDF version , for more information.
Sesame Street Video
This Sesame Street video titled “Little Children, Big Challenges: Building Resilient Kids, Families & Communities” addresses topics of mental health, substance use, COVID-19, and isolation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0JcqUTiAJM&feature=youtu.be
MHTTC Network: Talking with Your Children After Riots
Say What! Mini-Grant Kit
Say What! has created new mini-grant kits that will motivate you to make 2021 your year as a tobacco prevention advocate.
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- YMHFA - Assisting Someone Distressed by the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Supporting Children and Teens during this Holiday Season
- Helping Children with Traumatic Separation or Traumatic-Grief Related to COVID-19
- Holidays, Celebration and Traumatically Bereaved Children
School Safety and Mental Health
- Suicide Prevention
- Early Mental Health Intervention
- Mental Health Promotion
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- Substance Abuse Intervention
- Trauma-Informed & Grief Informed Practices
- Social/Emotional Skills
- Positive Behavior Interventions
- Child Abuse Prevention
- Human Trafficking
- School Safety
- Mental Health and Behavioral Health
- Safe and Supportive School Climate
- Counseling and Mental Health Services of the Coordinated School Health Model
- Health, Safety, & Discipline
Training
COVID-19
HIGHLY MOBILE & AT-RISK DIVISION WEBSITES
Child Abuse and Maltreatment Prevention: https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Schools/Safe_and_Healthy_Schools/Child_Abuse_Prevention/Child_Abuse_Prevention_Overview/
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education: https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Schools/Support_for_At-Risk_Schools_and_Students/Texas_Education_for_Homeless_ Children_and_Youth_(TEHCY)_Program/
Human Trafficking Prevention: https://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Other_Services/Human_Trafficking_of_School-aged_Children/
Mental and Behavioral Health: https://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Other_Services/Mental_He alth/Mental_Health_and_Behavioral_Health/
Pregnancy Related Services: https://tea.texas.gov/texas_schools/safe_and_healthy_schools/pregnancy_related_services/
Military Connected Students: https://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Other_Services/Military_Family_Resources/
Hurricane Harvey Recovery Mental Health Resources for Schools: https://tea.texas.gov/Harvey_Recovery_MH/
Foster Care and Student Success:
Carol Stevens, M.Ed.
Region 15 Education Service Center
Office: (325) 481-4047
Cell: (325) 651-0101
Gregory Hickey, LPC
Mental Health Specialist
Region 15 Education Service Center
Office: (325) 658-6571 ext. 2113
Cell: (325) 650-8261