Scholarship Opportunity – Open Airways for Schools Facilitator Training
For a limited time only, the Open Airways for Schools® (OAS) facilitator training fee is covered (a $400 value). OAS is an evidence-based program that educates and empowers children ages 8 to 11 through a fun and interactive approach to asthma self-management. The program teaches children with asthma how to detect the warning signs of asthma, avoid their triggers, and make decisions about their health.
Under this scholarship opportunity, we are requesting you have ready-access to children with asthma to facilitate a program with, and implement at least one OAS program to elementary-aged children within the 2021-2022 school year.
Research shows that children who participate in OAS:
- Have fewer and less severe asthma flare-ups
- Improve their academic performance
- Have more confidence in their ability to take steps to manage their asthma
- Because the OAS curriculum and materials are complete, easy-to-use and include standardized training for facilitators, the quality and consistency of the program remains high.
If this sounds like a great opportunity for you, please complete the program scholarship request form. For further questions, view the OAS website or please contact Marcy Ballman or oas@lung.org
Creating School and Community Partnerships
The OPI's Emergency Planning and Safety website offers many resources for school use when developing partnerships with community organizations to support students, families and school staff. Partnerships between schools and community organizations provide health and wellness benefits for both the community and the school, while providing students with additional academic and enrichment services. By addressing health and wellness needs of students, families, and school staff, students are more likely to attend school and are better able to learn. This leads to better academic outcomes and can also lead to a more positive school climate where students and educators can thrive.
Schools may also want to consider formalizing a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). MOUs outline the roles and responsibilities of each party entering into an agreement. MOUs are useful to outline the specific actions and expectations of each party that are necessary to make the partnership successful and achieve a desired outcome or goal. The following resources have been created to support school and community partnerships:
- A video outlining why and how schools can from partnerships and MOUs to create healthier and safer schools
- A sample memorandum of understanding (MOU)
- A memorandum of understanding (MOU) template that can be used in your school
For more information, please visit the OPI’s Emergency Planning and Safety website or contact Michele Henson at 406-595-1058.
HEAR - High School Anti-Bullying Program
Helping Everyone Achieve Respect (HEAR) is an anti-bullying program that is offered at no cost to schools. The Montana Army National Guard is the exclusive partner for the HEAR program; presenting this highly effective, research-based solution to address high school bullying. Partnered with Master Resiliency Training (MRT), these programs have commonly been taught to students through a physical education class, however, they are geared for ANY class wanting to provide anti-bullying and resiliency skills.
To set a date and time for HEAR in your school please contact Mark Bakas.
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
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