North Carolina Public Schools - School Social Work May Update

North Carolina Public Schools sent this bulletin at 05/15/2025 01:15 PM EDT

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Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. For more than 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and provide resources and information to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support.  ~SAMHSA

 

Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit

Access resources and share our materials. Each person’s mental health journey is unique, and a strong support system makes a difference. Remember, we all play active roles in caring for our mental health.

Access the Toolkit

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New NC Mental Health Plan Training Courses

Important The required training topics for SL 2020-7- School Mental Health Policy are now available for FREE through DPI.  All PSU-certified staff will have access to the courses through NCEES.  You can choose to take all 6 or pick the ones you need to complete.  A completion certificate will be generated upon completion with a passing score.  It is not mandatory that you use this option for training, however, this option is available at no cost for all PSUs.

 

Access the training guide. 

 

 

New PSU SMH Plan Template

With the 2025 revisions to the SHLT-003 board policy, a new template is now available for the required school mental health plans.  This template includes all additions to the policy and is in an easier-to-follow format.  Downloads of the template are available on the webpage in PDF and Word.  Please review the new materials on the SMH Policy webpages and prepare to submit your new SMH plan by September 15. 2025. The 2025 reporting portal is NOW OPEN!  

 

SMH Policy Components Webpage 2025 PSU SMH Plan Template

 

 

 

Legislative Updates

Legislative Update

View the K-12 Education Office of Government and Community Affairs Update from Friday, May 9, 2025. 

View here.

 

 

INYMI: SUN Bucks Message for Families

Heads Up: SUN Bucks benefits will be loaded onto cards starting on May 22, 2025.

This means your card might arrive in the mail before the benefits are available. Don't worry if your card balance is $0 when you first receive it – this is normal. The 2025 grocery-buying funds are scheduled to arrive May 22-24. You will have 122 days to use the SUN Bucks benefit.

Once loaded, you can activate your SUN Bucks card by following the directions included with the card. Once benefits are loaded and your card is active, you can use your benefits to buy groceries anywhere EBT is accepted.

Need more details on card activation or benefit timing?

Visit:  ncdhhs.gov/sunbucks

 

 

   

2025 RISE Back to School Safety Summit

The 2025 RISE Back to School Safety Summit will be held from Monday, July 28 to Wednesday, July 30 at the Statesville Civic Center in Statesville, N.C.

Click here to register. Click here, here and here for discounted hotel rates for RISE attendees.

We will use Whova for registration, scheduling and engagement. Download the app and check back on Whova and social media for upcoming opportunities to engage with Center for Safer Schools staff before and during RISE 2025.

 

 

Strong Finish & Happy Summer!

As you prepare to end the school year strong, my hope is that you look back on all the positive differences you've made for students and families and go into the summer feeling proud and motivated.  

Enjoy a break, rest up, have fun, and I'll see you all at the start of a brand new school year. 

Thank you for all you do.

pachovia.lovett@dpi.nc.gov

 

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