Mental Health Guidance Document Coming Soon

New Oklahoma Mental Health Legislation became effective July 1, 2022. We know that there are many questions regarding this new legislation and the implementation of new policies and procedures in your schools. In response, the School Based Mental Health team has been working on a guidance document to be released on or after August 31st to support the recently released red book mental health legislation components. 

2022 U.S. Presidential Scholar Recommendations Now Open

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is soliciting recommendations of our State's top scholars for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognition award. We ask that educators submit information for an outstanding SENIOR student graduating between January and June 2022 who you believe will represent the State of Oklahoma well if selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholar. Scholars will be selected based on outstanding leadership in the areas of academic achievement, community involvement, and positive character. As you form your recommendation, consider what makes the student stand out as having exemplary scholarship. Has the student overcome special challenges or hurdles while still achieving high academic success? Has the student engaged in consistent service learning that has impacted the school and community? Does the student exhibit innate leadership qualities that build relationships and empower others? We invite you to tell their story. Be their champion for this honor of excellence.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program (USPSP) was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students. Recommend an Oklahoma Senior using the link below.

STUDENTS CAN ONLY BE NOMINATED THROUGH THEIR STATE AGENCY.
DO NOT SUBMIT DIRECTLY TO USPSP.

Click the link below to submit a recommendation:

2022 U.S PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR RECOMMENDATION FORM

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021. Note: Recommendations do not guarantee nomination. More than one student from each school can be submitted for recommendation; however, only ONE recommendation per student will be accepted. Notify your principal of the recommendation to avoid duplications.
Make sure your district is represented in the pool of prospective nominations!
For questions about this process, email jenna.jones@sde.ok.gov.

Suicide Prevention Training

Effective July 1, 2021, all Oklahoma schools must provide suicide prevention training to teachers and staff. Eligible trainings are determined by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Trainings are offered free of charge and may be coordinated between school districts and ODMHSAS.

The OSDE also offers free in-person training or virtual training for adults in accordance with this law. To sign up for this free training go to the Student Support Professional Development link.

The following training programs also meet this requirement:

At Risk - PreK - 12th Faculty and Staff available Online for Individual Training

Lifelines Suicide Prevention - PreK - 12th Faculty and Staff available In-Person or Online for Group Training

LivingWorks Start - General Adult Audience available Online for Individual Training

Talk Saves Lives - General Adult Audience available Online or In-Person Training

Mental Health First Aid - General and Immediate Skill Adult Audience available Online, In-Person Group Training

For more information or to request training, visit the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services detailed list of programs and professional development request form here. 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of more than 200 crisis centers that helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day. These centers are supported by local and state sources as well as the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress. By calling or texting 988, you’ll connect to mental health professionals with the Lifeline network. Learn more here.

Comprehensive Bullying Prevention Policies

A comprehensive Bullying prevention and intervention policy is one of the most effective strategies that can change social norms. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights outlined bullying-related federal laws, and reviewed schools’ responsibilities to respond effectively to bullying. The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) also identified 11 recommended guiding principles that schools can use to develop a comprehensive policy to support an anti-bullying climate. 

In accordance with the the State Department of Education's (OSDE) goal of providing leadership and guidance to districts on antibullying policies, we developed and released a MODEL POLICY that compiled the USDE's eleven principles into five policy requirements. Here is the first of the five Bullying Prevention Policy Requirements. 

Oklahoma’s Military Connected Kids

20,143 active-duty service members
7,903 active-duty spouses
15,278 active-duty children
9,333 National Guard and reserve members
8,328 National Guard and reserve spouses
13,335 National Guard and reserve children

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting (it will be the same Zoom link for all sessions).

Join us at the 2022 Oklahoma School Counselor Association Annual Conference

Register for this outstanding professional development opportunity at:
Oklahoma SCA 2022 - NCYI (ncronline.org)

In partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, ECHO for Southwest College & Career Counseling is offering a free virtual professional development opportunity for Oklahoma & New Mexico educators and counselors who engage in college and career counseling to Native American students. During the program, participants will have regular, ongoing, and timely access to experts, resources, training, and best practices in college and career counseling, making them more confident and equipped to serve their students. Participants can expect to join a community of practice that provides mentorship in culturally appropriate and effective practices and tools for supporting Indigenous students, as well as opportunities for recommendations and solutions to the challenges and dilemmas educators face in the implementation of college & career planning.

We encourage all individuals who engage in college & career counseling to register for this program. Program participants may be eligible to receive a $250 stipend for participating in the (8) bi-weekly, 60-minute virtual sessions, operating on the 1^st & 3^rd Wednesday of the month from 4:30-5:30 pm (CT). Please reach out to SWCCCecho@salud.unm.edu if you have any questions or would like to learn more before joining the first session on August 24^th.

Register Here

Learn More About the Program & Curriculum Here
View Past Session Recordings & Slides

Scholarship Opportunity- United States Senate Youth Program

The 61st Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Oklahoma application is open. Two students from each state will be selected to attend the program and each will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship. Students qualify to apply through leadership positions they currently hold per the USSYP official criteria for the current 2022-2023 academic year. Access the USSYP brochure here.

The Oklahoma application can be accessed here and is due by 5:00 p.m. on September 30, 2022. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Finalists will be notified by November 1, 2022 and will be required to attend a virtual interview in November 2022. 

For additional information contact Brenda Beymer-Chapman