Universal Program Planning Guide

We are excited to share a Universal Program Planning Guide for schools and districts to use when planning all of their programs. This guide has been developed and is being shared based on evidence-based practices critical to the "big picture" planning schools and districts do in schools.

This guide discusses the relevance and sustainability of programming and then offers five steps when planning: 

1. Assessment
2. Capacity Building
3. Planning using the Social-Ecological Model
4. Implementation of Program
5. Evaluation

If you have questions about how to use this document, contact Blaire Harrison at Blaire.Harrison@sde.ok.gov

>> Download Planning Guide

Health Education Legislation in Oklahoma FAQs

Recent legislation called the Health Education Act (70 O.S. § 11-103.13) and Maria’s Law (70 O.S. § 11-103.9b) requires school districts to provide instruction addressing all health education subject matter standards by the 2023-24 school year including mental health instruction. Find guidance for this legislation in the Health Education Legislation in Oklahoma FAQs. If you have questions, reach out to Shana Classen, Director of Health and Physical Education.

>> Health Education Legislation in OK FAQs

Vision Screening Reports Due

Deadline Approaching: June 1

The State Vision Screening Report is due annually by June 1 and is to be submitted on Single Sign On. Results cannot be entered after July 1.

All public school districts will report to the State Department of Education the number of kindergarten, first and third-grade students who submitted certification of a completed vision screening and the number of students who received a comprehensive eye examination from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Reporting page will be opened March 24, 2023.

Please contact Kellie Carter for more information at kellie.carter@sde.ok.gov.

>> Login to Single Sign-On

Coffee With Counselors

Please join us for "Coffee with Counselors!" This is an informal time for school counselors from across our great state to come together for celebration, collaboration, and continued growth. We look forward to you joining us!

• May 2nd- 9:00-10:00 

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

>> Click Here to Register

School Counselor Spotlight:
Shawnda Kirchmann

School Counselor at Skiatook Public Schools

Shawnda is a second-year school counselor coming from the mental health field. She has worked diligently to build a comprehensive school counseling program at Skiatook Elementary. We are grateful for all you do to serve your students and your community, Shawnda! 

What makes you unique as a school counselor?
I don't feel unique, it truly is the kids who are unique. They need us as school counselors to see the God given potential and uniqueness that each of them has. We as school counselors get this amazing opportunity to come alongside the kids and staff to assist them in becoming all they can be regardless of the obstacles they may face. We get to plant seeds of Hope, Grace, Love and Joy. Wow... what an honor that is. I am often overwhelmed by how blessed I am.

Why is creating a comprehensive school counseling program important to you?
Our society is changing so fast and the one's hurt most by the change is our kids. A comprehensive school counseling program gives kids hope, and a chance to dream again.  A comprehensive school counseling program gives them a safe place and structure to learn, to grow and overcome many of the challenges of life; so they can see and experience a better tomorrow. A comprehensive school counseling program also gives the stakeholders the information they need to invest in the school counseling program. It is a win-win for the staff, the kids, the local community and the state of Oklahoma.

What is a quote that inspires you?
 "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble" 1 Peter 3:8.   We never really know what pain someone else is experiencing, what obstacles they had to overcome just to make it to school that day.  A smile, a kind word or an encouraging moment may be the one thing that gives someone hope.

What do you do when you need inspiration to tackle another day working on behalf of students?
My faith is my greatest inspiration. My husband, my family, my friends, and co-workers who inspire me to think beyond myself. They inspire me to look beyond what is just in front of me; and rather look for the seed of Hope that can be planted with my words and actions.  

What do you do to decompress and refuel for the next day?
A hot soaking tub! Sometimes a good ugly cry when no one is around. A great meal with my husband, family and community group of friends. Quiet time with a good book by a crackling fire. Listening to my daughter sing. Watching my granddaughter in her sports. Hanging out with my son and his wife while laughing and being silly; connecting with my own inner child and remembering I also was once the kids I serve.  

Help the Next Generation of Leaders Promote a Healthy Oklahoma

Applications are open for TSET’s Youth-Led Health Advocacy Program Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), is a youth-led program that partners with schools and organizations to make meaningful and measurable impact on Oklahoma by promoting healthy behaviors. YAHL provides in-depth training to youth, ongoing support for partners and all the materials needed for activities -- FREE.

The YAHL Partner Program is currently accepting applications from high schools and organizations across the state for the 2023-24 school year. Partners can earn incentives for their organization while providing unique leadership and health policy experience for teens. YAHL partner schools and organizations work directly with the YAHL staff to recruit and empower young leaders.

YAHL youth unite to work directly on public health activities that make it easier to live healthy, active and tobacco-free lives. In so doing, these student leaders gain life-long skills, community service hours and incentives like scholarships. Participants can also apply for the statewide YAHL Leadership Team.

YAHL staff visit each partner school or organization to provide a hands-on interactive training for teens that equips YAHL members to directly lead initiatives in their communities across Oklahoma. Teens can be involved on many levels—from leading events and collecting community surveys, to meeting with their principal, school board and other key decision makers to create and support healthier communities.

Current YAHL partner organizations are given priority to participate again for next school year, but all interested organizations are encouraged to apply. New potential partners, teens and educators can learn more about YAHL and apply to become a partner at YAHLOK.org. Applications will be accepted until the program reaches capacity. Have questions? Please reach out to info@yahlok.org. YAHL is part of the TSET Healthy Youth Initiative.

>> https://yahlok.org/

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