Suicide Prevention Week is September 10th -16th

OK State Dept of Ed sent this bulletin at 08/31/2023 08:33 AM CDT

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

There is nothing like the atmosphere of the start of a new school year -- students entering our doors with anticipation and excitement, the hints of cooler weather, and starting with a whole new, clean slate. It can also be one of the most harried and busy times for school professionals and for the students we serve. It is very easy to get swept away in the meetings, the phone calls, the schedule change requests, upset students and parents, and the demands for everything to be done today. So, in the moments of silence (the very few and far between moments), please take time to reflect on a few things:

What is your mission and your purpose? I like to refer to it as a calling because this profession is NOT for the faint of heart. Take a moment, take a breath and center yourself back to the reason you are needed in your role! When you know where you are headed, you are better able to drive your program to its destination.
What is ONE thing you can do this year to move toward a comprehensive counseling program? Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once! Maybe you want to start with analyzing your use of time, or having a goal setting conference with your principal so they understand your vision, or creating a calendar that you control rather than minor emergencies or crisis controlling for you. Pick one thing and move the needle forward.
How can you prioritize self-care? This is probably the most difficult item for counselors because it is in our nature to take care of everyone and everything else first. It is important to set healthy boundaries for yourself and to ensure you are monitoring your own physical, mental and emotional well-being. Then, plan for how you can take action to model self-care and be consistent in that action daily. Your students, your co-workers and your families will thank you!

The Student Development Team is excited to partner with you as you are arming your students with the tools they need for success. This newsletter highlights just a few offerings that are coming up to support your work, so please be sure to read all the way through and know this is just the beginning of our work together this year. Please reach out if we can be of any assistance as you are planning for this year!

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu

Christi Sturgeon, M.S., LMFT
Program Manager – Comprehensive School Counseling

School Counselor Spotlight:
Rebecca Barry, School Counselor at Shawnee Public Schools

Rebecca is a trailblazer in school counseling in the state of Oklahoma. Her school was the first school in Oklahoma to receive the prestigious Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) recognition in 2009. She has since earned the recognition an additional three times in 2012, 2016, and 2021. Very few schools across the nation have received RAMP four times. No schools in Oklahoma have received the award more than once. Additionally, Rebecca has paved the way for three other schools to earn RAMP recognition in Oklahoma. We are grateful for all you do to lead the profession of school counseling forward, Rebecca!

What makes you unique as a school counselor?
I think the thing that makes me unique as a school counselor is my determination and passion for teaching all of our elementary students problem-solving and, social/emotional skills that will hopefully stick with them throughout life.

Why is creating a comprehensive school counseling program important to you?
Creating a well-rounded, comprehensive program is important because it helps prepare students for the future by supporting their academic, career, and social/emotional growth. It helps systematically to build productive, contributing citizens in our communities.

What is a quote that inspires you?
“No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care” – President Theodore Roosevelt

What do you do when you need inspiration to tackle another day working on behalf of students?
I reconnect with my “why?” I wake up thinking about how important my work is to all of the kids I love and serve. I think about the systemic impact and that feels good.

What do you do to decompress and refuel for the next day?
I rest and spend quality time with my family.

Alternate Diploma Resources & Training Opportunity for School Counselors

Alternate Diploma Basics for School Counselors & Administrators
Wednesday | September 6, 2023
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Join the Webinar: Alternate Diploma Basics for School Counselors & Administrators

OSDE Special Education Services, in collaboration with the office of Student Development, will provide an overview of the new Alternate Diploma to be implemented beginning with the 2023-2024 school year. House Bill 1041 amended 70 O.S. § 11-103.6 and creates a new graduation pathway for the 1% of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who are taught to alternate academic achievement standards and who participate in the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP).

This training will provide school counselors with the background information, documents, links, and tools to assist with the implementation of the alternate diploma graduation pathway, as well as the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) through extended transition programs/programming. After this session, a recording of this training will be made available in the Alternate Diploma Recordings folder located in the Alternate Diploma Collaborative Google Folder.

For more information about this training webinar, contact Claudia.Beckner@sde.ok.gov

Additional Resources:

Alternate Diploma Collaborative Google Folder includes current resources, including technical assistance documents and the Alternate Diploma Collaborative recordings and slide decks.

Guidance Briefs and Memos Google Folder includes the most important alternate diploma documents and resources for school counselors.

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!

Register for upcoming dates:

Each session will be held 9am - 10am.

Apply for Purple Star Designation for your School District

The Purple Star program is designed to help schools respond to the educational and personal challenges military-connected children face during their transition to a new school and keep them on track to be college, workforce and life-ready. To learn more about the ongoing impact of the Purple Star program, click here.

Application Information

To receive an application or additional support, please email Jackie Lindley, School & District Supports Jackie.Lindley@sde.ok.gov.

Districts that meet the necessary criteria and are ready to apply can submit applications during the phase three application window. Districts that need additional time to ensure their programming aligns with the necessary criteria can submit applications during the phase four time window.

Application Timeline
Phase 3 September 1st - October 3rd, 2023
Phase 4 January 1 - February 29, 2024

Click for More Information

Concurrent College Enrollment Toolkit:

Several questions have come up as we begin the new year regarding concurrent/dual credit partnerships. OK College Start has some great resources as you partner with local universities to provide concurrent courses to your students. The entire toolkit can be found at www.okcollegestart.org, but the links below will take you directly to quick glance guidance that will assist as you create partnerships, enroll students, and transcribe coursework.

Quick Glance for Concurrent College Enrollment (General Info)

Quick Glance for Concurrent College Enrollment for Parents

Quick Glance for Concurrent College Enrollment Partnerships

Suicide is a public health problem because of its far-reaching effects:

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. It was responsible for over 48,000 deaths in 2021.
In 2021, an estimated 12.3 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million made a plan for suicide, and 1.7 million attempted suicide.
People who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence are at higher risk for suicide.
In 2021, suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 25-34 years.

We can all help prevent suicide. Every year, the Lifeline and other mental health organizations and individuals across the U.S. and around the world raise awareness of suicide prevention during September, National Suicide Prevention Month.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.

National Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote suicide prevention awareness.

World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. It’s a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.

Download Suicide Prevention Week Resources

Need help? Know someone who does?
Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

Call or text 988
Chat at 988lifeline.org

#BeThe1To

#BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope.

Learn the 5 steps to #BeThe1To

HOPE Squad Grant Applications Available

A Peer to Peer Suicide Prevention Program

Suicide is the leading cause of death between youth ages 10-19 year old. Hope Squad's mission is to reduce youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention. The Oklahoma State Department Student Development team is grateful to announce an opportunity to apply for a grant through the INTEGRIS Health Community Giving Fund to develop your own Hope Squad program in your school.

What is HOPE SQUAD?
Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program. Hope Squad members are nominated by their classmates as trustworthy peers and trained by advisors. The program reduces youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention. Nationally known for their ability to connect students with each other and to mental health resources, Hope Squad has a process that works on all levels for youth suicide prevention. Join the movement and empower students to seek help and save lives.

You may visit www.HOPESQUAD.com to learn more about this peer led initiative or click the link below to apply. Once your application is complete or if you have additional questions, please email tom.cassidy@integrisok.com.

Click to Apply for a HOPE Squad Grant

FREE On-Site PREPaRE Crisis Training Available

The OSDE Crisis Team provides districts with training in the PREPaRE crisis curriculum. Developed by the National Association of School Psychologists, PREPaRE is a comprehensive, evidence-based, and resource-rich curriculum for school crisis prevention and response. This training is ideal for schools committed to improving their school safety and crisis management plans, empowering crisis teams, and providing appropriate emergency response with an emphasis on balancing physical and psychological safety for students and staff.

The office of Student Development has 6 PREPaRE trainers on staff ready to bring this training to your district. NASP does require a minimum of 15 people per training to book.

Who do you recommend attends Workshop 1?
School crisis teams, school mental health personnel, administrators, community liaisons, school resource officers, and any other professionals and support staff that will be involved in crisis planning/preparation.

Who do you recommend attends Workshop 2?
Although more focused on mental health crisis intervention and recovery, it is relevant to anyone who serves on a school crisis intervention team.

Please see attached descriptions of both trainings to see which is best for your district and email Jackie Lindley - Jackie.Lindley@sde.ok.gov to schedule your PREPaRE Training!

Workshop Overviews

**The Student Development team is hosting a FREE in-house 3 Day PREPaRE Workshop September 26-28 8:30am to 4:00pm at the State Department of Education Building. We have very limited individual openings available to offer. If you would like to sign up to attend - please email Jackie.Lindley@sde.ok.gov. We have 20 slots open and will register attendees on a first come first served basis.

Prevention & Intervention Training Modules Available on Canvas

This Prevention Program Planning Module is modeled off of the steps and guiding principles from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association’s (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF).

This guide can assist with required training in the following areas:

Bullying Prevention
Suicide Prevention
Child Abuse Prevention

*PD Certificates available for completion.

Click to Access the Training

^{**Inclusion of upcoming events in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement by OSDE. The information provided is for general awareness purposes only. OSDE does not assume any responsibility for the content or outcomes of these events.}

Title Funds Lunch and Learn

The Office of Title Services is pleased to offer weekly lunch and learn sessions to share best practices and provide support to all districts using title funds and services.

These sessions are best for federal programs staff, grant managers, and school district / building leaders. If you have not registered for our weekly Lunch and Learn sessions, please register using the link below:

UPCOMING DATES:
Aug 29, 2023 12:30 PM
Sep 5, 2023 12:30 PM
Sep 12, 2023 12:30 PM
Sep 19, 2023 12:30 PM
Sep 26, 2023 12:30 PM

https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItfu-orjouGVLkcqtD4XzfTDfYP90XGnM

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

For questions, please contact the Office of Title Services at 405-521-2846

United States Senate Youth Program

The 62nd 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 2023-24 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, 2023. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Finalists will be notified by November 1, 2023 and will be required to attend an interview in November 2023.

For additional information contact Brenda Beymer-Chapman

Register Here

Oklahoma Math Tutoring Corps Fall 2023 Student Registration

Registration is now open for the 2023-2024 session of the Oklahoma Math Tutoring Corps (OMTC), a high-dosage mathematics tutoring program through the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) for students in grades 7-9. There is no cost to participate.

Since the spring of 2022, the OMTC has tutored nearly 1600 participating students. Surveys from participating students and their families revealed:

90% of participants increased their understanding of mathematics.
84% of families said participating students were more confident about math.
84% of students indicated they would be more likely to persevere after making a mistake.

Participation in the Oklahoma Math Tutoring Corps assisted 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students' acceleration, growth, and recovery from pandemic-related learning loss. 78% of students who participated in the program had 2023 assessment scores within the same performance level as in 2022 or improved a performance level. (Remaining at the same performance level is considered growth as the state's academic standards increase in complexity each grade level). When looking at individual grade levels, 7th graders who participated had 80% and 8th grade had 73% score within the same performance level or improve a performance level between 2022 and 2023 assessment scores. Note: 9th grade students do not take state assessments; therefore, there is no OSTP data to measure their growth.

Up to 1,500 students are eligible to participate during the 2023-24 school year. The fall session runs Sept. 17 through Nov. 18, and the spring 2024 session will be Jan. 21 through April 20. Families and students can enroll for the upcoming session through this link. The OSDE will provide any needed technology or internet access, and tutoring schedules will occur during students’ free time outside of the school day. Print this flyer to share with families at enrollment time.

Additional information is available on the OSDE’s Math Tutoring Corps webpage.

Vision Screening Provider Training- OKC Area

First-time vision screening provider trainees must complete a live training session. Below are the dates for training in the OKC area. If you are renewing your certificate, you can email kellie.carter@sde.ok.gov to use the on-demand training on OSDE Connect. You must recertify within a month before the expiration.

More trainings will be added in the Tulsa and OKC area soon!

Register Here

Lamppost Literacy Conference

OBU’s third Lamppost Literary Conference is just around the corner—September 22! This year’s conference brings three exciting additions:

$100 and $50 Lamppost Writing Awards in Essay, Fiction, and Poetry for high school students
Lamppost Educator Grants for two teachers who support student writing submission
$1300 Dr. Katherine Rader Scholarship (for a senior applying to OBU with a major in English, English Education, or Creative Writing)

If you are an educator, please encourage your students to take advantage of these opportunities!

With this year’s conference themed “Educating for Liberty,” we will also continue our tradition of outstanding guest speakers, with Jeremy Tate, Wilfred McClay, and Katy Bowser Hutson; breakout sessions for educators led by OBU faculty and friends; and our College Readiness Student Track preparing high school students for college life.

Registration is FREE for students and sponsors, and is just $50 for adults, with group discounts available. Find more details in the attached fliers and online here.

Download Flyer Here

Download Guidelines Here

2023 GIRLS IN AVIATION DAY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA EVENT SET FOR SEPTEMBER 23^rd AT AAR CORPORATION AT WILL ROGERS WORLD AIRPORT

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma — AAR Corporation and the Women in Aviation International Greater Oklahoma City Metro Chapter will join Will Rogers World Airport, the 137th Special Operations Wing, the Air and Space Forces Association of Oklahoma, Boeing, Sooner Flight Academy and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics to host the first Girls in Aviation Day in central Oklahoma. To be held at AAR Hangar 2, located at the company’s Maintenance Base facility in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the Women in Aviation International event will focus on introducing young girls to the exciting field of aviation, aerospace, and aeronautics, educating them on career opportunities and bringing awareness to the many diverse fields within the industry.“More than 400 Central Oklahoma-area girls are expected to attend the inaugural event and have the opportunity to hear from aviation leaders,” said WAI Oklahoma City President, Young Chappell, a Boeing aerospace engineer. Chappell will champion the event supported by the WAI Oklahoma City members, 137th Special Operations Wing airmen, AAR Corporation, and Boeing volunteers. “We are so excited about this opportunity to give back to the community,” she said.The girls will engage in hands-on learning about aviation including piloting, aircraft maintenance, the physics of flight, flight safety, aviation medicine, military aviation, and air traffic control.To register for this free event visit: https://waiokc.org/girls-in-aviation-day-2023/. The event will sell out at 400 persons.For more information about the Oklahoma City Chapter of Women in Aviation, visit https://waiokc.org/.

Contact Student Development

Marissa Lightsey, Program Director; Student Development

Dr. Sheri Fleming, Program Manager; Prevention & Intervention Services

Christi Sturgeon, Program Manager; Comprehensive School Counseling

Jennifer Peters, Program Manager; College & Career Readiness

Emily Hicks, Administrative Assistant; Student Development

DON'T MISS OUT ON FUTURE NEWSLETTERS: SUBSCRIBE HERE

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe | Delete Profile | Help | Questions: Contact Us

*To ensure future delivery of email, please include OKSDE@public.govdelivery.com and any emails from @sde.ok.gov on your safe senders list.

*Subscribe, update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on the GovDelivery Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy.

Please do not reply to this email. If you would like to contact the Oklahoma State Department of Education, please call us at (405) 521-3301. You can also find us online.