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Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education
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Mental & Behavioral Health Newsletter |
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As we enter this holiday season, our team would like to thank you for all you do to support the mental and behavioral health of students across our state. This holiday season we hope you take the time out to recharge, spend time with family, and fill your cup. Our team wishes you a joyful holiday season!
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Register today for the Upcoming Mental & Behavioral Health Webinar Series
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Register today for the Upcoming Mental & Behavioral Health Webinar Series
The Texas Education Agency’s Safe & Supportive Schools Division and our Project AWARE Texas partners will be hosting a series of monthly webinars to highlight resources and best practice strategies on timely and relevant safe and supportive schools topics. Topics will include school mental health, substance abuse prevention, school discipline, early mental health interventions, approaches to whole child student support, and building community partnerships to increase capacity.
You can join a webinar every 2nd Thursday of the month from 11:00 am CST to 12:30 pm CST from December until June. CPE credits will be made available to those who attend the full live session.
Register Below for the December 14th Webinar Session on Trauma & Grief Informed Care Strategies
Upcoming webinar sessions:
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Upcoming Trainings and Events |
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Restorative Discipline Practices: Visit the TEA Restorative Discipline Practices Page to view upcoming trainings and resources to support restorative discipline implementation in your school community.
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The Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest: Submission open December 1st. This year’s theme is “Why Does Mental Health Matter to You?” The entry categories are original artwork, writing, and photography. The contest is open to students and adults. Visit https://gallery.txsystemofcare.org/ for more information.
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Mindful Self-Compassion for Educators Training: AWARE Texas partners at the South Southwest MHTTC will host a Mindful Self-Compassion for Educators Training. This training is specifically for educators, caregivers, and individuals dedicated to the well-being of young minds. This course welcomes participants of all levels. No prior experience is necessary. The training will be held virtually via zoom over 8 sessions 6:00-8:30 PM CT each Tuesday from January 30th to March 10th. Please fill out this Interest Form to be considered for the training.
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Would you like to provide feedback about your use of the Texas School Mental Health Toolkit? |
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Texas Department of State Health Services Reaching for Excellence (RFE) in Texas School Health Grant |
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The goal of the RFE grants is to fund projects that inspire students to live healthier lives. The RFE grant funds new projects or projects operating for less than a year. The project must focus on at least one key component of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model.
Eligible projects should engage students, their families, and the community. They also should include plans to continue the project past the initial year. A school district can receive up to $10,000 (in reimbursement funds) to implement a project at the district level or on a school campus. If selected, the school district will receive funds for one project. View the Grants and Awards Program webpage for more information and how to apply.
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PAX Good Behavior Game |
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PAXIS Institute and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have partnered to offer free training to those working with children or families in both in and out-of-school settings. The PAX Good Behavior Game provides educators with evidence-based strategies to help build children’s self-regulation skills. These skills can improve classroom behavior, support academics, and reduce opioid misuse. Education Service Center Region 13 offers PAX Good Behavior Game trainings to educators throughout Texas. To learn more and register for a training, visit the PAX Good Behavior Game webpage. |
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LEA Spotlight |
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Congratulations to Communities in Schools - San Antonio and the Harris County Department of Education on being selected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration for the latest round of Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) grants. Communities in Schools - San Antonio was awarded just over $1.3 million per year for 5 years to support their partnership with East Central ISD to deliver a continuum of comprehensive, campus-based, tiered supports, including universal mental health promotion, intensive case-management, on-site mental health counseling, and capacity building.
The Harris County Department of Education was awarded $1.1 million per year for 5 years to expand their partnerships with Waller ISD, Sheldon ISD, and Channelview ISD to develop a sustainable infrastructure where students have adequate access to MH resources. This collaboration among the newest Project AWARE grantees, Texas Education Agency, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, ESC Region 20, ESC Region 4, and numerous community partners will strengthen school mental health in these school communities for years to come.
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Mental & Behavioral Health Tips |
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Just as you work to take care of your children/teens, remember to take care of yourself. When you take care of yourself, you are likely to be less anxious, depressed, and stressed. This will also increase your patience with your children/teens, which in turn, helps to reduce their distress. Modeling your own self-care also increases the likelihood that your children/teens will do the same.
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Eat well, especially as some holiday traditions may change typical eating routines.
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Be active or move your body in a way that you enjoy every day (e.g., take a walk, run, ride a bike, dance to your favorite songs).
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Engage in a relaxing activity (e.g., yoga, meditation, mindfulness, a hot shower/bath, reading).
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Connect with a friend or family member.
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Give yourself adequate time for rest.
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Disconnect from all electronics for a bit each day.
Excerpt from: Gurwitch, R., Brymer, M., & Ghosh Ippen, C. (2020). Supporting Children and Teens During This Holiday Season. Los Angeles, CA, and Durham, NC: National Center for Child Traumatic Stress
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The Texas Education Agency will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.
     
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