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Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education
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Mental & Behavioral Health Newsletter |
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As the holiday season approaches, our mental health and wellness team wants to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for all your hard work, compassion, and dedication to supporting the mental health of school communities throughout our state. The holidays are a time of joy, reflection, and connection, but they can also be challenging for many. Please remember that it's just as important to care for yourselves as it is to care for others. We encourage you to take time to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with those who bring you peace. Our team thanks you for all you do and wish you a happy holiday season!
HB 3 Mental Health Training Commissioner’s Rule Adopted
The Commissioner’s Rule for House Bill 3 (88R) Mental Health Training (TEC § 22.904) has been adopted as of December 2, 2024. This rule, identified as 19 TAC § 153.1015, mandates that school district employees who regularly interact with students complete an evidence-based mental health training program. Currently, the primary recognized training programs identified are Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA). However, local education agencies (LEAs) can offer a locally selected course if it meets the requirements of subsection (d)(3)(A)(J). This alternative course can be developed and provided by a partnering organization, such as a mental health agency or an ESC.
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Register today for the Upcoming Mental & Behavioral Health Webinar Series |
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Texas Health and Human Services Commission Safety Planning Intervention Trainings |
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Safety Planning Intervention (SPI): is an evidence-based intervention training. This training teaches participants how to conduct safety planning with an individual who may be at risk for suicide. Safety planning is a written, prioritized list of coping strategies and resources for reducing suicide risk that is completed in a collaborative manner between the individual at risk and the mental health professional (e.g. school counselor, nurses, social workers, licensed professional counselors, etc.) working with them. Participants will learn how to:
- Discuss the evidence behind and rationale for Safety Planning Intervention and
- Describe and discuss each of the steps in the intervention
Safety Planning Intervention Training for Trainers (SPI T4T) is a one-day, virtual training that prepares participants to teach a Safety Planning Intervention course.
Trainings are hosted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and are intended for a wide range of mental health professionals. Training dates are listed below:
12/16/24 (SPI T4T) 8:30am-4:00pm
1/30/25 8:30am-12:30pm
2/20/25 (SPI T4T) 8:30am-4:00pm
5/8/25 8:30am-12:30pm
8/7/25 8:30am-12:30pm
To register for a free training or learn more email suicide.prevention@hhs.texas.gov.
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District Highlight |
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Woodsboro ISD partnered with local organizations and utilized grant funded resources through Project AWARE to provide free summer camp sessions for students in 1st to 5th grade. The district started incorporating mental health supports after they ended virtual learning and returned to campus after the pandemic. They offered summer camp sessions for two different groups to address the academic, social, and emotional needs of students. One group was for any student who wanted to maintain skills and have something enriching to participate in, and the other was for a target group that didn’t pass the STAAR test and needed accelerated instruction.
Academic and counseling staff created rotations where students would have their reading or math lessons followed by other activities that encouraged students to continue engaging. The summer camps included fun and creative activities, cooking, gardening, and positive youth development opportunities. “After the summer with positive youth development and other activities, I noticed they [summer camp students] were much more engaged and active,” said Woodsboro ISD’s superintendent, Leslie Garza, when referring to the impacts of this initiative.
When considering the Texas School Mental Health Framework, Woodsboro ISD’s summer enrichment for students addresses multiple components of school mental health including positive youth development, safe and supportive school climates, building relationships, managing emotions, and building skills for responsible decision making.
Click here to learn more about Woodsboro ISD’s efforts to blend mental health curriculum into their elementary school summer programming.
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Mental & Behavioral Health Tips |
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While the holiday season is a time filled with joy, it is important to remember that it is common to feel added stress. Whether due to separation from loved ones, personal grief, the pressures of gift-giving, economic hardship, challenging interactions with family members, or shorter days, this time of year can bring unique mental and behavioral health challenges. Below are 3 strategies for supporting your mental health during the holidays.
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Practice self-care: It is important to schedule time for yourself and activities that recharge your mind and body. This may include reading a good book, working out, spending time in nature, and practicing stress management skills, such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness. It is also important to remember to prioritize necessities, including eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, and finding time for exercise.
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Connect with community: If you can’t be near loved ones during the holidays, finding a supportive community through clubs, support groups, community centers, local meetups, and faith communities can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Consider scheduling a regular phone call with family and friends as well.
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Support others: During this time of year feelings of grief and loss can amplify. Check in on loved ones who may be alone or struggling during the holiday season. Helping a friend or neighbor not only gives joy to others, but it can improve your own happiness and well-being.
Excerpts from: “Supporting Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season” by Tanner Bommersbach, M.D., M.P.H., Policy Fellow, Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
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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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