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“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.”
- Brené Brown
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September is Suicide Prevention Month
During this time of the year, we focus on the role we all play in suicide prevention. As school-based mental health providers, we can take this opportunity to highlight the significance of suicide and the importance of reducing the stigma of reaching out for help, knowing how to talk to others about suicidal thoughts, and understanding what resources are available for those in need.
- Help spread the word about 988. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has added downloadable print files for wallet cards, magnets, and posters to its 988 Partner Toolkit. The toolkit already includes logo and brand guidelines, key messages, frequently asked questions, fact sheets (English and Spanish), radio PSA scripts (English and Spanish), and more. The 988 print materials are available for ordering from the SAMHSA store and social media shareables about the basics of 988 are now available!
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#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.
- For suicide prevention resources created for Virginia schools, please visit the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Education Suicide Prevention webpages.
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2022 Youth Suicide Prevention Panel Recording: The Virginia Deparment of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) within the Office of Child and Family Services decided to shine a spotlight on youth suicide prevention during Children’s Mental Health Awareness month in May 2022. The panel discussion provides an overview of the landscape of youth suicide nationally and in Virginia, as well as strategies for suicide prevention in youth and young adults.
- The use of a multi-tiered framework to advance school-based mental health is well supported in the materials and guidance through the Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports (VTSS). The Jed Foundation (JED) has developed The Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for High Schools, which is grounded in a tiered framework and aims to reduce reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors for suicide, promote overall health and well-being, highlight effective strategies for identifying, and responding to those at risk.
September is Attendance Awareness Month
- For attendance resources created for Virginia schools, please visit the VDOE’s Attendance and Truancy webpage.
- School staff can learn about addressing chronic absenteeism through data, positive engagement, and strategic partnerships on the Virginia Career and Learning Center Chronic Absenteeism course.
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Attendance Works has many attendance resources for educators, families, and community partners.
Back to School
- The Healthy Back to School website was jointly created by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to provide health related information to parents, families, and community members.
- For the 21st year, the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) is sponsoring the annual Back to School campaign. The DMAS has a dedicated Cover Virginia Back to School webpage to provide important information on Virginia low cost or no cost health insurance through Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) or Medicaid. The website includes information for parents, resources for schools, and promotional materials.
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Start the Year Right!
Summer is a good time to take stock in what we’ve been doing well in the past and what we can improve on during the upcoming new school year. As summer sun and fun transitions to school planning, consider how you will prioritize your self-care this year. Make adjustments to ensure quality sleep, consider the importance of exercise and how just a 15 minute walk can improve your mental wellness.
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Think about simple activities that work with your schedule, fit your interests, and allow for social engagement. Finally, protect yourself from becoming overwhelmed with negative emotions by taking much needed breaks during the day. Guided breathing and mindfulness activities help take your focus away from your stressors and allow you to renew your energy.
If these are new to you, practice now, so you can easily incorporate them into your daily or weekly routine once school starts!
Guided breathing:
Mindfulness:
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The Virginia Career and Learning Center for School Mental Health Professionals offers professional development and career opportunities for school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, and other licensed school mental health professionals in Virginia’s Public Schools. |
- Exciting news! More people are visiting the site! In June 2022, there were 2,700+ new users and over 6,100+ page views within the “Open Positions” tab. If you want to request access to post positions within the website, please email Kristinne Stone at Kristinne.Stone@doe.virginia.gov.
Check out the Learning Center, which houses professional development modules that provide on-demand access to a wide variety of video courses.
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RECENT SUPERINTENDENT MEMOS & IMPORTANT DATES |
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RECENT MEMOS
Superintendent's Memo 152-22 (July 15, 2022)
This memo provides updated guidance related to the school of origin options for students in Foster Care and the requirement to complete the best interest determination (BID) process after a residential stay.
You can view previous and future memos on the VDOE webpage.
IMPORTANT DATES
Effective Alternative Schools and Programs in Virginia After School Special Webinars registration is now open!
Each alternative school/program will provide insight into their particular program and staff will be available to answer questions from the attendees. All events will run from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022: Lotus Academy, Caroline County
- Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022: Computer Based Instruction, Prince William County
- Tuesday, October 4, 2022: WJCC Learning Lab, Williamsburg James City County
- Thursday, October 6, 2022: Louisa County Public Schools Alternative Education
- Tuesday, October 11, 2022: Academy 360 & Connections Academy, Chesterfield
- Thursday, October 13, 2022: Amelia Street School, Richmond City
- Tuesday, October 18, 2022: Southeastern Cooperative Education Programs (SECEP)
- Thursday, October 20, 222: Table Talk for Effective Alternative Programs, Office of Student Services Staff
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Purple Star USA National Convening of Schools and Communities
SAVE THE DATE! There will be a national convening on Purple Star programming being held on October 26, 2022. The event is designed to showcase the power that Purple Star programming can offer schools wanting to develop a healthy school culture. If your school is or is considering becoming a Purple Star designated school you’ll want to attend this event!
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Registration information is available on the Purple Star Convening Flier.
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Newsletter Subscription Information and Twitter
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