Elementary Counselor Central
Region One ESC Trainings
TEA Information
2022 March Newsletter
2022 April Newsletter
2022 May Newsletter
Region One ESC Trainings
Elementary Counselor's Academy 2022-23
Register for all sessions: Workshop: 238903 - Elementary Counselor Academy 2022-2023
To register for single session click on the workshop numbers for each session below.
Date Workshop # Session
October 25, 20022 238916 Suicide Prevention, intervention, Resources and Toolkits
Room:Sal Del Rey
December 9, 2022 238917 Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Counseling Children (Brief Room Virtual Solution)
January 17, 2023 238920 Mental Health Guidance Lessons: Tier 1 School Counseling
Room: Falcon Dam Mindfulness, Anger Management and Growth Mindset
February 23, 2023 238922 Helping the Grieving Student
Falcon Dam Media Safety
Registration Fee
$450 per participant for all sessions
or
$150 for each daily session(s)
Email Joe Castillo: jmcastillo@esc1.net for further information
Webinar: Navigating Mental Health in the School Environment
Texas Action for Healthy Kids is hosting their Navigating Mental Health in the School Environment webinar on October 10, 2022. Mental and behavioral health services in schools are traditionally focused on individual students. However, creating a positive school environment that supports the “whole child” is an important component that can contribute to a culture of positivity and support for students. Join Action for Healthy Kids as they share how to make your school district one that supports mental and physical wellbeing. Register for the event.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 6-18.
Audience:
Teachers, counselors, school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth leaders, parents, adults who work with youth
Workshop Information:
Blended – Learners complete a 2-hour self-paced online course, and participate in a 4.5-5.5-hour, Instructor-led video-conference training. All sessions are from 9:00am to 3:00pm
DATES AND REGISTRATION LINKS:
September 13, 2022 Workshop #241352
September 15, 2022 Workshop #241359
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Claudia Garcia, cgarcia@esc1.net, 956.984.6244
Marissa Chavana, machavana@esc1.net, 956.984.6241
Jessica F. Viacobo, jviacobo@esc1.net 956-984-6015
See Flyer
OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH
Bullying can affect everyone—those who are bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying. Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use, and suicide.
Our partners at David's Legacy Foundation will be conducting a webinar. Participants will obtain an increased awareness of bullying and cyberbullying. This community issue is the responsibility of everyone.
David’s Legacy Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate cyberbullying and bullying, of children and teens, through education, legislation, and legal action. David's Legacy fulfills their mission through PEACE:
Protecting children and teens from all types of bullying
Educating communities about the harmful effects of cyber abuse
Advocating for families in crisis, facilitating legal assistance through pro-bono lawyers
Celebrating student-driven anti-bullying, kindness and inclusion initiatives
Empowering young people to practice digital empathy and self-care.
Register for the webinar here: Workshop # 254245
Online session
Resources:
| Bully Checklist |TxSSC Bully Checklist | TxSSC Bully Resources | TASB Bullying,
Cyberbullying, and Hazing | DFPS Bully Prevention Toolkit, David's Legacy Foundation
Contact Information:
Jessica F. Viacobo, Specialist for School Health and Counseling
jviacobo@esc1.net 956-984-6015
Workshop
Do Not Fix Me or Change Me
Workshop #244661
Nov. 9, 2022 NO FEE
Location: Region One ESC
Time: 8:30 - 3:30 pm
The is no fee!!
Presenter:
Jeanine K. Fitzgerald, Certified Human Behavior Consultant
Description:
Behaviors are not just a reflection of some emotional disturbance. It is the function of the interaction between a child and an environment. Therefore, the solutions are much more complex than rewards and consequences. This session examines why behaviors may not require a behavior plan that is designed to coerce children to conform and comply. Instead, it will explore what the durable solutions are to these challenges before us. It examines the patterns and principles of human behavior through the wisdom of 45 years of practice in educational communities.
More information Contact:
J. Lovejoy - jlovejoy@esc1.net
J. Pesina - jpesina@esc1.net
R. Cervantes - rcervantes@esc1.net
TEA Information
New & Noteworthy
TEA recently released and new webpage with information concerning Fentanyl. This information will be in our November newsletter and is already posted on the Title IV, Part A State Initiative website on the home page, Substance Use page, and Parent Resource page. In addition, we want to remind you of training that can be provided to or requested by ESCs and districts on drug impairment and current drug trends.
TEA Fentanyl Response Communications Toolkit: The Fentanyl Response Communications Toolkit is designed to provide communications resources and support to school systems to educate their school communities on the growing dangers of Fentanyl.
Drug Impairment Training for Educational Professionals: The purpose of the DITEP (Drug Impairment Training for Educational Professionals) Program is to provide school administrators, teachers, and nurses with a systematic approach to recognizing and evaluating individuals in the academic environment who are using or are impaired by drugs, to provide early intervention.
Drug Demand Reduction Outreach: Provides training and resources to schools and communities.
Reach out to KEVIN L. HAGER, CW2, FA, TXARNG - Drug Demand Reduction Outreach OIC Joint Counterdrug Task Force Office: 512-782-6734 Cell: 512-413-7350 Email: kevin.l.hager2.mil@army.mil
New Training Opportunities
TEA Webinars/Virtual Training
TEA Human Trafficking Webinar Series - October 14 | 10:30-11:30 am
Overviewing Marshal Program startup and best practices. | October 14 | Registration required
Virtual - 2022 Advancing Behavioral Health Collaboration (ABC) Summit | November 29-December 1 | 9:00-2:00 pm | Registration Free | CEUs available | More information
TEA Highly Mobile and At-Risk Webinar - December 1 | 1:00 pm CT
Other Webinars/Virtual Training
Free Registration - Safe and Sound Schools 2022 Virtual National Summit on School Safety - October 18-20 | ESCs and LEAs complimentary registration with the code TXSSC_GUEST | Flyer | Event Website
Navigating Mental Health in the School Environments - October 10 | 11:30-12:30 pm CT
USDE The Importance of Trauma Informed Pedagogy and Student Identity in Mental Health -October 11 | 3 pm CT
Protecting Children in a Digital Age - October 20 | 11:30-12:30 pm CT
USDE Reducing Stigma and Improving Access to Mental Health Services - October 25 |3 pm CT
Sandy Hook Know the Signs TOTs
Start with Hello - Dates and Registration
Say Something - Dates and Registration
Advanced Say Something - Dates and Registration
US DOE Hot Topics - lessons learned and best practices from faculty, staff, schools, districts, institutions of higher education, early childhood education providers, and other places of educational instruction
Commissioner of Education Rules
The following rule action was filed with the Texas Register for publication in the September 11, 2020 issue:
Summary: The proposed new subchapter would implement Senate Bill 11, 86th Texas Legislature, 2019, by establishing rules for a safe and supportive school program and trauma-informed care.
Publication in the Texas Register: September 11, 2020
Public Comment Period: September 11, 2020-October 12, 2020. A form for submitting public comments is available on the proposed commissioner of education rules web page.
Proposed Effective Date: December 6, 2020
https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/20_08_103ee.pdf
Project Restore
Trauma Informed Training Series
Each participant will
Learn the basics of trauma & stress and then do a deeper dive on how it impacts you and your students
Share strategies for building relationships and de-escalating students,
Build a strong classroom culture
Develop positive family partnerships
Each participant will receive CPE credits through TEA at the end of each video.
https://www.texasprojectrestore.org/
TEA Child Abuse Prevention - https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/health-safety-discipline/child-abuse-prevention/child-abuse-prevention-an-overview
TEA Human Trafficking Prevention - https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/other-services/human-trafficking-of-school-aged-children
Bullying - October is Bullying Prevention Month!
TEA Bully Standards - waiting for release
Standards will include details from TEC 37.0832
Campus Bully Prevention Committees
Bully student survey required
Required action plan based on survey results
Age appropriate instruction to each grade level (also required in Health TEKs)
Districts must prohibit and mediate
TASB updates to FFI Legal will be coming
Resources: Bully Prevention Webpage | Bully Checklist |TxSSC Bully Checklist | TxSSC Bully Resources | TASB Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Hazing | DFPS Bully Prevention Toolkit, David's Legacy Foundation
Substance Use/Abuse
Student Presentation from Texas National Guard Joint Counterdrug Task Force - Dead on Arrival Lesson Plan about the dangers of fentanyl and Narcan
Fentanyl Prevention Resources - U.S. DEA and CDC Opioid Basics
District Highlight - Hays CISD- https://www.hayscisd.net/fentanyl
UT San Antonio Health Grant - moreNARCANplease
Escape the Vape Training Modules | TxSSC
Human Trafficking
TEA Human Trafficking Webinar Series - October 14 | 10:30-11:30 am
School Board Training Requirements - every 2 years
Human Trafficking Prevention Website | Mandatory Reporting, Training & Reminders | TEA FAQ
Health TEKS - human trafficking addressed in grade level K-8 health TEKS
Title IX - Sexual Harassment | Sexual Discrimination
Join the U.S. Department of Education for the Fall 2022
Mental Health Learning Series
Join the U.S. Department of Education for a 3-part webinar series on promoting promising practices, resources and understanding existing barriers to mental health services for students. A new school year has begun and the nation is facing a youth mental health crisis. This webinar series will tackle pressing issues facing the field and will highlight ways to support student mental health, increase access to services, and support the whole child. As federal resources, including the existing American Rescue Plan funds, continue to become available for states and districts to support student well-being, the Department will share promising practices and lessons learned from schools, districts, and national experts, in an effort support the field to help students thrive.
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 4:00pm:
Evidence in Action: How States and Districts can Promote Mental Health
Register here: https://ed-gov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_pGC8FuIzSoq4I6f_mb9TyQ
Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 4:00pm:
The Importance of Trauma Informed Pedagogy and Student Identity in Mental Health
Register here: https://ed-gov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_u2Bu961dSDKLwt5HtdDgbA
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 4:00pm:
Reducing Stigma and Improving Access to Mental Health Services
Register here: https://ed-gov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_A6VzFzoFQBuX1Ttwn941BA
6th Summit on Advancing Behavioral Health Collaboration
Registration is free and now open!
Register at https://bit.ly/ABCSummit22
ADVANCING WELLNESS AND RESILIENCY IN EDUCATION:
You're Invited
The 6th Advancing Behavioral Health Collaboration (ABC) Annual Summit will be held virtually.
Presentations will focus on ways to elevate and integrate school mental health and wellness to support the whole child by advancing school mental health practices and strengthening community partnerships. Exemplars from across the state will showcase best practices, share insights and provide resources for local implementation.
November 29th, November 30th & December 1st
9:00 am - 2:00 pm (CST) via Zoom
November 29 Tier 1- Universal Interventions
November 30 Tier 2- Targeted Interventions
December 1 Tier 3- Intensive Interventions
Who should attend?
Participation is encouraged for professionals working in education service centers, local education agencies, state agencies and community organizations who desire to support schools, learn from colleagues, and strengthen student mental health in Texas. Please join us!
In collaboration with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission
AFFIRMING GENDER IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: SOCIAL TRANSITIONING
One of the first steps that all people—adults or children—take, if they feel their internal sense of gender and their sex assigned at birth do not match, is to socially transition. This means adults and children live their lives in a way that expresses their internal sense of who they are—their gender identity. A person may use a new name and/or different pronouns than before. Some might change their gender expression—wear different clothes or have a new hairstyle. Students usually want to—and have the right to—use facilities or join school activities that align with their gender identity.
PLANNING AND COMMUNICATIONS
● Social transitioning goes more smoothly for a student when school personnel and parents/ guardians (when affirming) work together and maintain regular communication and check-ins.
● Assess steps needed for your particular school and district to become more gender affirming.
○ What will help transgender and non-binary students—and all students—to feel safe at school?
○ Do you need professional development or advice to understand gender transitions and develop specific steps that your school could take?
○ Who do you need to communicate with in your school or district?
○ What policies or forms need to be reviewed, such as dress codes, bullying and harassment policies and student information systems?
● Develop common language on gender and social transitions that educators can use when talking with parents, families and colleagues while maintaining confidentiality for students. Help people understand the meaning of words related to gender and transitioning.
● Have resources available for adults to help them understand transgender and non-binary children.
● Each student and each family have different concerns about privacy and confidentiality around social transition. Ensure privacy and share information with school staff only on a need-to-know basis. Legally, it should be handled the same as a medical issue under FERPA and a student’s right to privacy.
● Educators should support students on their gender journey even if they do not have affirming family. School can be a supportive, affirming space for children to be themselves.
● Children are more resilient and able to cope when they feel affirmed and supported. Often, students who are transgender or non-binary have endured teasing and may not have felt safe to report it. Identify a safe person or people on staff for a student to talk to who will check in with them weekly while at school.
● Students have the right to talk about their transition with other students, but adults must carefully guard confidentiality. It is possible to have gender affirming schools without compromising the privacy of individual students.
● In school, it is the adults’ responsibility to help other students understand transitioning and gender, not the student’s.
● Identify key personnel responsible for answering more difficult questions or concerns parents and families may have and who can serve as a resource to others.
● If the media contacts your school or district, make sure that someone is prepared to respond and protect student privacy.
RESPECTING A STUDENT’S AFFIRMED GENDER
● Honor a student’s pronoun and name. Discuss with the student and their affirming parents/caregivers what name to use on forms and which gender marker to check. (Note: ensure your forms allow students’ gender identity to be written in rather than including only M or F as options.) Allow students and families to have the name that a student uses on lists that could be
seen by other students or families, such as class lists, grade postings or seating charts.
● Ensure that students are welcome and safe to wear the clothes, hairstyle and accessories that reflect their affirmed gender.
● Be thoughtful about class placement for transgender or non-binary students. Take into consideration the classroom teacher’s experience and training—in particular, their skills at developing a gender inclusive, welcoming classroom. Think about peer connections for the student.
● Be clear about restroom accessibility. Allow students to use the facilities that correspond with their gender identity. Have gender neutral restrooms available for all students who desire privacy for any reason.
● Avoid situations that force children to make gendered choices, such as lining up by boys and girls. Instead, divide students by last names, colors they’re wearing or common interests.
STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING A GENDER AFFIRMING SCHOOL
● Building a strong sense of community and a climate of acceptance in the classroom and school is a critical proactive strategy for creating a safe environment for all students, including those who identify as transgender and non-binary.
● Provide professional development for all school personnel—teachers, aides, counselors, administrative staff, bus drivers and cafeteria workers—on strategies to prevent and stop LGBTQ and gender based bullying.
● Educate adults in the school about the complexity of gender and the importance of gender inclusive classrooms for all students. Consider Welcoming Schools training on “Gender Inclusive Schools” and “Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Students.”
● Adults in the school need time to practice and be prepared for questions and put-downs on gender with simple phrases to stop gendered teasing and bullying. Staff need practice intervening when students are limiting each other based on gender stereotypes, and they need to be ready to educate students on why it is wrong or hurtful.
● Listen for name-calling and bullying based on gender stereotypes, gender identity or gender expression, so that you can interrupt it and be clear that all students are welcome and respected in your school. Develop plans to have extra coverage in hallways, the playground and the lunchroom to monitor and stop hurtful teasing and bullying behavior.
● Work with the students in your school to help them think of ways to be allies when someone is teased or bullied for any reason. (See the Welcoming Schools lesson: Making Decisions: Ally or Bystander.)
● Talk with students about the harmful effects of stereotyping and prejudice. Help your students see their potential to be all of who they are.
● Share with students diverse books with many gender identities and expressions. Use lesson plans to help students understand and discuss gender.
Committee for Children
Resources for Child Abuse Prevention
If you’re like many parents, you may know it’s important to talk with your child about sexual abuse but aren’t sure what to say or when to say it. This How-to guide makes it easy to approach these vital safety conversations so you can empower your child to report and refuse sexual abuse:
Connect and build trust in everyday moments
Teach your child simple, age-appropriate body safety rules
Create warmth and comfort when talking about a serious topic
Get information HERE
Child Abuse Resource Posters
Sanford Harmony
Available at no cost, Sanford Harmony is a social emotional learning program for Pre-K-6 grade students designed to foster intergender communication and understanding, connection, and community both in and outside the classroom and develop boys and girls into compassionate and caring adults.
https://www.sanfordharmony.org/
Free online professional development
Become the go-to source for career and college planning. The Academy has over 30 learning modules on endorsements, graduation plans, career pathways, entrance exams, college applications, military academies, financial aid, and more. All these free modules are available remotely, and you can review them at your own pace. This helpful calendar helps you plan your learning throughout the year.
Link to register:
https://account.texasoncourse.org/interaction/0717e507-6abe-4bd9-bcc3-b91f92c9ff3c
Syllabus:
https://texasoncourse.org/educators/educator-development/texas-oncourse-academy/syllabus/