WPY Coalition
Working together to reduce youth substance use and promote health and wellness in Waltham!
Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) 2019 Data!
Coronavirus Updates, Resources and Online Activities/Trainings
Find current updates on coronavirus as it pertains to Waltham Public Schools here!
WATCH CDC Compiling COVID-19
Community Resource Guide
WATCH CDC, a local nonprofit focused on community organizing, is doing amazing work compiling a centralized COVID-19 Resource Guide to support the Waltham community during this difficult time. The guide currently lists resources related to healthcare, food (including FREE LUNCH AND DINNER for all Waltham youth), housing, utilities, income and employment, and is being updated continuously. You can also find a list of ways to volunteer or donate during this time, and information regarding service closures and interruptions. We encourage all Waltham community members to visit this site.
If you are aware of a COVID-19 related resource that is not listed, please share with WATCH CDC at jack@watchcdc.org.
Free Remote In-Service Workshops
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is offering a series of
FREE remote professional development workshops
for educational staff during these challenging times.
PDPs will be issued for a minimum of 5 two hour sessions.
CEUs will be issued in any increment for most workshops, pending approval.
Remote In-Service Workshop Schedule 2020
Zoom meeting information will be emailed to participants after they register.
Tuesday, March 24
Mindfulness in the Age of Digital Distraction (and COVID-19)
Now that so many are working and studying from home with technology, it's doubly important to find ways to take time for mindfulness and stillness. The "Power Down for Presence” process, proven to increase attention and focus for more efficiency and productivity is good for adults, adolescents and children alike. The ubiquity of the 24/7 digital world has increased due to the social distancing needed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. This workshop helps participants embrace the power of mindfulness to pause one’s use of technology and come into presence for greater mental and brain health.
Speaker: Susan Reynolds, M.Ed., Co-Founder & Board Chair, LookUp.Live; Youth Advocacy Lead, Digital Wellness Collective
Wednesday, March 25
10am-12pm
Supporting the Mental Health of Yourself, Your Students and Families During the COVID-19 Times
This workshop will cover basic, science backed self-care and stress management tips for ourselves, our students and communities in times of crisis. From the individual to the system, we will be exploring the best practices for maintaining resilience in challenging times.
Speaker: Chris Willard, Psy.D., Psychologist and Educational Consultant
Thursday, March 26
10am-12pm
Educating Amid Contagion: Inner Skills for Teaching from Resilience
In this current time of virus-sparked uncertainty, and even long after COVID-19 has eased and we return to classrooms, disruption, confusion and fear will remain. In this workshop, we will discuss the emotional and psychological conditions teachers, counselors and administrators will face when schools reopen. We will learn and practice the mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral skills to manage our own fears, frustrations and uncertainty and model and directly teach these skills to students as they return to school. This workshop will be interactive and hands-on in terms of discussion, sharing and practice of skills.
Speaker: Mitch Abblett, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist and Consultant
Thursday, March 26
2-4pm
Behavioral Activation: Addressing the Needs of Students with Depression During Social Distancing
Participants will learn about the use of behavioral activation to support students presenting with depression. Students who may already be socially isolating are at a heightened risk of a sustained cycle of inactivity, isolation, and depression as a function of the need to engage in social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis. Strategies and resources to support students remotely and engage them in behavioral activation will be shared.
Speaker: John Crocker, M.Ed., Director of School Mental Health & Behavioral Services, Methuen Public Schools
Friday, March 27
2-4pm
Reinforcing Tier I Supports in the Home During the COVID-19 Crisis
Participants will be engaged in a discussion regarding ways in which Tier I supports, resources, and strategies can be reinforced in the home by providing families with consultation, coaching, and education. Supporting families in creating environments that will provide a socially and emotionally supportive environment during the COVID-19 crisis will be discussed.
Speaker: John Crocker, M.Ed., Director of School Mental Health & Behavioral Services, Methuen Public Schools
Monday, March 30
10am-12pm
10 Tech/Life Balance Strategies in the Midst of COVID-19
Are you feeling isolated by the coronavirus? Are you spending more time on technology than you'd like? Are you missing time with friends and community? Before we can help our family and friends, we need to find our own sense of balance in this unprecedented, unbalanced time. This workshop presents research combined with practical strategies to lift mood, engage in movement, enjoy fresh air time, and find slivers of joy for tech/life balance, as well as practicing the intentional and beneficial use of technology. Join fellow professionals in daily practices that you can share with others either in person or virtually.
Speaker: Susan Reynolds, M.Ed., Co-Founder & Board Chair, LookUp.Live; Youth Advocacy Lead, Digital Wellness Collective
Tuesday, March 31
2-4pm
Addressing the Challenges of Educational Leadership in Extraordinary Times
We are in a challenging situation as we maneuver through quickly changing and unprecedented circumstances. As district and school leaders, we are responsible for remotely retaining the momentum of learning, establishing new communication networks and pathways, and fostering a climate and culture of togetherness. Our success will be determined by many factors including our ability to keep relationships strong while being responsive to the ever-changing landscape, information and needs.
Speaker: Tony Pierantozzi, M.A., Superintendent, Nahant Public Schools
10am-12pm
Special Ed During the Shutdown: Navigating the Legal Requirements During the Covid-19 Crisis
The presentation will provide an update and analysis regarding the evolving legal guidelines and requirements during this unprecedented time of crisis. The presentation will focus on strategies for legal compliance as well as exploring practical solutions to the unique challenges presented during these times.
Speakers: Michael J. Joyce, Attorney at Law, Nuttall, MacAvoy & Joyce, P.C.; Craig Kowalski, Nuttall, MacAvoy & Joyce, P.C.
Wednesday, April 1
2-4pm
Increasingly, data suggests that exposing youth to large amounts of time in front of screens (TV, computer, tablet, or smart phone) may have negative effects on physical and mental development including issues with memory, attention, and language skills. This workshop is designed to provide the tools and vocabulary needed to help educators make wise choices about balancing daily screen use for children and adolescents.
Speaker: Cory Mashburn, M.Ed., MPY Speaker
Thursday, April 2
10am-12pm
Social Media's Impact on Mental Health: Optimizing the Connection during COVID-19
There are positives and negatives of social media, and in this unprecedented time of social distancing, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok offer a chance to stay connected to friends and family who they can no longer spend in person time with, but can still foster a culture of peer comparison. While working virtually and going to school online, technology can entice users to stay on social media longer than they intend which can cause digital overload and dependence. How do adults and youth alike, use social media with intention and good, as opposed to negative and lonely feelings during this time. Participants will have a chance to participate in both the LookUpChallenge.com and Digital Wellness Day on May 1.
Speaker: Susan Reynolds, M.Ed., Co-Founder & Board Chair, LookUp.Live; Youth Advocacy Lead, Digital Wellness Collective
Friday, April 3
10am-12pm
Educating the Stressed Out Nervous Nervous System
In times of stress like we are facing now, our nervous system impacts our and our students ability to regulate emotion and attention effectively. Join us for a talk on settling the nervous system and preparing for learning during times of significant stress.
Speaker: Chris Willard, Psy.D, Psychologist and Educational Consultant