California Student Mental Health Week Toolkit by Level

 In this two-part, 1.5 hour webinar we explore resources for Student Mental Health Week on May 4-8, 2020 and for a deeper look into the new co-sponsored web resource found on this website. 

Part I: This segment of the webinar will provide an overview of events & resources associated with California Student Mental Health Week (SMHW). The first annual SMHW is an advocacy effort designed to draw attention to mental health issues facing California youth. With lessons, activities & social media posts available for downloading. 

Part II: Join members of the COVID-19 Emergency Task Force as they introduce key resources on the recently launched COVID-19 Website. Presenters will do a deep dive into this complete & ready-to-use resources for administrators, school counselors, caregivers and students. 

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Mental Wellness: Redefining our health from a wellness perspective and reducing Stigma!

Join us for an informative and engaging presentation focused on Student Mental Wellness. Often, students who are experiencing mental health difficulties feel shame and fear, which may prevent them from seeking support. Presenters will discuss the concept of mental wellness and mental health stigma. They will provide current and relevant data regarding children’s and youth’s mental health, as well as ideas on how school counselors can support mental health in schools during this time of school closures.  Participants will walk away with resources to support their students, families, and communities. 

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  Understanding Trauma & the Grief Process through COVID-19 

  This session will cover the basics of trauma informed care and grief and trauma from the lens of what we as school counselors/educators are experiencing during this time of COVID-19 and school closures.  The presenters will address how, through our own grieving process, we can support a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Tier 1 process of supporting school staff, teachers, students and families now and preparation for the return to a school setting next school year. 

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  Top 5 Mental Health Issues that our Youth Experience (Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Eating Disorders, and Substance Use) 

This session provides an enriching and engaging panel discussion exploring the top five mental health issues that our youth experience today (anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, and substance abuse) moderated by Josh Godinez (President-Elect, CASC & Centennial High School, Corona). 

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  Suicide Awareness and Prevention 

Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among youth today.  Especially during this pandemic, we need to remain vigilant in providing supportive services for our students' social and emotional needs. Attendees who are willing to dig deep, and possibly get a bit emotional, will learn about the school counselor’s leading role in implementing suicide prevention programs and crisis response services, by exploring current research and best practices. Dr. Loren Dittmar describes his training through song, personal experience and his deep knowledge in understanding the role school counselors play in suicide prevention and school mental health practices.  

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Happy Hour  

Please join Sarah Slemmons (2020 California School Counselor of the Year & Middle School Counselor) and Ashley Kruger (CASC President & Elementary School Counselor) for happy hour! Grab your favorite drink and come meet other school counselors from around California. Since this week is focused on Mental Wellness, Sarah and Ashley will be facilitating a conversation about "your best self-care ideas!" We look forward to great discussions, laughter and networking. Hope to see you there. 

 It’s All About the Students

This session uplifts the perspective of students through testimonies, survey responses, and contest entries. ACLU in partnership with the CASC recently launched a contest to provide students with a platform to express their feelings about mental health services in school and the impact of the pandemic. Students were encouraged to submit essays, poetry, visual arts, songs, videos, and other forms of expression. In this session, students from the Youth Liberty Squad (ACLU) will share the perspective of fellow students across California and the reasons why school-based mental health is a civil right. The contest submissions will be shared with the State Superintendent and Governor to further advocate for school-based mental health.  

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