FALL 2018
HEALTHY SCHOOLS INITIATIVE 2018-19
Where funding goes A quick breakdown of our $4.3 million budget serving 28,000 students
$2.5million $840k $640k 28 Wellness Coordinators, nurses, and counselors
Dear HSI Community,
K-5 P.E. programs Grants awarded to 29 in 12 RCSD schools community partners for schoolbased health programs
PE+ program for grades K-5 in the Redwood
City School District I am pleased to introduce myself as the Nutrition education Director of School Health for the Sequoia The Parent Education Series Healthcare District (SHD). I am a retired Health Connected sexual health curriculum pediatrician and served seven years as Wellness The Neuroscience of Addiction curriculum Coordinator for the Sequoia Union High School Substance use prevention resources District, My goal is to lead our wellness team, CPR training for over 12,000 high school unifying our seven elementary school districts students and one high school district. Our team addresses common overarching health and Read ahead about one example of how we are safety objectives with a focus on prevention Initiating the Conversation through innovative and early intervention. programming and partnerships between your The Healthy Schools Initiative (HSI) was initially school district and our valuable partners. I look launched in 2010, and over the years has forward to future successes along with our become one of the SHD’s major investments in community’s ongoing support for the health of the community. With an annual HSI budget of our children. $4.3 million, SHD has partnered with our eight Sincerely, school districts to support key positions and programs such as: Wellness Coordinators School nurses On-campus mental health counseling
Karen E. Li, MD Director of School Health
services (including StarVista, Acknowledge Alliance, and Adolescent Counseling Services) The Green Folder Initiative (staff and parent mental health resource guides) 525 Veterans Blvd,
Redwood City, CA 94063
( 650)421-2155
www.seqhd.org
Introducing the HSI Wellness Team
Elizabeth Boldt
Maynell Palmer
Kim Staff
Kristen Shima
Belmont Redwood-Shores School District
Las Lomitas Elementary School District
Menlo Park City School District
Portola Valley School District
Initiating the Conversation In many ways, we are unique in that we are
This fall, Sequoia Union High School District’s
one of the few healthcare districts in California Wellness Advisory Council (WAC), in to provide a comprehensive level of support to
partnership with SHD and community allies
local school districts through our Healthy
Parent Venture, CHC/PEN (Children’s Health
Schools Initiative.
Council/Parent Education Network) and Palo
One major theme for Healthy Schools Initiative programming over this past year was continuing or, in many cases, starting the conversation about youth mental health. HSIfunded Wellness Coordinators (pictured above) are leading the conversation in each of their
Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF), launched evening community screenings of Angst, a documentary on anxiety. Each of the four comprehensive high schools also hosted daytime screenings for staff and students with a staff or student panel.
districts. We are pleased to welcome Javier
With an objective of furthering the
Gutierrez as the newest member to the team.
conversation at home, each of the Angst
The HSI Wellness Team meets monthly to work on shared objectives and collaborate on best practices. One over-arching objective this year is collecting mental health data so we can better assess the mental health needs of our students.
DID YOU KNOW? About 1 in 4 children experience clinical anxiety? Nearly one in three adolescents (31.9%) will meet criteria for an anxiety disorder by the age of 18.
screenings SHD provided Parent Green Folders, a resource guide for parents with a parent action plan to “See Something, Say Something, Do Something”. SHD is currently partnering on developing a Parent Green Folder app as well. You can view and download the Parent Green
Folder on seqhd.org. 12% of California youth reported at least one major depressive episode in the past year? Adolescent girls are more than twice as likely to experience depression than boys, 15.9% vs 7.7%. Anxiety is a treatable illness?
Andrea Garen
Mindy Hill
Javier Gutierrez
Abbe Keane
Redwood City School District
San Carlos School District
Sequoia Union High School District
Woodside Elementary School District
Our students deserve to have a safe platform for conversations on difficult topics that are pertinent to them, one of which is the topic of substance abuse. SHD has also been instrumental in ensuring that students have access to innovative health curriculum such as the Neuroscience of Addiction (NOA), which is currently taught in the Sequoia Union High School District. Additionally, through partnerships with Breathe California and the Tobacco Education Coalition, we will be piloting a peer-to-peer drug education program between the high school and feeder
For more information about the film, visit: ANGST - Tools and Resources
school districts, San Carlos and Redwood City School District. Please look for an upcoming Public Service Announcement from the SHD on the topic of vaping.
Worried? Take our 2-minute anxiety quiz: www.psycom.net/anxiety-test Organizations
Child-Mind Institute- For Families Children's Health Council - Anxiety and Depression National Institute of Mental Health Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Articles
How to Help a Child Overcome School Refusal What to Do (and Not DO) When Children Are Anxious What Does Childhood Anxiety Look Like? Probably Not What You Think YA Fiction John Green, Turtles All the Way Down
Understanding School Refusal What is school refusal? First and foremost, school refusal is a form of anxiety that demands treatment. School refusal is NOT a behavioral problem, nor is it the same as truancy (see chart below). You can’t discipline your child out of school refusal. School refusal peaks at several points of development: Kindergarten entry, between ages 7-9, and middle or high school entry. Boys and girls are equally affected.
By Psychology Today
What can parents do?
Meet with the school counselor, teacher, and staff. Talk to your child about their reasons for not wanting to go to school. Highlight the positive aspects of school. staff Help your child build a support system. Contact your pediatrician for a referral to a therapist.
A Personal Story: Anxiety Hits Home
By a local parent
Sitting in the parking lot of our child’s school, I cried so hard it was a struggle to catch my breath. I had been holding it together for 45 minutes and then the dam broke. As my body shook and my heart sank, I called my husband for support. You see, our 11-year-old son refused to get out of the car and go to school. Extremely upset, he was screaming and crying for me to take him home. I would like to say that this was a one-off, an isolated event, but it wasn’t. It was probably day 8 of the 13 days he wouldn’t make it to school that semester. Two years ago, our son, starting 6th grade at a new school, suffered from “school refusal”(1) triggered by academic anxiety. What we went through I don’t wish on any family. I walked around each day with a pit in my stomach. It was so difficult to see my son in pain. Not wanting to get out of bed, he would hide under the covers. One morning our son locked himself in his
bedroom and texted me that he wasn’t going to school. My sister, who had come to help, took the doorknob off so we could get to him. While this was an extreme situation, it demonstrates the tough situations we faced. (Read the full article here)
SCHOOL REFUSAL
TRUANCY
Severe emotional stress about attending school: may include anxiety, temper tantrums, depression or somatic issues
Lack of excessive anxiety or fear about attending school
Parent are aware of the absence or the child convinces parents to allow him or her to stay home
Children often attempt to conceal their absence from parents
Absence of significant behavioral or antisocial problems
Frequent antisocial behavior, often in the company of antisocial peers
During school hours, the child stays home because it is safe
During school hours, the child is somewhere other than home
A willingness to do homework and complies by completing work at home
Lack of willingness to do schoolwork or meet academic expectations
Understanding Anxiety How do I know if my child’s anxiety is outside of the normal range? The difference between normal worry and an anxiety disorder is severity. Although feeling anxious is a natural reaction to a stressful or dangerous situation, a child may need help if their anxiety is out of proportion, if it persists, or if it interferes with their daily functioning and healthy development.
How can I help my child today?
Try self-help methods and ways of relaxation, including breathing, music, meditating, yoga, and journaling. Talk with your child about feelings and fears which can help reduce them. Emphasize the positive aspects of school, such as playing at recess and seeing friends. Encourage hobbies and interests to help build self-confidence.
Interview with Dr. Annette Hwang Dr. Hwang has been a pediatrician for over twenty years. She is currently working at the Menlo Medical Clinic. I had the pleasure of speaking with her on the topic of child anxiety. Here is what she had to say:
Q: Are you seeing an increase in child anxiety? If so, why? A: Yes, I see more children suffering from anxiety and at younger ages. It is hard to pinpoint one specific cause. Reasons include: social media,
school pressure, college expectations, intensive after school activities, and living in Silicon Valley.
Q: What are the signs parents should be aware of? A: Symptoms include feeling tired, headaches, abdominal pain, and sleep issues. Pay attention if your child is avoiding things. Also, are they not getting over illnesses in a normal time frame?
By Stacey Holmes
Q; What is your treatment approach? A: I talk to the child. Some kids won’t talk in front of their parents so I will send parents out of the room. One of the first things I do is learn about their schedule/routine. My suggestions include: ensuring downtime, limiting social media, and looking at their sleep and nutrition. I encourage parents to give their children responsibilities at home, such as chores. Parents shouldn’t do everything for their children. Also, children should be given the opportunity to make choices/decisions, providing them with a sense of control. I will refer them to other resources, including the school counselor, a therapist, and/or psychiatrist. Q: Do you have anything else to add? A: I would like to mention the importance of addressing any concerns early. While anxiety can be hard to diagnose in children it is treatable.
Having a Conversation with an Anxious Child What to Say
What NOT to Say
Validate their feelings, and express your support Avoid using phrases that minimize or invalidate and confidence in your child: feelings: I know you’re scared, and that’s okay. I’m here, and I’m going to help you get through this.
Don’t worry. It’s no big deal. You will be fine. There is nothing to be afraid of.
Sequoia Healthcare District Funding Makes a Elementary School Counselor Pilot Redwood Shores and Cipriani are fortunate to be Difference for BRSSD Students
part of BRSSD’s Elementary School Counselor In fall 2010, BRSSD received a three-year grant to Pilot. This pilot is funded by Sequoia Healthcare implement a Coordinated School Health Model. District’s Healthy Schools Initiative as well as This money came from the Sequoia Healthcare school site funding. District (SHD) as a part of the Healthy Schools Initiative (HSI). The HSI is based on the belief that Left: Redwood good health is necessary for academic success. Shores Coun-
selor Melissa Villamejor, MFT Right: Cipriani Counselor Alexi Stephano, MFT
Since 2010, SHD has continued to give BRSSD the funds that run the “BRSSD Healthy Kids” programs. The Healthy Kids programs have become an integral part of the school district. We are grateful that this grant has been renewed year after year. We would not be able to provide all the student services and support systems without the SHD. Another example of SHD’s impact is its contribution to fund our Health and Wellness Educator, Elizabeth Boldt. Her role is to synergize and strategize with all of the personnel and programs, while also building the capacity of our parents through ongoing parent education. The ability of our Health and Wellness Educator to stay connected with the county health and education systems helps our district build on the knowledge of others instead of operating in isolation. Other programs include: PE Coaches StarVista Counselors Nurses Teacher Training School Counselor pilot Positive Behavioral Intervention and
Support (PBIS) Coach Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Support Great Body Shop Curriculum Safe Routes to School Coordinator Staff Wellness
Sequoia Healthcare District sponsors our county’s Mental Health Collaborative, Wellness Alliance, and many other county-wide initiatives enabling all of the San Mateo County school districts to collaborate and share resources.
Most of BRSSD elementary schools currently use counselors who exclusively help students who are experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges. Shifting how we use counselors is a more proactive approach to the mental health of our students while positively addressing students’ needs for more connectedness to our schools and the greater need for social-emotional learning (SEL) for academic success. Having the support of an Elementary School Counselor can be impactful at a young age. Counselors are trained to identify a child's needs early so that intervention can be most effective. . The role they play includes:
Teaching social and emotional lessons to the students in their classrooms.
Promoting mindfulness. Problem solving with students on the
playground. Consulting and educating parents, teachers, and staff. Facilitating small group counseling for referred students. The pilot is in its second year, and the response from the school communities has been very positive. It is exciting to be a part of a pilot that has the ability to change young lives by building skills that will last a lifetime. Thank you, SHD, for your financial support!
VISION
Every child achieves academic excellence. Every child becomes emotionally and physically stronger. Every child discovers and grows their talents.
MPCSD PARENT EDUCATION SPEAKER SERIES ANGST Documentary and Panel, Anxiety in our Children
MPCSD Para-educators Symposium Attendees
A documentary screening followed by a Q&A panel discussion with Karin Gornick (Producer), Jenny Howe (Licensed Therapist) and Andy Kaplan (teen) Wednesday, November 7, 2018 @ 6:30 pm
Para-educators Attend Symposium on MTSS With the ongoing support of the Sequoia Healthcare District, the Menlo Park City School District has established District-wide Multi Tiered Systems of Support for the social-emotional and academic success of all students. Para-educators are invaluable partners in all of the District’s MTSS programs. From October 16-19, Para-educators participated in a “Para-educator Symposium” at the District Office during the second half of each of the four school days of the symposium. They engaged in different seminars coordinated by the Student Services Department. Topics covered included: Special Education, behavior strategies for middle school students, speech & language strategies, and strategies for working with students on the spectrum.
From Columbine to Parkland: Is this the new normal? A “fireside chat” with Frank DeAngelis, former principal of Columbine High School, and Erik Burmeister, MPCSD Superintendent Monday, January 14, 2019 @ 6:30 pm
How Social Media Affects Children’s Mental Health, and What We Can Do to Protect Them
A presentation by Dr. Naama BarneaGoraly, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and a former Stanford brain researcher Wednesday, February 13, 2019 @ 6:30 pm
The Importance of Teaching Compassion to our Kids
A moderated discussion with Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn, and Kristen Gracia, Principal of Oak Knoll School, and Erik Burmeister, MPCSD Superintendent Wednesday, March 27, 2019 @ 6:30 pm
The Symposium was a coordinated, communitybased experience to be continued in December, and will include additional seminars around collaborative teaching models, and socialemotional classroom supports.
Let's Talk about Sex...and Puberty
A presentation by Vanessa Kellam, Parent Engagement Coordinator, Health Connected Wednesday, April 10, 2019 @ 6:30pm
181 Encinal Avenue
Atherton, CA 94027
(650)321-7140 Email: district@mpcsd.org
PORTOLA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS TEAM In PVSD, we have a team of Wellness Champions that oversee the district Wellness Policy. As a group, we meet multiple times throughout the school year and continually monitor and assess our Social Emotional Learning curriculum, focus on staff and student wellness activities and trainings, and coordinate parent education evenings focused on wellness topics.
Kristen Shima, Assistant Principal Corte Madera School; Tamyrn Miller, Counselor- Ormondale; Todd Patterson, Counselor Corte Madera; Lisa Scigliano, PVSD Psychologist
BEYOND DIFFERENCES SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL) CURRICULUM At Corte Madera School we are excited about implementing Beyond Differences. Working with 5-8 graders, this SEL program promotes inclusion while celebrating student’s individual differences. One of the first lessons asks students to create an identity marker diagram. This activity gives students a platform to showcase their culture, traditions, and family that help define who they are. In preparation for “Know you Classmates Day” students also participated in a “hand” activity. Each student was asked to list several ways they can include their peers at school and help them feel part of a community.
SAFE SPACE This year we are piloting a program with Safespace to work with our 7 and 8 graders in collaboration with former Corte Madera School alumni that are now in High School. Safespace is a local organization in Menlo Park that provides early access to support services and awareness of mental health challenges. This program promotes mental health awareness and helps to destigmatize seeking support. We look forward to seeing how this program will help support students mental health needs through peer advocacy in our middle school. th
th
THE ASTRONAUTS SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM PVSD has partnered with Martin Blank and The Astronauts Social Emotional Learning Program to bring mindfulness routines into the classroom. Research shows that mindfulness activities, through meditation and breathing yields positive results for student behavior, learning and class climate. All PV teachers were trained in mindfulness breathing in August, and Martin continues to work with the 2nd and 4th grade teams on incorporating breathing activities. Thank you to the Sequoia Healthcare District for sponsoring this program in PVSD. GREEN FOLDER INITIATIVE AND KOGNITO TRAINING Over the last two years, teachers at Corte Madera School have received training in interactive role playing simulation using the Kognito program. This training increases the awareness and skills about mental health and suicide prevention. In addition, PVSD has implemented the Green Folder Initiative which helps faculty recognize symptoms of distress, identify appropriate referrals, and creates a flow-chart for getting support for students. Thank you to the Sequoia Healthcare District for sponsoring the Kognito program for our middle school staff.
Redwood City School District places a high value on the health of its students. Thanks to the generous support of the Sequoia Healthcare District and its Healthy Schools Initiative grant, we are strategically improving the systems and processes that lead to improved health and wellness for our students. The Redwood City School District Wellness Committee provides a forum for school district staff, community organizations, community members, parents, and youth to collaborate on efforts to keep students healthy. We welcome the participation of our community partners and families in the Redwood City School District Wellness Committee. Everyone is welcome! Utilizing the Whole School, Whole, Community, Whole Child Approach, the wellness committee works on sharing information and resources that promote high-quality wellness education, initiatives, programs and services to the students, families, and staff of the district.
The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model is an “ecological approach” that calls for greater collaboration across the community, school, and health sectors to meet the needs and support the full potential of each child. This model offers important opportunities to improve health and promote academic achievement by leveraging the collective support of diverse programs and community partners. Please join us! Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 2-3:30pm at the Sequoia Healthcare District, 525 Veterans Blvd, Redwood City. Meeting Schedule for 2018-19: November 15 January 17 February 21 March 21 April 18 If you are interested in participating in the RCSD Wellness Committee, please email Andrea Garen, Director of Health & Wellness at agaren@rcsdk8.net.
This chart currently lists the community partnership “ecosystem” that supports the health and well-being of RCSD students:
Wellness Subcommittees
Areas of Focus
Wellness Committee Partners
Social Emotional Learning (Supportive)
School Climate Trauma Informed Institutions Restorative Practices Bullying Prevention Mental Health Anxiety/Depression (Self Harm) Social Media Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity (LBGTQ) Puberty Education Teen Talk
Star Vista Acknowledge Alliance KARA Human Services Agency Behavioral Health and Recovery Services San Mateo County Health Health Connected One Life Counseling Health Connected Friends for Youth
Health and Safety (Safe)
Tobacco Education Suicide Prevention Threat Assessment E-cigarettes/Vaping Human Trafficking Oral Health Emergency Preparedness
SMCOE Oral Health Coalition Sonrisas Tobacco Education Kaiser CERT Dignity Health - Sequoia Health & Wellness Center
Nutrition and Physical Activity (Healthy)
Drink Water First Child Nutrition Physical education Walk to School School Gardens Food Allergies Awareness
Safe Routes to School Dairy Council of CA UC Cooperative Extension Kaiser PCC (PE+) Parks and Recreation RWC 2020
Sequoia Healthcare Funding Makes a Huge Impact on Learning in SCSD Establishing the optimal conditions for learning requires constant effort and dedicated support from many facets of our school district and supporting organizations. In fact, one of the main things that drew our new SCSD Superintendent Michelle Harmeier to our district is the fact that Sequoia Healthcare District is partnering with us to create those optimal conditions. After all, how will she be able to reach her dream of creating the best possible educational experience for every child, without the robust community support of student wellness? The nearly $700,000 that Sequoia Healthcare District gives our district is absolutely essential in this state where education is severely underfunded.
The true fact of the matter is that without Sequoia Healthcare District, we wouldn’t have school counselors, a mental health coordinator, a specialized elementary PE program, school nurses, or a wellness coordinator. Imagine? In her 26+ years in education across many regions of the state, Dr. Harmeier has seen what can happen to kids without dedicated School Counselors to teach them foundational social emotional learning skills. Unfortunately, in such situations there tends to be more of a punitive, reactive approach to student behavior that often sets students up for a cycle of negative school experiences and difficulties with learning. Such a fragile system also strains educators and impacts their longevity with a school district. Whereas, with the school counselors, Mental Health Coordinator, and Marriage and Family Therapy Interns that Sequoia Healthcare District supports, we can build a proactive and
restorative environment where students stay engaged with learning and take responsibility for their behavior, and classroom teachers can build their own capacity to help all children succeed. Our new Assistant Superintendent, Hans Barber, says, “I was blown away by the depth and breadth of what our school counselors can accomplish here in SCSD!”
SCSD School Counselors (Left to right) Laura MacFarlane, Rachel Parker, Andrea Dimas, Julie Jobak, Vivian Garlick (Front) Kim Arasato
Throughout California, in the six school districts where she has worked, Dr. Harmeier has seen the growing number of students who come to school with serious medical conditions such as diabetes. Without Sequoia Healthcare District, SCSD would still have just one part-time roving nurse serving our eight schools. Fortunately, we have three wonderful School Nurses who not only share those demanding duties, but also provide health education for our Kindergarten, 2nd, and 5th graders. Strong physical education programs with specialized PE Coaches also make a huge difference in learning. Over the past five years, our 5th and 7th graders have consistently
improved in their Physical Fitness Test scores in all six measures of fitness. We attribute much of this improvement to our fantastic team of coaches and educators who give students the opportunity to learn from a standards-based program that emphasizes fitness and wellness. Our Wellness Coordinator’s role is to synergize and strategize with all of these personnel and programs, while also building the capacity of our parents through ongoing parent education. Four years ago Sequoia Healthcare District began sponsoring the Wellness Wing of the San Carlos Hometown Days celebration where more than 10,000 people visit to have fun being healthy. Staying connected with the county health and education systems helps our district build on the knowledge of others instead of operating in isolation, so we really appreciate that the Sequoia Healthcare District sponsors our county’s Mental Health Collaborative, Wellness Alliance, and many other county-wide initiatives.
Parent Education 2018 Contact Mindy Hill mhill@scsdk8.org My Digital Tat2-Social Media and Your Child Audience: Parents of students ages 9-15 Presenter: My Digital Tat2 Date: Nov. 14, 6:30-8:30pm Location: SCSD District Office Board Room, Unit 9B RSVP: http://evite.me/g8hPv7Fz1u
Healthy Family Habits: Starting Early to Build Happy Teens Audience: Parents of students of all ages Presenter: Dr. Jane Anderson Date: Mid-January or February Location: SCSD District Office Board Room, Unit 9B
Sexual Health Curriculum for 7th Grade Audience: Parents of 7th graders Presenter: Health Connected February 25, 2019 6:30-8:00pm Location SCSD District Office Board Room, Unit 9B RSVP: http://evite.me/FtcKCJstmn
Best Parenting for Early Childhood Media Use
We here in San Carlos School District know how truly fortunate we are to have the support of Sequoia Healthcare District. Their commitment to children of this region is visible to us every day!
Audience: Parents of students ages 3-8 Presenter: Dr. Aaron Nayfack Date: TBD
Drug and Alcohol Use Prevention Audience: Parents of 4th-8th graders Presenter: Being Adept Date: TBD
NEW
Discourse in Dining: What’s that Class All About?
This Fall a new elective is being offered to all 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Jen Upson, master gardener, Justine Scott, master baker and Steve Frank, principal/advisor created the curriculum. Typically, the first day each week is spent on tasting and appreciating the selected food. At the second meeting the emphasis is on “creating” with the food chosen for that week. The course features guest lecturers and have included farmers, local chefs and nutritional experts.
What makes the class unique? One of the unique aspects of the course is the pattern by which the students develop “hidden” skills and methods of teamwork, peer interaction and problem solving as the class proceeds. They usually begin each day with “tea time”- drinking homemade herbal tea as they review the planned topic of the day.
The class, as it comprises multiple grade levels, allows an interaction with different peer groups in a rather unique distinctive fashion from normal class activities. As an example, the first The environment, being What? New elective focused project was an opportunity outside the norm of the for the students to make their on food. classroom atmosphere they own version of healthy are used to allows them to When? Meets twice a week. snacks: granola bars, oat participate in a low-risk Where? Frequently, the class cakes and no bake snack opportunity to become meets in the school garden balls. The class then listened engaged, present their where the vegetables grown by to a guest speaker on topics opinions and accept the student body adding to the related to nutrition with Dr. differences in a non“atmosphere” of the course. Jeanne Rosner, M.D. At the competitive situation. The end of the class they were class has been a real student able to compare their own favorite. snack creations to the nutritional value of a Another component to the program’s group of pre-made packaged items. distinctive approach is the methods by which more typical school activities such as math problem solving, organizational skills, verbal expression and science concepts are woven into the completion of the day’s tasks. This all takes place while “hidden” in the routine of completing the day’s lesson, while at the same time having fun with their classmates on a food related project. The class has so far been a great success. Our appreciation to the Sequoia Healthcare District for its willingness to provide support to a project that explores novel ways of promoting health education, student well-being and team learning while having great fun.
Welcome Mena Lam, Counselor at Woodside Elementary
Mena Lam is our new counselor at Woodside Elementary. Born in Los Angeles but raised in Massachusetts, she describes herself as a “real Boston girl.” Mena attended the Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she received a BA and then a Master’s in Education as well as a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in school counseling. Mena is a recent transplant to the Bay Area. She wanted to seek a new opportunity to work at an elementary school where Social Emotional Learning was an important aspect of the school’s philosophy. Several years ago, our partner, the Sequoia Healthcare District, provided funds to help initiate just such a program. A match was made and Mena will help provide continued leadership for this curriculum. Mena believes that good mental health begins at an early age. When looking for a new challenge she sought a school where there was a broader understanding of mental health issues and for which SEL was an important component of that approach. She relates that her family faced its own challenges as they sought to adapt to life in the
United States after leaving Vietnam. This was a major part of her own decision to seek a career where she could make a difference in the lives of young students. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, photography and spending time with her family.
PLEASE WELCOME MENA!
Parent Education Night: Woodside/Portola Valley On October 17th, a dynamic parent education night was held on Executive Function (EF) skills at Ormandale School, in Portola Valley. Parents and staff learned about practical tools and strategies to support development of EF function in everyday activities. Topics included: an overview of EF, what to expect (and when) from your child regarding EF development, challenges and opportunities in EF skill building as well as time management and organizational methods that you can teach to, as well as model, for your child. The class was taught by Ali Zidel Meyers. She is a member of the Children’s Health Council EF Professional Advisory Board. She also serves as the executive director of The Meyers Learning Center. Thank you, Sequoia Health Care District and Children’s Health Council for this wonderful and informative event! Stay tuned for our February 2019 Parent Education Class!
Common Ground Speaker Series
Woodside Elementary is proud to be part of the Common Ground Speaker Series, a parent education consortium dedicated to inspiring strong families and engaging school communities through distinguished speaker events. Upcoming events include: Justine Fonte, MEd, MPH CHANGING BODIES, CHANGING TIMES
Laying the Groundwork for Healthy Relationships January 29 and 30, 2019
Danielle Ramo, PhD
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT Cannabis, Vaping & Other Substance Abuse among Teens
Nov. 27- For Parents of Elementary/ Preteens Nov. 29- For Parents of Teens Jan. 16- For All Parents
SUHSD Continues Strong Partnership with SHD Sequoia Union High School District is excited to continue our partnership with Sequoia Healthcare District, ensuring that valuable programs and positions continue to provide support for our students. With funding from the Healthcare District, we are able to ensure the physical and mental health needs of our students can be addressed.
El Distrito de Escuelas Secundarias Sequoia Union está emocionado de continuar nuestra asociación con el Distrito de Salud de Sequoia, asegurando que los programas y posiciones valiosos continúen brindando apoyo para nuestros estudiantes. Con fondos del Distrito de Salud, podemos asegurar que las necesidades de salud física y mental de nuestros estudiantes puedan ser atendidas.
Our new Health & Wellness Coordinator, Javier Gutierrez, and our Wellness Advisory Council have been setting 2018-2019 goals with a focus on students and guided by school board and state initiatives. We look forward to sharing these goals in the next newsletter.
Nuestro nuevo Coordinador de Salud y Bienestar, Javier Gutiérrez, y nuestro Comité Asesor de Bienestar han establecido metas para el 2018-2019 con un enfoque en los estudiantes y guiados por la junta directica escolar y las iniciativas estatales. Compartiremos estas metas en el próximo boletín.
In the meantime, the school year has started with mental health programming for students, staff, families, and the community, as well as education related to alcohol, drugs, and addiction for our students. Our staff has attended local and statewide professional development about mental health, trauma informed responses, alternatives to suspension, and restorative practices. See recent article in the Almanac about our district-wide Angst program and visit our Parent Education Series page for future events.
Mientras tanto, el año escolar ha comenzado con programas de salud mental para los estudiantes, empleados, familias, y la comunidad, así como también educación relacionada con el alcohol, las drogas y la adicción para nuestros estudiantes. Nuestro personal ha asistido a desarrollo profesional local y estatal sobre salud mental, respuestas informadas sobre el trauma, alternativas a la suspensión, y prácticas restaurativas. Vea el artículo reciente en el Almanaque sobre nuestro programa Angst en todo el distrito y visite nuestra página de la Serie de Educación para Padres
para más eventos futuros.
Upcoming Parent Events in November! Quiet: Unlocking the Power of Introverts
Tech Sex 2: Wired for Connection
Heidi Kasenich, PhD, founder, Quiet Schools Network Date/Location: Thursday, November 1, 2018, 7:00pm - 8:30pm (M-A PAC) https://heidikasevich2018ma.eventbrite.com
Vanessa Kellam, Parent Engagement Coordinator, Health Connected Date/Location; Tuesday, November 13, 2018, 7:00pm - 8:30pm (Sequoia Union HS District Office, Birch Room)
Life 101: Helping Your Kids Gain Happiness, Purpose, and Money Skills Mike Duffy, former Senior Vice President, Merrill Lynch, founder, The Happiness Hall of Fame Date/Location: Thursday, November 8, 2018, 7:00pm - 8:30pm (Carlmont PAC) https://mikeduffy2018carlmont.eventbrite.com
Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, M.A., Director, The Parent Education Series, cmargot@csmconsulting.net