HSI NEWSLETTER SPRING 2021 As we came upon the one year mark of distance learning
Students in distance learning, in-person learning
for the students of BRSSD, the district prepared to bring
and learning pods are participating in activities that
back about half of our students for hybrid learning.
help students learn how to interact with one
Consistent feedback heard by the counselors at Ralston
another. After a year of being isolated from friends
Middle School indicated that students, teachers, site
and the school community, students need
administrators and staff felt disconnected from their
structured activities aimed at talking to one
school community. Regardless of the learning
another.
environment - distance learning, hybrid or learning pods, the counselors knew they needed more than what the
One favorite relationship building activity is called
current social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum
Picture Prompt, in which a student chooses a box to
offered. With the generous support of the Sequoia
reveal an image. Students then use the picture to
Healthcare District’s Healthy School Initiative Grant,
inspire a quick share or story about themselves.
CharacterStrong was purchased to pilot with the goal
Students are encouraged to participate in the way
of supporting students, teachers, site administrators and
that makes them feel comfortable.
staff in reestablishing relationships and feelings of school connectedness. Ralston Middle School Counselor, Lauren Rocha, is spearheading the pilot and supporting teachers in exploring the Engage Relationally activities that can be implemented in person or online. Ralston intentionally began their pilot with the Engage Relationally pieces of the curriculum to ease the
transition into a new trimester in which every student was getting a new schedule and a new set of teachers. Besides hosting multiple mini-trainings focusing on the relationship building activities, Rocha is consistently checking in with the pilot teachers to gather feedback and decide where to go next with the curriculum.
Ralston students and staff participating in the pilot are grateful for the opportunity to finish off a unique school year strengthening their school relationships and bonds through the support of the CharacterStrong curriculum and the Sequoia
Healthcare District. They are looking forward to implementing the curriculum schoolwide in the 2021-2022 school year.
is a relevant, engaging and easy-to-use program that fosters the whole child by teaching SEL and character development side-by-side. Through the S.E.R.V.E. model, the whole school community engages in lessons and activities that strengthen school culture and school climate. S.E.R.V.E stands for: Start Intentionally Engage Relationally Respond with Empathy Values Practiced Consistently Exit Intentionally
MESSAGE FROM SEQUOIA HEALTHCARE DISTRICT Dear Healthy Schools Initiative (HSI) families, Wearing masks and social distancing have become the social norm and they have made our communities
Please contact your healthcare provider, doctor, clinic, or school nurse, should you have questions about the safety of the vaccine.
safer, healthier, and more tuned into protecting those
I'd like to extend a special thanks to the HSI Wellness
who are most vulnerable. Vaccines have become
Team for their coordinated efforts in their respective
increasingly available, yet they are still beyond reach
districts' re-opening process. I am extremely proud of
for far too many members of our community – a
our collaborative efforts to bring timely and relevant
health equity issue that the Sequoia Healthcare
initiatives, programming, resources, and financial
District is currently addressing. Also, there are some
support to the school community.
who are concerned about the safety of the vaccines, and SHD is one of many health organizations aiming to educate the public about the necessity of being
Karen E. Li, MD Director of School Health Healthy Schools Initiative
vaccinated with the reassurance that this will not only protect them, but their loved ones as well.
Parent Resources
Additional information to help safeguard your family and community
Substance Use Prevention
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Stanford Prevention Toolkit: Cannabis
The Anti-Racist Parent Webinar
San Mateo COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
Cannabis Use and the Young Brain - Dr. Tauheed Zaman
Courageous Conversations About Race and Systemic Racism
Vaccine Safety Spanish Community Forum
Addiction Webinar Dr. Anna Lembke
Diversity in Healing Bandages
Vaccine Safety Vaccine PSA
The Parent Education Series
NEW Parent Forums: Spanish & English Video Library
See Something Say Something Do Something
Parent Green Folders
Spanish & English
CircleUp Trainings in Schools
NEW 24/7 Mental Health Online Resource for All County Students, School Staff & Families
Care Solace