5th Annual RC SELPA Mental Health Symposium: Mental Health Matters

This presentation will explore strategies for enhancing academic success by fostering a positive school culture. We will delve into the impact of a supportive and inclusive school environment on student and staff motivation, engagement, and overall academic performance. The session will highlight practical approaches for cultivating a culture that emphasizes respect, collaboration, and growth, both for students and staff. By creating a sense of belonging and encouragement, schools can increase academic achievement and well-being for everyone involved.

Outcomes:

1. Understanding of Positive School Culture: Attendees will gain insights into the key elements that define a positive school culture and its direct link to improved academic performance.
2. Strategies for Fostering Inclusion and Respect: Practical methods for building an inclusive environment where students and staff feel valued, supported, and motivated to succeed.
3. Enhancing Student Engagement: Techniques to increase student involvement, engagement, and ownership of their learning through a positive and inspiring school environment.
4. Improved Teacher-Student Relationships: How cultivating strong, positive relationships between teachers and students can enhance communication, trust, and academic outcomes.
5. Actionable Plan for Creating a Positive Culture: A set of actionable steps for school leaders, teachers, and staff to implement in order to develop and sustain a positive school culture that enhances academic success.
6. Measurement of Success: Tools and methods for tracking the progress and effectiveness of the initiatives to increase academic achievement through a positive school culture.

By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer understanding of how to leverage the power of school culture to drive academic improvement, foster student growth, and create a thriving educational environment.

Examining Mental Health Assessments, Eligibility and Services

This session will utilize an EMDR lens to examine trauma responses and introduce practical ideas for building the youth's capacity to tolerate distress. Presenter will provide a general overview of the theory behind EMDR therapy to build upon understanding of the function of trauma responses. The concept of distress tolerance will be explored in depth along with ways to increase a youth's capacity to maintain regulation when triggered. Finally, participants will practice several interventions geared toward helping youth regain emotional regulation when triggered.

Objectives:

1. Participants will develop understanding of the function of trauma responses.
2. Participants will have an understanding of ways to increase distress tolerance in youth.
3. Participants will have the opportunity to practice several emotional regulation interventions.

This session will explore how mental health challenges, such as school refusal, frequent absences due to illness, or emotional shutdowns during stressful school situations, may signal a need for special education assessment and support. Participants will learn how to distinguish between typical student behavior and signs that may indicate more significant mental health concerns impacting educational performance. The presenters will also discuss specific assessments, supports, and services for addressing mental health concerns and school avoidance.

Loneliness harms societal health. In adults, it is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, anxiety, and premature death. In students, a lack of friendship can result in academic underachievement, mental health issues, and impaired brain development. Current data on friendships in the workplace and schools and the growing role AI plays will be discussed. Participants will receive various swag.

1. Attendees will understand the wide-reaching impact of loneliness on both physical and mental health, with a focus on adults and students. This will emphasize the importance of social connections in promoting societal well-being.
2. A look into how the intersection of AI, human behavior, and social connectivity might evolve, offering a forward-thinking perspective on combating loneliness in future societies.
3. Attendees will learn practical strategies to combat loneliness in various settings (workplaces, schools, communities), with suggestions for fostering meaningful social connections despite increasing digital interaction.

This workshop will focus on implementing social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies to support grade-level advancement through summer school and after-school programming. Presenters will provide an overview of the CASEL framework and share practical interventions aligned with each of its core competencies. Participants will explore methods for integrating SEL into school programs and engage in hands-on activities and demonstrations tailored to elementary and middle school students.