The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is starting a new #prinleaderchat every Sunday at 9:00 pm EST. We will be starting this Sunday October 2. Our schedule is listed on this google spreadsheet https://goo.gl/SI9LVo.
I think that is a key problem - it is not talked about enough. We cannot put all of our focus on test scores and overlook things like mental health #PrinLeaderChat
A1. Student mental health is one of our biggest responsibilities. I would content, we cannot teach reading and math until our students are in a mental state to learn. #prinleaderchat
A1: Students that are not mentally ready to learn have different need than those who are. Our job is to address whatever it is they come to school for. #prinleaderchat
#prinleaderchat A1 S mental health is a major topic. The number of Ss suffering from mental health issues and trauma has impacted the building culture (Primary age Bldg). Trying to provide Maslow's Needs so Ss can feel safe and secure
A1: It’s highly important. More and more I find kids need somebody to believe in them and listen to them without judgement. They keep it all in sometimes and that’s tough on mental health. #PrinLeaderChat
A1: Student mental health is a critical component to a successful school. Must find a balance between academic and social/emotional learning. Providing supports and wellness opportunities are a must. #prinleaderchat
A2. The biggest supports are school climate and an emphasis on trauma informed classrooms and the preservation of student intellectual safety in the classroom. #prinleaderchat
A2: I think standards based grading, focusing on improvement and grading as something that is continuous rather than many end points, has a positive impact in this regard #PrinLeaderChat
A2: We have an amazing team of Counselors and LSSP's in our school. We also have outside counselors that visit with students. We also try to focus on the culture and climate of the school. #PrinLeaderChat
A2: We set up a Wellness Council that provides lessons, activities and supports for students (and staff). Our Student Assistance Counselor and Guidance staff are a big help. Small groups and assemblies supplement our work. #prinleaderchat
A2: We set up a Wellness Council that provides lessons, activities and supports for students (and staff). Our Student Assistance Counselor and Guidance staff are a big help. Small groups and assemblies supplement our work. #prinleaderchat
A2: I think standards based grading, focusing on improvement and grading as something that is continuous rather than many end points, has a positive impact in this regard #PrinLeaderChat
A2: We have an amazing team of Counselors and LSSP's in our school. We also have outside counselors that visit with students. We also try to focus on the culture and climate of the school. #PrinLeaderChat
#prinleaderchat A2 We are a Trauma Sensitive School. grant $ used to train ALL staff in trauma related issues for Ss. Also, have a Family Counseling Center with free counseling services in Primary Bldg, district service
Great point! The overall climate and culture has an impact as well. We want it to be positive and supportive. We work at having a #LiftUp culture. #PrinLeaderChat
You're exactly right! So often we view academics and social emotional aspects as separate entities. What a difference it would make for Ss to know that they have more chances! #Prinleaderchat
#prinleaderchat A2 We are a Trauma Sensitive School. grant $ used to train ALL staff in trauma related issues for Ss. Also, have a Family Counseling Center with free counseling services in Primary Bldg, district service
A2. We try to focus on positivity. We start each day with a positive in the present activity based on Shawn Achor’s work in the Happiness Advantage. #PrinLeaderChat
I could have written this. Sad that we don't have the resources to serve students' first needs...whatever they are. Mental health is usually an after-support rather than a proactive one. #Prinleaderchat
A3. First, WE build the positive relationships with our kids so they are receptive to our "advice" or intervention when the time comes. #prinleaderchat
A3: As with all students and regarding all issues (academic as well), building that person to person relationship is key. Do it early and build on of every moment #PrinLeaderChat
A3: Unfortunately today's Principal Preparation Programs do not prepare you for this type of scenario. I refer everything to the school counselor who has had this type of training. #PrinLeaderChat
This is what we are facing this year. Even with an amazing school culture. The Ss we serve need consistency and predictability for their mental health but too often the mental health of Ts takes this away. #Prinleaderchat
A2: We have an incredible staff that recognizes and supports students in the time of a lifetime crisis (abuse, divorce, death). We have a MSW and access to a district LCSW. Partnerships with local mental health agencies. Still not enough. #PrinLeaderChat
A3: It begins with building relationships. Students need to know that you care. You also need to educate parents. Provide parent programs, send home articles in weekly updates, prepare a crisis team that will provide programming. #PrinLeaderChat
A2: we have strong community connections with organizations and top-notch school counselors. As leaders, we are focused on every kid, every day. Mental health is so important to support. #PrinLeaderChat
#prinleaderchat A3 Counselors, Behavior Specialist, school psychs, admin constantly listening to students-paying attention to what is and is NOT being said. Training, training, training.
So true! It's important for teachers to always understand that this is real and that when our scholar's are telling us something, they're telling us for a reason! #PrinLeaderChat
A2b: We also have a HOPE Squad which is a peer lead group that is trained and available to assist when students have suicidal ideation. They are trained with resources to take peers to get help. @Hope4Utah#PrinLeaderChat
A3: We work w/ Mental Health Foundation of West MI & implement program that helps w/ mental health awareness & bullying prevention called "be nice." https://t.co/T0jbRBATRr@benicemi#Prinleaderchat
Trying to convince people that’s it alright to talk about depression and even suicide. We are trying to end the negative stigma that goes with mental illness. #endthestigma#PrinLeaderChat
A4: The best thing we can do is to "be the one". It takes just one healthy, positive relationship to make a difference. https://t.co/i4bctWZShK#Prinleaderchat
A3: Risk assessments and positive assemblies. Helping the students is the easy part. What we need more than anything is something to help with mental health in home environments for parents/guardians #PrinLeaderChat
The most effective thing to do in helping students with mental health issues is to build relationships. Let the scholar know that it's ok to talk about what they're experiencing while being non-judgmental. #PrinLeaderChat
Think about your teacher training. Mostly focused on planning and pedagogy. Not on relationships, trauma, mental health. Drive-by PD isn't going to fill the void. #Prinleaderchat
A4 The more positive and supportive the environment the better. Every kid should have at least one go-to adult in the building they can draw strength from. #PrinLeaderChat
A3: Our guidance Counselors are key in this work as they create friendship groups in discussing certain topics. Also @HOPE4Utah provides us curriculum to help support our HOPE Squad that is trained to be peer leaders. #PrinLeaderChat
#prinleaderchat A4 This might sound odd-when a S is in crisis their frontal cortex is not functioning. I always keep this in my mind and stay calm, direct and keep the child and peers safe. Might not be the type of answer you expected-but what I thought of immediately
A4: Being authentic about problems you’ve faced and overcome. I don’t like when people act like it’s unprofessional to share these authentic experiences we’ve all had and overcome. Kids recognize and respect “real” #PrinLeaderChat
A4: Professionals who will provide the time, space, empathy and support in understanding individuals needs. Our teachers and counselors are great but we need more mental health professionals to lead the way. #PrinLeaderChat
Thank you to @DrJohnsonSAHS for moderating and for taking the lead on such an important & relevant topic. Let’s hold on to HOPE as we continue to advocate for mental health within our communities. Have a great week PLN! #PrinLeaderChat
