A1: Kaia Lunde, VMS, world languages 8th, special topics on culture 7th and 8th I loved the homemade ice cream we had as special treat after we'd already eaten pie #oops#gfedchat#dessertfordays#foodie
A1: Kristy Page, School Psychologist Red River, Community, Adult Transition, RMAC, Twining, and Lake Agassiz. Best part of meal was our family all together #gfedchat
A2: Everyday brings the possibility of some level of a mental health crisis. I feel prepared to help. Helping means staying calm and able to guide the student through the crisis or until professional assistance arrives on scene. #gfedchat
A2. Yes, more than once. I did not feel prepared to help but I did my best to listen in the moment and then find other, more suitable/prepared, individuals who could offer their support. #gfedchat
A2: Yep -- during college -- did not feel prepared AT ALL! Kept talking, kept asking questions, eventually got professional help involved (against the person's wishes) #gfedchat
A2: Yes, school and work. No, I feel that every situation is different and sometimes just being there is the best thing at the time. No matter how many trainings I go to it’s always difficult to help. #gfedchat
A2: Yes, a few times for a few different people at home. I did not feel prepared for the first one, but of that I felt more aware thanks to T.E.A.R.S #gfedchat
A1: Jennifer Neil, Kelly, 3rd grade. Favorite part of ourThanksgiving meal is, of course, being with family, but also the turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy! #gfedchat
Laura Manstrom from Valley MS and I teach FACS. My favorite food at Thanksgiving is pie. Any and all kinds. I even had fun socks to match my favorite food this year. #gfedchat
A2: yes, at both home and work. At school each year I feel more prepared. My family member I did not feel prepared and she still struggles and never in the same way. She knows I'm always here to listen though and has taken me up on that a few times. #gfedchat
A2: I have been around when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis. I didn't feel prepared but tried my best to listen and ask if there was anything I could do to help besides listening!
#gfedchat
A2: yes, at school. I was not prepared for it, however I called for meetings in regards to the crisis as well as further assistance beyond my capabilities to ensure the right help was found for them. #gfedchat
A2: Yes, for experiencing it. I listened a lot! No judgement, no frustration, just listened for hours! No, I didn't really feel prepared, but I knew she needed someone to listen. I would love some tips for the future! #gfedchat
A2-Yes and I don't think you are ever fully prepared. You have to listen and try and understand before you react even though you may never understand. #gfedchat
A2: More times than I can even count. The first few times were nerve-wracking, but (unfortunately) it's gotten easier over the years. Listening is key! As well as offering hope and help. #gfedchat
a2: yes & yes. a favorite thing of mine to do is a grounding exercise. gets kids out of the emotional brain and back to the thinking part. I ask them to name
5 things they see
4 things they can feel/touch
3 things they hear
2 things they smell
#gfedchat
1 thing they taste
A2: Yes, I knew what I needed to do with the reporting piece but in that moment all the go to people were out of the building so I had a moment of well what now. I no idea how to appropriately respond. I did not want to say the wrong thing. #gfedchat
A2: I had to call 911 once on a friend who was attempting suicide. It was terrifying and I knew I was making the right decision even though she was extremely mad at me. #gfedchat
A3: Educators are often the first responders to provide initial support to someone developing or experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. Short-term support and comfort can be provided until professional assistance arrives. #gfedchat
A3: I think it's important for educators to have training in mental health issues because most of the time teachers may be the only trained person this child comes in contact with all day!
#gfedchat
Thank you all for your honesty on question 2. As many stated, it is hard to ever truly feel prepared for these situations. Hopefully tonight will give you some resources to feel more prepared for the next time it happens!
#gfedchat
A3. In the classroom, we are often something of a first line of defense for this type of stuff. We need to be able to recognize it and do whatever we can to support our kiddos in the moment. Then we need to be able to find resources to continue that support... #gfedchat
A3: It is a real classroom management concern - so many students and so many unique needs that are very difficult to address in a classroom / instructional setting. Often, I don't know if I'm helping or hindering #gfedchat
A#: For the same reason we are trained in fire drills, tornado drills, lock-downs .... you just never know what you'll face on a day-to-day basis. #gfedchat
A3 I think that we continue to deal with mental health issues at younger and younger ages and we need to be properly prepared to help in those situations #gfedchat
A3: With the growth of mental health awareness and what students are dealing with, we need to be more aware of what can happen and what we, as teachers, need to do to help our students. #gfedchat
A3: We see Ss who need assistance navigating all types of emotions and situations. While they may not all have a diagnosis, they still deserve patience, kindness, and a trusting adult #gfedchat
A3: We need to be able to recognize when our ss are struggling and know who to direct them to for help. If we aren't trained or don't feel adequate, we still can be there for them! #gfedchat
A3: I think the most important thing for educators to know and be trained on is knowing the signs, and not assuming it is a joke. Far too often educators ignore warning signs as a joke or as nothing. #gfedchat
A3: We have so many students experiencing various degrees of trauma that affects them in real ways. We need to be aware of what to do to help a student who is having a mental health crisis. #gfedchat
A3: to understand it’s not our job to treat them, but more important to support them in time of need, while continually show them that they are important. #gfedchat
A3- I think in the past, teachers were very reactive to behaviors in our class. We didn't take the time to try and understand what the deep seeded issue was that caused the behavior. I think PD in recent year has made us more proactive in noticing changes in students. #gfedchat
A3: I feel it is important because we are positive role models and hold a great influence in many student’s lives. Even though we only work with our Ss 6.5/7 hours a day we can have a great impact on them. Teachers=out let/bond Parents=feeling of being misunderstood #gfedchat
A2: I have been with students who need mental health support. I found it best to assess whether or not an emergency was in the making and get the students counselor involved. I am always willing to learn more when it comes to helping my students in crisis. #gfedchat
A3: Having awareness so we know what to look for & how we can help/respond. We spend a lot of time with students and mental health is an issue we deal with much more today. #gfedchat
A3: In order for kids and adults to function in a learning environment, their basic needs have to be met. I believe that mental health falls into that category as a basic need. #gfedchat
A3: There are many Ss that could have mental health issues at all severity levels. It is important they have someone they feel they can trust so we can help. They are with us for the majority of their day. #gfedchat
A3: As educators, we will all be faced with a situation in our personal or professional lives when we will need to respond appropriately to a mental health issue or crisis. It's not if, but when. We must all be trained and prepared. Others will depend on us. #gfedchat
A3: To watch for signs. Intervention can be so much more successful if we know what to watch for and we ask the questions. Also so we remain calm and don't add to the students' crisis. #gfedchat
A2: Yes, I have been around others, taught others and also lived it myself. I feel prepared due to my personal experience but see things in a different light due to that as well. As for how to help...listen, provide safe environment & be a voice for them if needed. #gfedchat
A3: mental health affects everyone, I know my students can not learn when they are hungry or tired, and the same goes for someone who is mentally unwell. We need our basic needs to be met before we can learn! #gfedchat
A3: look whts going on at rr, one of our own schools n we need to listen to our ss n make sure we do not take threats and cues from them lightly n get them help #gfedchat
A3: Training in mental health helps us understand why a Ss may have difficulty learning, signs to look for and report to someone who can help, and also teaches empathy when we know more about a Ss & disabilities #gfedchat
A3: Educators are often the first to see signs of an issue or are in a position to be more aware of the issues. Young students are learning coping strategies and need to be in a supportive and aware environment to prepare for future situations. #gfedchat
A3: Honestly, it's important for ALL to be trained in this. Mental health (IMO) is an epidemic. It is all around us. It is imperative we will all experience some form of it whether it is 2nd hand or 1st hand. We need to destigmatize it & be educated on it. #gfedchat
A4: I feel the online mental health screening tool would be an effective tool if it was more widely known about. As a parent and educator, I had no idea this tool was available. #gfedchat
A4: The Access for All Scholarship Fund provides free counseling services (through Northern Prairie Community Clinic) to all GFPS students and their families thanks to funding from the Gaukler Family Foundation #gfedchat
A3: As educators we will more than likely be involved in situations where a student is in mental health crisis and we need to be trained to help them. #gfedchat
As I read through everyone's responses to Q2, I am just amazed at how prevalent mental health issues are. This is why I shared the resources on getting rid of the stigma that goes along with mental health. #gfedchat
A3- We as Ts need to keep Ss safe and one way to do this is by knowing the signs and symptoms of mental illness. The issues are not going away - so we can't ignore it. #gfedchat
A3 We have way too many students and their families that deal with difficult home situations, often caused by mental health issues, we have to act fast and appropriate to support them. Often we are their are only resurce and support #gfedchat
A4: I think having the numbers handy and accessible is important. They are useful for everyone and should be in an easy to find place - at school and at home #gfedchat
a4: LOVE the text number!!! It is so simple yet so innovative for todays world. instead of fighting a trend, they went with it. kids are way more likely to text than make a phone call these days.
#gfedchat
https://t.co/953eOMQmUR I think is a good resource, particularly for Parents and Ss, to identify those who are high risk and should consider additional help. #gfedchat
A2 - Yes and Yes! First and foremost, we need to listen and make them feel acknowledged. We don't have the power to 'fix or take away the pain' but we can certainly listen and, hopefully, that helps. #gfedchat
A3: Students are experiencing more and more issues and we should be more prepared to help them. Between home, friends and pressures at school, the students are not prepared and neither are we. we can show them love and support but some need more #gfedchat
A4: I had no idea of the following: Access for All Scholarship Fund provides FREE counseling services to Grand Forks Public Schools students and their families at the Northern Prairie Community Clinic on the campus of the University of North Dakota. #gfedchat
A4: The National and local hotline numbers are kept in my phone so that if I need to give someone that number, I can do so quickly. It makes me feel more prepared as a resource. #gfedchat
A3: Because we will continue to encounter students facing a variety of mental health struggles and teachers are a likely place they'll turn to! #gfedchat
A4: Grateful for the generous funding from the Gaukler Family Foundation (@geoffgaukler) to provide FREE counseling services to GFPS students and their families at the Northern Prairie Community Clinic on the campus of UND. #gfedchat
A4: I had never heard of the Trevor Project (LGBTQ hotline): 1-866-488-7386 before. I have gay friends & never thought how they struggled opening up. This could help some students that are trying to find themselves. #gfedchat
A3: Because we will continue to encounter students facing a variety of mental health struggles and teachers are a likely place they'll turn to! #gfedchat
A4: This is very helpful and I liked the Altru TEARS. Great resources. Our school posts these in the bathroom stalls in plastic and the students do read them. #gfedchat
A5: 1) Drastic changes in student's behavior or personality; 2) Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still that puts the student in physical danger or causes problems in the classroom #gfedchat
A3: AND...we as educators need to be educated because it isn't JUST our students who experiece trauma or mental health struggles. Our co-workers experience things too! Knowledge is power & we ALL can help one another ❤ #gfedchat
A5: I see Ss in crisis daily. I feel like we are paying more attention to our Ss mental health, especially when we see drastic changes in the frequency and intensity of behaviors. #gfedchat
A5: Decreased social interaction, thoughts of harming self, detachment from things they once loved and enjoyed, and higher emotions/reactions to things #gfedchat
A5: Any sort of "off" behavior (what you wouldn't normally expect from that student, whether it be how they are speaking, acting, etc.) --- concerns voiced from their friends/peers #gfedchat
A5: Drastic changes in mood or behavior. This can mean more than just happy go lucky to suddenly not. Also, if a student shares with you about a big life change. Even if the change may not seem big to us, it may be huge and life changing in the mind of the S. #gfedchat
A4: Behavior that cannot be managed by the typical above/below the line intervention; Loss of interest in things the Ss likes; hygiene changes #gfedchat
A5: What Educators Can Do in Classrooms and Schools: Help ensure a positive, safe school environment. (i.e. High Reliability Schools Level 1 - the importance of a Safe and Collaborative Culture) #gfedchat
A5: Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still putting the ss in physical danger or causes problems in the classroom #gfedchat#noticethesigns
A6: My top 3 are Family, Friends, and Mentors. It's hard to pick a 4th option for some odd reason. I think it's because these top 3 are so important in my life...and I need more time to do other things #gfedchat
A6: Family Support: I have an amazing family! Spirituality: attend church regularly. Positive Friends: I have great friends who are always there for you. Healthy Activities: trying to eat better and work in more time to exercise. #gfedchat
A6: Mentors (colleagues), Positive friends (both at school and outside of school), medical access (fortunate enough to have health insurance), healthy activities (walks, bike rides, going to the gym, reading, cooking) #gfedchat
A6: Family support- They always check in...I love getting Grandma Kropp cards from WI! Positive Friends-Maje sure I'm ok & never judge. Generosity- Feels good to help others! Healthy Activity-Gym membership & video chatting with family during walks outside! #gfedchat
A6. 1)Family Support - my husband, parents, siblings 2)Positive Friends - love my work tribe!!! 3)Mentors - looking at people like you @DianeStoley 4)Healthy Activities - Reading, running, biking, rollerblading! yay! #gfedchat
A6: Family support, positive friends are huge for me. I always have someone to go to. Spirituality helps me get through tough times and the knowledge that I have medical access is reassuring. #gfedchat
A6: friends, family, spiritualality and mentors in my life r a huge support for me for whn things get rough n tough- the great support system is key for me to prosper #gfedchat
A6: Family Support - my family always has my back and I have their backs. Positive Friends - always keep the ones that care. Healthy activities -working out. Generosity - giving back #gfedchat
A6: Family: husband, brother & sister, aunt, and my parents. Mentors: colleagues that give advice from work. Healthy activities: yoga & spin class. Spirituality: I always feel good after Sunday morning church! #gfedchat
a6: trying to taking a few moments every day for a short mindfulness break. eating right and staying active. family/friends to give me a laugh or hug or and ear to listen. #gfedchat
A6:1)family support=loving & supportive husband & extended family;2)positive friends=people in life who remind me to laugh & dream big;3)mentors=leaders who ground & encourage me;4)spirituality=the reminder that I'm a small, but meaningful & loved piece of a huge puzzle #gfedchat
A6: Family Support: I am forever grateful for the family support Taunya and I have from both of our families. I know that is not always the norm. #gfedchat
A6: Positive Friends is a big one for not only middle school Ss but also adults. You surround yourself with good people and good things happen!
#gfedchat
A6: My family is my biggest support, generosity and giving back to the community, spirituality, and having medical access. there are so many of these that the students don't have access to or they aren't accessible for our students. #gfedchat
A6: My sources of strength include spirituality-living for a purpose, family support-always there to help, positive friends-lighten my mood, and mentors-to provide trusted guidance. #gfedchat
A5a: drastic changes in personality, sad and/or withdrawn for more than two weeks,
A5B; spirituality, family support, positive friends, healthy lifestyle #gfedchat
A6: Family Support and Positive Friends - Not a day goes by that I'm not grateful for the people that mean so much to me. Spirituality - my faith gives me strength as well. #gfedchat
A7: I took the YMHFA course that was offered this fall. I would not have expected to use the training as quickly as I did (literally the following Monday). I would encourage everyone to take this course. #gfedchat
A7. I'm very fortunate in my role this year to generally be able to take the time to have one on one conversations with kids that I see are struggling... so thankful for that privilege #gfedchat
A5: Starting to physically fight and isolating from their peers. The fighting one was new to me but it makes a lot of sense- if a kid is feeling uneasy or confused about something going on inside they turn to violence. #gfedchat
A7: Being one of the only males at my school, being a male figure for both boys and girls in our school for someone to talk to is something that I hope that I can be helpful to our students. #gfedchat
A7: one of the wonderful things about Reading Recovery is I work one-on-one with Ss. I am able to build relationships w/ them and their family. If I notice something is off, I usually talk to the Ss, the Ts, and then I call home. #gfedchat
I want to take the course that was offered earlier this year multiple times for 8 hours on mental health and first aid, I feel it would be a great tool to use. #gfedchat
A7-I forever and always be an ear for anyone who needs to talk and will do my best to students the help they need whether it's from me, counselors, administration, Drs or family. In the end, that's the number one thing we can ask of ourselves as educators. #gfedchat
A7: Make sure if even a part of me thinks I should have the conversation, to just have it and ask the student if they are ok or ask the parent if they are ok. #gfedchat
A7:One way that I plan to help a student in need is to allow them to communicate with me in a safe environment. To allow them to feel heard and be there for them when they feel they have no one else. I want students to feel understood and respected. #gfedchat
A7: I have multiple students going through tough things right now. I support them, check in on them (& their families depending on situation), provide a safe heaven for them at school & shower them with grace & unconditional love! #gfedchat
A7: There are students in our schools who do not feel they have a connection to a caring adult at their school. Reach outside of your classes, find that student and be that adult who makes a positive connection and impact. #gfedchat
A7: I really want to have a conversation with a student-usually do but I think there is more to her story. Actually talked to her grandmother. #gfedchat
A7: Make sure if even a part of me thinks I should have the conversation, to just have it and ask the student if they are ok or ask the parent if they are ok. #gfedchat
A7: Following up with a student after class if he or she looks like they are not his/herself. Knowing I don't know all the answers, but being prepared to listen, not solve the problems, but help them find someone who will be able to help, if I'm not able. #gfedchat
A7: I believe on being a pillar for the students to lean on...I lead by example of showing students that I mean what I say and say what I mean...consistency.
#gfedchat
A7: To me, this seems easy and build relationship with students. Choosing the teaching profession usually means you like kids and talking/helping them. It's easy to have a conversation with them and get to know the kids. #gfedchat
A7: Find time to connect with all students. Let them know you're there and you care. It takes time to build those relationships but they can mean everything. #gfedchat
A7: Let them know that you are ready to listen and do what's in your power, then step back and wait for them to start the conversation when they are ready. #gfedchat
A7: Empathy, check in with parents and ss after school hours if needed, send home postcards, morning afternoon checks, promote community support #gfedchat
A6: family: they are the most important people in my life.
Positive friends: cut out the toxic ones!
Spirituality: going to church, praying, and being thankful for my life that God have me is important to me. Healthy Acts: I work out! #gfedchat
A7: I try to build relationships with the students. I show my vulnerability by sharing my stories...if I can share with them, it shows that I am an ear for those in need to share with me.
#gfedchat
A7:Continue to build relationships with all students and make sure they know you are there for them. Reach out to them even more so when you see warning signs. Use resources to help them! #gfedchat
A7: I will be more purposeful and mindful with taking note of changes in student behavior and personality. Notice the little things they say and do that could indicate something is going on. #gfedchat
I actually had a student snap on me the other day and this person sent me an email about what was happening that day and it all snowballed and snapped on me. In the email they apologized for their behavior and I know that this S is a good person. #gfedchat
A7 Being a good listener is a first step and then go from there, use your resources to sort out problem and make a plan how to help a student and often a parent #gfedchat
I love reading everyone's responds to Q6. Be so grateful to easily list your sources of strength and be mindful that many of our students don't have these sources available to them. #gfedchat
I find it interesting that many of us posted the section from the SOS wheel is family. Think about our students...do all of our students have that supportive family in their life? Sometimes and some not always which is very sad :( #gfedchat
I think this is so important. Relationships matter more than we realize. I think the most important part is to listen to our students. I am guilty - I get busy and just smile and nod. I need to actively listen #gfedchat
A7: Following up with a student after class if he or she looks like they are not his/herself. Knowing I don't know all the answers, but being prepared to listen, not solve the problems, but help them find someone who will be able to help, if I'm not able. #gfedchat
I think being present (in the now) with the students shows them that you are there for them....if you're present then you'll be able to pick up on the "off days".
#gfedchat
Awe thanks, it's what we need to be doing, day in and day out. :) I'm glad to be on a team where I know that happens because I know YOU do it too! #gfedchat
a2: yes & yes. a favorite thing of mine to do is a grounding exercise. gets kids out of the emotional brain and back to the thinking part. I ask them to name
5 things they see
4 things they can feel/touch
3 things they hear
2 things they smell
#gfedchat
1 thing they taste
A7 - If a student is 'off' for any reason, don't ignore it. Pull them aside, talk to them, acknowledge them, and remind them of how special they are. #gfedchat
Very lucky that I can name my top 4 sources of strength. Remember it isn't easy for some of our students, parents of students or colleagues to do the same. Take care of each other. Take notice of each other. ❤️ #gfedchat#raiderstrong
A7: I always talk to a student if I notice the change, ask if they're ok. Even if they say they are, I inform a counselor that I've noticed changes to see if they have as well. They usually call that student in to chat and make sure all is good! #gfedchat
