Supporting Student Wellness Series

Building a Lifeline: Suicide Prevention and Practice for K-12 Schools

Length of Training – 44-minute recording; please allow 90 mins for training with group exercises

Pennsylvania schools and LEAs are guided by Act 71 which require youth suicide awareness. Gather the essential tools to recognize and respond to suicide risk. Understand data trends in suicide and suicidal ideation, receive an overview of a multi-tiered systems of support for suicide prevention and interventions, explore assessments and screening tools, and explore scenarios and next steps for implementation. Blending expert guidance with practical strategies, it highlights how to build trust, conduct effective assessments, and take swift, supportive action. The content is grounded in real school experiences and emphasizes early intervention as a key to prevention.

It is recommended this training occurs over 90 minutes to engage in four exercises during the training. Additional handouts are available in the materials folder: https://bit.ly/suicideassessmentandprevention.

Presenters collaborated to create Suicide Assessments & Prevention training materials entitled “Building a Lifeline: Suicide Prevention & Practice for K-12 Schools.” All questions regarding the materials and content can be directed toward the speakers’ contact information from the slides or [email protected].

Presenters:

• Charisse Bowman, Supervisor of Mental Health Services, IU1
• Pia Houseal, Program Administrator, Project AWARE, MCIU
• Laura McCusker, Laura McCusker, Assistant Director of Educational Services, LIU12
• Laura Sharp, Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services, LIU12

New! From Me to We: Building Thriving Relationships Through Social and Emotional Learning

Length of Training – 1 hour, 9 minutes

With youth needs increasing, and mental health conditions being diagnosed and reported at higher rates, adults often wonder what they can do in a school system to support youth. Research continues to show that positive, supportive relationships reduce suicide ideation and increase mental and relational wellness. This session will review the data around youth mental health in and provide participants with strategies on how to engage youth. This will include relationship-focused strategies and the development of relationships within a trauma-informed framework.

Presenter:

• Dr. Dana Milakovic, PsyD, NCSP| Mental Wellness and Trauma Specialist– Office for School Climate and Well-being

New! Future-building with Social, Emotional, and Mental Well-being Skills

Length of Training – 53 minutes

What would it look like if everyone in our community worked together to build a more just, equitable, loving and humanizing future? First, we would have to begin by imagining what that future would be like, from many different perspectives — authentic listening and courageous sharing. Then we would need to develop social and emotional skills and practice them daily to help us take steps toward it — curiosity, relationship-building, conflict management, inclusion, humility, non-judgment and hope. Next, those successes would be named, celebrated and used as fuel for our collective power to take more steps. Finally, we would pause and reflect together. Are we still moving in the direction we envision for our future — critical reflection, open-mindedness and discernment? Is this future one that makes sure everyone has what they need to thrive?

Presenter:

• Dr. Shannon Wanless, Director of University of Pittsburgh Center for Social and Urban Research (UCSUR)

New! Helping Students Handle Hard Things: Building Distress Tolerance for Life and Learning

Length of Training – 1 hour

In a world where stress is unavoidable, the goal isn’t to shield kids from every challenge—it’s to help them stay present and capable in the face of discomfort. Distress tolerance is a life skill, and the adults in school communities play a critical role in modeling and supporting it.

Presenter:

• Michelle Gill, Founder and CEO of Believe Learning, Certified in Social and Emotional Intelligence Coaching and recognized as a CASEL Fellow

Integrating Student Voice in Mental Health and Wellness

Length of Training – 1hr 20 mins

This webinar equips K-12 mental health providers with tools to amplify student voice in shaping school mental health initiatives. Learn strategies to engage students, co-create support systems, and foster a culture of inclusion and empowerment.

Enhance your practice by integrating student perspectives into K-12 mental health and wellness initiatives. Explore the importance of student voice in developing effective, responsive and inclusive mental health strategies. Gain practical tools for engaging students in meaningful dialogue, co-creating support systems, and fostering a school culture where students feel empowered in their mental health journey. By the end of the workshop, you will have actionable strategies to amplify student voices and enhance the overall well-being of their school communities.

Presenters:

• Mandi Fair, Curriculum Specialist, BLaST IU17
• Jennifer Johnston, Mental Health/Special Education Supervisor, IU5
• Shileste Overton Morris, Chief Program Officer, CSIU16

Mindful Practices to Unwind Anxiety

Length of training: 1 hour

Explore science-backed key insights from Dr. Judson Brewer’s “Unwinding Anxiety” and practice simple mindfulness exercises to support yourself and your learning community.

Learn about Dr. Judson Brewer’s work, “Unwinding Anxiety,” a clinically proven plan to break the cycle of worry and fear that drives anxiety and addictive habits. Explore the science behind anxiety—how it develops, how it impacts students, and most importantly, how to help them manage it effectively. Learn how to recognize anxiety symptoms in students, understand the physiological responses behind anxious behavior, and apply simple, impactful techniques to support students in moments of distress. In addition to exploring several of his big, science-backed ideas from the text, practice a few mindfulness exercises that you can easily repeat with yourself and others in your learning communities.

Presenters:

• Stephanie Daniels, Curriculum Consultant, TIU 11
• Brett Gilliland, Director for Educational Support Services, Human Resources, and Principal of Nonpublic Schools, TIU 11
• Leanna Lawson, Program Director, AIU 3
• Carissa Noel, Program Administrator, Office of Professional Learning, BCIU 14
• Denise Shugarts, Educational Consultant, TIU 11

New! Student Voices, Stronger Minds: Transforming Mental Wellness Through Social and Emotional Learning

Length of Training – 53 minutes

This engaging session will explore the power of student voice in strengthening mental wellness through social and emotional learning (SEL). Using specific examples from the Chester Upland School District, we will highlight successful strategies and activities supporting students and staff. Learn about SEL activities, hear from students who shared their experiences on a radio show and other video communication, and brainstorm innovative ways to incorporate student voice into school-based SEL initiatives. This session will provide practical tools and inspire new approaches to fostering a culture of belonging, resilience and emotional well-being in schools.

Presenters:

• Dana Bowser, M.S.W., Director of Student Success and Engagement, Chester Upland School District

New! The Space Between: How Adult Regulation Sparks Youth Resilience and Well-being

Length of Training – 1 hour

Youth mental health starts with connection—and connection starts with how we, as adults in student-support roles, understand and manage our own emotions. When educators and school-based professionals model emotional regulation, empathy and boundaries, students build resilience and trust that help them thrive in school and in life.

Presenters:

• Michelle Gill, Founder and CEO of Believe Learning, Certified in Social and Emotional Intelligence Coaching and recognized as a CASEL Fellow

Trauma Impact on the Brain and Body

Length of Training – 1 hour

Review trauma-informed basics, typical brain development, trauma impact on brain development, the stress response system, and proactive/supportive strategies.

Understand the physical and emotional signs of anxiety and learn practical, research-based strategies to help students self-regulate, reduce stress and build resilience. Explore ways to create safe, supportive environments and how to respond compassionately in high-anxiety moments.

Presenters:

• Dr. Michael Heater Jr., Coordinator, Curriculum & Instruction/Educational Technologies, Carbon – Lehigh IU21
• Katie Farbo, Instructional Innovations Specialist, Riverview IU6
• Dr. Pete Carbone, Program Specialist, Curriculum and Instruction, Beaver Valley IU27