GISD Whole Child Update

Communication and opportunities to collectively support and address the social-emotional, physical, health, and safety needs of students, families, and staff.

From the American Heart Association!

If the holidays sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control, you’re not alone. And if the Grinch has stolen your spirit and good intentions, try some of these tips to reclaim your ho-ho-ho and stay happy and healthy.

Click here to access the entire article from the AHA website.

1. Keep up healthy habits.

2. Beware of seasonal sweets.

3. Stay active.

4. Take time for yourself.

5. Make a plan for the new year.

The flu is an example of how medical myths can get in the way of good medical care. During cold and flu season, it's important to take the necessary steps to stay healthy. That includes separating facts from myths. Click here for a knowledge booster shot!

Sometimes you just don't know where to turn. You may not feel that you are in crisis, but you need to talk to someone soon. Or, you or your family might be experiencing what feels like a crisis. GHS offers many options to help meet you where you are at, in a way that feels right for you. If you are experiencing an emergency, please contact emergency services by calling 911.

GHS Phone Crisis Line

Call us 24/7/365 at (810) 257-3740

Text Crisis Line

Text FLINT to 741741 24 hours a day.

Walk In Behavioral Health Urgent Care
422 W. 4th Avenue, Flint
(810) 496-5500
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM, last walk-in taken at 10:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM, last walk-in taken at 5:00 PM

Virtual Urgent Care-Video Chat
Call us 24/7/365 at (810) 496-5500 to get connected

Not sure what you need?

Start by calling or texting GHS and they will help guide you toward the services you need.

Lapeer County Community Mental Health offers a variety of services and supports for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness. Mobile Intensive Crisis Stabilization Services are available for adults and children needing short-term crisis services. Come in to Lapeer CMH during business hours if you are in need of Crisis Services or call the

Access Services Line at 1-888-225-4447.

The Access Services Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We are located on Suncrest Drive, across from the Lapeer County Department of Health and Human Services Office near Lapeer County Medical Care Facility.

Lapeer, MI 48446.

The Shiawassee Health & Wellness (SHW) Access Team is here to help when needed. An appointment or a referral is NOT needed from your doctor. Helpful staff are available even when our office is closed. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Anyone can call or walk-in to the Access Center.

24/7 Crisis Intervention 1-989-723-6791

Toll Free No. 1-800-622-4514

Shiawassee Health & Wellness

1555 Industrial Drive

Owosso, MI 48867

Are you a behavioral health professional working in the schools who isn't currently connected to the Countywide Behavioral Health Collaborative? Click on the link to learn more about the group and their regularly scheduled meetings and professional learning topics. Or, contact

Lisa Whitson, LMSW, SSW

Consultant for Behavioral Supports and Day Treatment Liaison

Genesee Intermediate School District

Office (810) 591-4608

Google Voice (810) 337-8059

lwhitson@geneseeisd.org

Old Newsboys

Catholic Charities of Flint

Crossover Outreach

November Mobile Food Pantry Dates & Locations

Anxiety in children and teens is the topic of podcasts, books, radio segments, literature reviews, LinkedIn posts… it’s everywhere. And for good reason, too. Anxiety in youth is a mounting concern that impacts every community and nearly all families. For parents who are watching their teens struggle now, this can feel overwhelming... Click HERE to read more.

Join us for an informative webinar featuring Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, a leading expert in adolescent health and drug prevention from Stanford University. Dr. Halpern-Felsher will dive into the pressing issues surrounding youth e-cigarette and marijuana use, drawing on her extensive research and experience in shaping health policy and education. This event will explore the real impact these substances have on young people and offer guidance for prevention. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a pioneer in adolescent health advocacy!

Click here to register for the webinar - Monday, December 2, 2024 at 5:30 PM EST

Officer Jermaine Galloway AKA "Tall Cop" is a national speaker that provides trainings, education, and enforcement strategies for community substance abuse issues. On his website, he provides resources and you can listen to his podcasts on different substance abuse topics.

Podcast

Sign up for his newsletters

Resources

This is an annual event that serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV and the work toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.

The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988, providing a platform to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and honor the lives affected by the epidemic. There has been significant progress in addressing HIV and AIDS thanks to advancements in medical research, increased access to treatment and prevention, and a broader understanding of the virus.

Health education, CPR, HIV and sexuality health. Click HERE to learn more.

The Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools believes that healthy children of all ages make better students. When they feel good, they can better focus on learning.

Mission

To provide school-based health programs and clinical services that improve the well-being of students, their families, and communities.

Vision

Youth will receive high quality physical, behavioral, and preventive healthcare:

• in an easily accessible, supportive, and youth-centered environment, and
• employing professional staff who are responsive to the needs of a diverse population.

Insurance & Fees

RAHS health services are intended for youth 21 years of age and younger. You do not need to be a registered student at these schools to receive services. We accept insured and uninsured patients, regardless of ability to pay.

RAHS Health Center Locations - click the location for more information about days, times & services.

• Armstrong Middle School
• Beecher High School
• Carman-Ainsworth High School
• International Academy of Flint
• Kearsley High School
• Richfield Early Learning Center
• Richfield Public School Academy

These centers serve as a “health home base” for students and their families during the school day.

Do you know a child or family who is without health care coverage? They may be eligible for free or low-cost health care coverage - doctor visits, dental, vision, prenatal care, well-child visits, medication, mental health services, and more! Untreated health issues can be real barriers to school attendance and student success. School staff can be the connection to these essential services without needing to be the experts.

Free assistance with enrollment is available - contact the partners in the following communities.

Genesee County:

Call or text Connecting Kids to Coverage at (810) 853-6458, or contact any managed health plan.

Lapeer and Genesee County:

Hamilton Community Health Network (810)787-5097

Shiawassee County:

Great Lakes Bay Health Centers (989) 729-4848

The SHAPE America National Convention & Expo is the only event of its kind! Choose from over 400 sessions featuring world-renowned speakers, honorees, athletes, and researchers. Visit the trade show highlighting over 200 products and service providers. Unite with friends and colleagues, and forge new relationships with professionals from across the country.

From Science L.E.A.F.

Setting the mood for anything can really be a game changer. That applies to learning too.

Information for classroom and home learning.

SNA’s School Nutrition Industry Conference (SNIC25), January 19-21, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. This premier gathering unites visionaries in school nutrition to explore cutting-edge trends and innovations. The conference theme, "Reflect, Lead,” emphasizes the importance of looking inward before leading outward. In the K-12 foodservice segment, where service to others is at the heart of what we do, it can be easy to overlook the importance of self-care. However, true leadership begins with self-reflection—and when you invest in your own well-being you’re better equipped to inspire and support those around you—fostering a stronger, more resilient team.

Restorative Circles for classroom teachers or those working with youth. A restorative circle is a technique that builds and restores relationships through equal opportunity sharing and listening. These talking circles proactively build the skills individuals need when conflicts arise because they give every individual the opportunity to speak and be heard. Restorative circles are especially beneficial for youth learning how to negotiate conflict, as they help them practice respectful listening and healthy self-expression.

Register now for a 2-part session on December 9 & 11, 2024 Space is limited.

Since 1990, Congress has authorized an annual presidential proclamation that designates November as National American Indian Heritage Month to encourage all people to learn about the contributions and cultures of the Indigenous peoples of the North American continent.

Click here to connect with an American Indian History and Heritage Teachers Guide

This course focuses on supporting new teachers as they take on an exciting new role. The series will help them create a positive, welcoming environment while learning strategies to build connections with students to improve outcomes.

For more information contact Kelli Pierscinski - KPierscinski@geneseeisd.org or Amie Urbanke - AUrbanke@geneseeisd.org

LGBTQ+ students are at disproportionate risk for persistent bullying, harassment, and victimization. In response to requests from school districts across Michigan, the MDE LGBTQ+ Students Project staff created a suite of online professional development workshops to build the capacity of schools to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive culture and climate where all students can thrive. We are honored to partner with school districts and parents to make these highly requested workshops available to school staff for the 2024-25 school year.

Interested in learning more? Here is the link to the Fall 2024 Offerings List, with more about the workshops and links to register.

When your registration has been accepted, you will receive an email with an individualized zoom link. Spots are limited, so please note that not everyone who registers will automatically be approved. Participants who attend all two hours of the full, live workshop will be eligible to receive State Continuing Education Clock Hours—SCECHs (1.75 hours) and Social Work CEs (2 hours).

This workshop provides school-based mental health professionals, administrators, security professionals, and other educators the knowledge and resources to help them establish and sustain comprehensive school safety and crisis prevention and preparedness efforts. All school personnel are welcome!

· One Day Training

· Crisis Preparedness

· Crisis Prevention

· Crisis Teams

• Functions
• How to Develop Teams
• Roles and Responsibilities

Click here to learn more about the December 10, 2024 session, and to register by December 1st.

The cost is $15 per person.

For further information contact Dr. James Yake at jyake@geneseeisd.org

Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines is an evidence-based model for schools to use in conducting threat assessments of students. This training is for school staff who need the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines Training Level 1 and Level 2.

Click here to register for the January Level 3 (Advanced) CSTAG training.

Founded by parents who lost children at Sandy Hook, Safe and Sound Schools is a national non-profit school safety advocacy and resource center that provides research-based tools and support for crisis-prevention, response and recovery.

Webinars

Professional Development & Workshops

Podcast

Governor Whitmer Signed House Bills 5527 and 5528 on 4/27/2024. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, all Michigan public and nonpublic schools must develop and implement comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans for school personnel to effectively respond to sudden cardiac arrests and similar emergencies on school grounds during hours and events and extend specifically to athletic departments and programs.

The Child Mind Institute offers this Quick Guide to Anxiety in children. This is a great resource for understanding this common mental health struggle for our students.

No matter where you work in our school communities, you can use these practices to create safe and supportive learning environments for all students.

Click here to connect to an article from the NEA providing a list of common Trauma-Informed practices that educators can implement across all educational settings.

From the University of Michigan School of Social Work -

TIPPS translates research and shares strategies that help students realize their potential and become more resilient to the effects of trauma. The model of a trauma-informed school is based on 10 pillars of content and recommendations. These 10 areas of focus are intentionally broad in order to allow schools to customize them to best fit their specific settings. Tools & resources developed specifically for schools can support day to day and systematic improvements to support learning.

For more information about implementing TIPPS in your school:

TIPPS

University of Michigan School of Social Work,

1080 South University Avenue

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106

TIPPS-partners@umich.edu

How to help a friend in an unhealthy relationship

If you've noticed signs that a friend's relationship may be off, you've probably wanted to approach them about it. But you may be scared to push them away, or wonder if it's your place to say something. While it's natural to struggle with thoughts like these, know that your support could be exactly what your friend needs to take steps to safely exit their relationship. And remember, always trust your gut - if you think something is off, it probably is.

Calmly start the conversation on a positive note by being friendly, not preachy. Let your friend open up about the relationship on their own terms. If you’re having trouble starting the conversation, try using examples from TV shows or movies.

Focus on the unhealthy behaviors you’ve seen rather than their partner. Don’t label their partner as abusive as it might be hard for your friend to see their partner that way or cause them to shut down. Instead, ask questions about how a behavior you witnessed made your friend feel. For example, instead of saying "I think your partner is being a jerk, why do you put up with that?" ask "How does it make you feel when they won’t let you go to a party?"

Don’t place the blame on your friend. Help your friend understand that what they are experiencing isn’t normal and it’s not their fault.

Give your friend a list of options and resources to empower them to make their own decision about what to do next. Some of these options include visiting the school counselor or the campus violence prevention center, talking to trusted adult, or even calling the National Domestic Violence Helpline. Never try to force your friend into a decision - demanding they leave their partner or admit to abuse mimics the controlling behavior they experience from their partner.

Expect more conversations in the future. The goal is to let your friend know you care and are available when they need to talk. Be prepared to have more talks like this in the future.

Remember to take care of yourself too If you need to distance yourself a little bit, that's okay. It can be taxing on you, which is why there should be a support system of other people involved. You might need to find someone else to talk to about the situation, like a counselor.

If you aren’t comfortable talking 1:1 with them, consider talking to another friend or parent who might be noticing these behaviors too, and ask them for help with approaching the situation.

The Whole Child Summer Learning Series, will take place July 22 & 23, 2025 at the Genesee Intermediate School District. Our conference theme encompasses the ten components of the CDC/ASCD Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model.

Presentation proposals are due by December 20, 2025 through the following Google Form.

We encourage prospective presenters to consider the needs and interests of our attendees, which include teachers, school support staff, social workers, nurses, nutrition educators, and community professionals. For more information on the WSCC model visit the CDC website via this link. Proposed presentations will be evaluated on how helpful and practical the presentation will be to our audience, as well as its ability to meet the goals of the series. For additional information, contact Katie Shantry at kshantry@geneseeisd.org.

The GISD Whole Child Update is an effort to communicate with school professionals and community partners with diverse and often overlapping interests and needs. The content is aligned with the 12 components of the GISD Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model, a modified version of the ASCD/CDC model of the same name.

• Wondering what this "model" is? Checkout the GISD Whole Child Framework Summary
• Want to learn more about the Whole Child Model and how each of us contributes to supporting our students? Contact Steve Polega, GISD Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, spolega@geneseeisd.org

Did you miss a previous edition of the GISD Whole Child Update? Click on a date to access previously shared information.

September 2024

July 2024