This Month's Newsletter has the following information:

• Kimmie's MTSS Reflection (It is personal and lengthy. Feel free to pass by it.)
• R10 MTSS Upcoming Events
• MTSS Overview
• Compassionate Classroom with Dr. Caryn Sawlis
• Counseling Corner with Susan Delarosa and Brandi Fennell
• McKinney-Ventor and Foster Care with Deon Quinn
• MTSS Greatness around R10 and Beyond....(Recognition of LEAs)
• Have You Seen... (Updates from TEA and Resources/Training Outside of R10 as well as T.I.E.R. Network Information)
• Did You Know...(Resources/Training from R10 and R10 MTSS Transition Back Guiding Questions)
• Other R10 Newsletters
• Contact Information for the R10 MTSS Team

May is one of my most favorite months. May has Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, Mental Health Awareness Month, and Memorial Day. It is also the entrance to summertime. When I'm sitting on my patio working away from my children, I sometimes take a little break and close my eyes. I pretend it is a Saturday afternoon. The sun is shining. It's warm, but not scorching. I can almost smell the burgers on a nearby grill and hear the sounds of children giggling as they hang out at the neighborhood pool. I imagine finally being able to chillax with my teacher friends. Everything is just perfect. But then...

Reality bursts through my thoughts using my daughter's yelling for everyone to stop streaming so she can participate in a class zoom as Reality's dream assassin. COVID-19 has brought frustration to Casa Conlon in ways that I would never have imagined.

My frustration has foundational roots in the fact that I feel hopeless in my ability to meet your needs during this crisis. I have shed a few tears because I can only offer the R10 MTSS Consortium, Open Office Hours, and be available to take a call from someone needing MTSS assistance. You are the ones on the front lines. You are working to develop plans on how to bring staff members and students back to campus. You are making Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C as preventive plans that will support students needing academic support because the fidelity of instruction was limited by lack of technology or some unknown reason AND emotional support because this pandemic is considered a traumatic experience.

Full Disclosure: I'll be honest, I forgot to wake my youngest up one day because I was consumed by a family situation. She missed school that day. Another time, I let her oversleep because I was so engrossed in my work. This resulted in a near-miss for her attendance at school on that particular day. For a hot minute, I was part of creating your frustration with the lack of fidelity of at-home instruction. That's right, the "implementing with fidelity advocate" who truly believes that fidelity is on the keyring that unlocks the door for increased student growth and sustainability of systems failed the MTSS Framework. How shameful.

So how could I allow this to happen? Let me be transparent. At times I am overwhelmed and I do cry because the pressure is real. I'm basically a single mom, working full time, trying to help my daughters with their emotional and academic needs, and be a supportive wife to a husband that works and resides in New Hampshire while helping with a family crisis involving my mom and my siblings.

Life is hard right now. Sure the state is opening up. Freedom is on the horizon for most. But for me, it might be a while before I can feel safe in the world around me. It will be a while before my worries leave me. I have a senior terrified that she will not be able to attend UT Austin in the fall. A dream she has worked so hard.to achieve. I will never forget that she got her license in July 2018 and in August 2018 was making a 45-minute commute each way (and by herself) to attend Richland Collegiate High School. That is how determined she was to make her dream a reality (a slim possibility the hidden plan was to drive me crazy with fear). Therefore, it is hard to watch her go up and down emotionally as she waits on pins and needles. The only thing I know to do is to pull from my personal history and do for her what my dad did for me. I do everything I can to build her resiliency skills. He did that for his children through his words and his actions. The quote below is just one of many types of quotes or stories he would tell me. Please read it.

"If you fall down, dust yourself off, and rise again. If the struggle becomes too much, ask for help. If you don't know the answer, ask a question. Failure only happens when we do not adjust our approach and we choose to give up." ~ Osma Carroll, Jr.

It may sound familiar to you. Each sentence of this quote I work into conversations with you. It may also sound familiar to you because your parents, grandparents, or some other influential person has said similar things to you as they taught you resiliency. They did this not through a lesson in a class, but through modeling, mentoring, and providing feedback. (Credit goes to Robbie Rowan for connecting the dots for me about the true value of modeling, mentoring and providing feedback right before we were all ordered to be "Shelter In Place.")

So how am I making it personally? For me, I not only have the resiliency skills taught to me by my dad, but I'm making it because I'm fortunate to work with some heavy hitters in mental health and trauma. Caryn Sawlis, Susan Delarosa, and Keya Saleh are just a few of the heavy hitters who reminded me of the importance of mindfulness and provided resources to explore. I don't think they know how much helped me during this trying time. I'm also very fortunate to have been invited to some amazing LEA cohorts. The engaging dialogue and seeing each other is the emotional support I need to dust my self off and rise again because I have fallen a couple of times throughout this situation. I have learned to ask for help when I am struggling. I now know it is okay to ask questions for clarity without feeling bad about it afterward. Those are my SEL skills at work again.

I tell you this because I know there are children and parents like me out there waiting for the return to brick and mortar school. They may or may not have the support system that I have in place for me. So please remember that in order to create the Preventive Plan to bring them back, you will need to look at it from an MTSS Lens of communication, collaboration, and collective responsibility. There are a lot of topics to think through. Below are just a few to consider.

• Support and Services: Have you thought through how you will meet the compensatory services for Dyslexia, 504, and Special Education Services? Have you thought how you will support the EL, students experiencing homelessness, or students in foster care in your plans to transition back and ongoing support once they have returned?

• Assessments: What will you use to assess the academic, SEL, behavioral, and mental health needs of students? How soon will you give the assessments to your students? How will you assess the mental health support and services your staff will need?

• Master Schedules: Can you build a master schedule with dedicated time for focus on academic, SEL, behavioral, and mental health needs of students? Will there be preventive, enrichment, and intervention opportunities? How will you create and teach the protocols for this time?

This is the time to evaluate your continuum of services for all students. Tweak what you have to make it stronger. Prioritize what is most important right now. Sometimes that means relaxing your pacing guide. Build a common language. Work as interdisciplinary teams versus content only teams.

I am here for you. The primary purpose behind my role as the R10 MTSS Consultant is to provide you the support you need, when you need it. Please read this newsletter for the resources we have for you throughout each section.

Kimmie

R10 MTSS Consortium (May 7, 2020 - 10 AM to 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM): We will be focusing on tools needed to meet the needs of ALL Students and ALL Staff. Our Focus Topics and Guest Speakers Include:

• Data Based Individualization: Mr. Steven Prater, Texas Education Agency
• Restorative Practices: Ms. Katrina Mathis, R10 Behavior Consultant
• The Importance of SEL Screeners: Ms. Lisa-Anne Williams, Master Trainer at Aperture Education
• The Role of Data Management Systems: Dr. Jennifer Burr, R10 Digital Learning Consultant
• Climate Surveys are Data Points: Dr. Steven J. Bourgeois, Ahart Analytics

R10 MTSS Institute Presents (May 12, 2020 - 11 AM to 12:15 PM, 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM) MTSS and the Role of the Texas Model of Comprehensive School Counseling Program with Melanie Acker. Mrs. Acker will walk you through identifying how The Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Program is integral to the MTSS Framework.

R10 MTSS Consortium (May 14, 2020 - 10 AM to 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM): We will be focusing on the needs of Head Start Students and Early Childhood to 2nd Grade as well as Mental Health and Community Partnerships as part of the plan to transition back to brick and mortar schools. Topics and Guest Speakers:

• Head Start Considerations: Ms. Rebecca Lara, R10 Head Start Consultant
• Early Childhood: Ms. Angela Neal, R10 Early Childhood Program Coordinator
• Importance of Community Partnerships: Ms. Amy Poole, Thrive Strategy Manager at Grant Halliburton Foundation
• Community Resource Coordination Group: Dr. Richard Heflin, R10 CRCG/Mental Health Consultant

R10 MTSS Consortium (May 21, 2020 - 10 AM to 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM): We will be focusing on the supports needed for Students Experiencing Homelessness/Foster Care, Special Education, and English Learners as well as Trauma Considerations. Topics and Guest Speakers:

• Students Experiencing Homelessness/Foster Care: Mr. Deon Quinn, R10 McKinney-Vento/Foster Care Program Coordinator
• Special Education: Mr. Kevin Alaniz, R10 Inclusive Services and Practices Consultant
• Response to Trauma and the English Learners: Ms. Angela Greco, R10 English Learner Support Consultant
• Trauma Considerations: Dr. Caryn Sawlis, R10 Behavior Consultant

R10 MTSS Consortium: The Summer Series (9 AM to 12 PM)

May 28, 2020: We will be focusing on how to approach campus return to brick and mortar or a hybrid model through the lens of district/campus administrators as instructional leaders and how to incorporate intentional times for SEL, Academic, and Behavior Supports and Services through a well-designed campus master schedule. As a bonus, we will also cover federal funding that is available to support your efforts. Topics and Guest Speakers:

• District/Campus Administrators as Instructional Leaders: Ms. Kimi Riley-Mills, R10 School Improvement Consultant
• The Power of a Master Schedule: Mr. Russell McDaniel, Director of Special Services & Accountability, Celina ISD.
• CARES Funds and Title IV Funds in regards to MTSS & SEL: Ms. Laura Griffith, R10 Special Revenue Consultant

June 11, 2020: We will be focusing on am indepth look at Restorative Practices and Trauma. If you have a question, please bring it with you.

• Restorative Practices and Trauma: Karen Mathis, R10 Behavior Consultant/Dr. Caryn Sawlis, R10 Behavior Consultant

June 25, 2020: We are currently looking for LEAs to share with the R10 MTSS Consortium on integration plan and rationale behind them or Guest Speakers on Integration Plans from the Lens of Trauma and Behavior for Prevention, Enrichment, and Intervention.

July 9, 2020: We will be focusing on Data Based Individualization and it's important as you plan for approaching academic, behavior and SEL supports and services from Prevention, Enrichment, and Intervention perspective. Topic and Guest Speaker:

• Data Based Individualization: Dr. Sarah Benz, National Center on Intensive Intervention

July 23, 2020: We will be focusing on T.I.E.R (Tiered Intervention using Evidence-Based Intervention. We are so excited that representatives from the T.I.E.R. Network will be with us.

• MTSS Intervention: T.I.E.R. Network

MTSS is made up of different Systems of Support working together, such as MTSS Intervention, MTSS School Safety, and Security, MTSS Mental Health, etc.. Together these pieces create the layers needed to ensure students are ready for life beyond school. Below are all the parts, pieces, and layers that need to work together.

More than ever the MTSS Umbrella requires Communication, Collaboration, and Collective Responsibility. The pandemic will not last forever.

• We need, more than ever, to work together to help our students see there is a way through this.

• We do this by providing supports and services to their parents, all staff members, and them.

• We provide opportunities for mindfulness, positive feedback on the work they are doing, flexibility, grace, and space.

• We also keep them focused on their goals, dreams, hopes, and wishes for their future.

• We work together through Communication, Collaboration, and Collective Responsibility.

The image below includes just a few graphics on what is required to implement and hold the MTSS Umbrella in place during a pandemic (and the regular year).

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

“Are you a stressor or a support?” Dr. Tina Payne Bryson said that at the 2018, Changing the Odds conference, and it has stuck with me for some time. I feel it is very relevant as we plan our transition back to the brick and mortar setting while also celebrating Mental Health Awareness month. I have to admit, at times, I can be a stressor. However, I feel since this pandemic hit the states, I have espoused even more support for mental health for our teachers, students, and parents. (And I think slowly people are listening.)

My main focus has really been on our teachers. If they are not well, they cannot create safe and supportive environments for their students. So what is the plan to ensure everyone is well? What is the plan to focus on the whole child and the whole teacher? Click on the picture below to get ideas on how you can gain “Tools @ Thrive”.

COMING THIS SUMMER: R10 TRAUMA INFORMED EDUCATOR VIRTUAL PD SERIES

Just a friendly reminder that we have our live Counselor Conversations this Friday, May 8th. With child abuse and mental health concerns rising, we have a special guest joining us from Mental Health America of Greater Dallas to share safety tips that counselors can use and share virtually:

• Information about Mental Health vs. Mental Illness
• Stranger information and how to talk to kids about it
• Emotional Abuse issues
• Physical Abuse issues
• Sexual Abuse issues

Information is changing weekly, so this allows us time to share the most up-to-date information possible. The resources shared will be the same during both time slots. Hope you can join us during one of two webinars:

Friday, May 8, 2020

Morning Option - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM REGISTER HERE

Afternoon Option - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM REGISTER HERE

Do you remember the a time when having a pen pal was an actual thing people did to explore different cultures or stay in touch during wartime? This is the perfect opportunity to connect with others through becoming implementing a pen pal system of communication. PenPal Schools was recommended to me and it is something I wanted to share with you.

PenPal Schools connects students from around the world to learn together! Students collaborate through online projects ranging from human rights and the environment to fake news and robotics, all while practicing literacy, technology, and social-emotional skills.​ PenPal Schools is so effective in increasing student engagement and learning outcomes that our program has won numerous high-profile awards were recognized by President Obama and have grown to half a million students in 150 countries.

• Video: Welcome to PenPal Schools
• Map of participating schools in over 150 countries
• Learning Outcomes: Writing, Reading, Digital Citizenship, Social & Emotional Skills
• Testimonial videos from teaches and students around the world

Teaching our students the skill of communicating with others outside their peer groups or families is a skill that will last a lifetime. If not this system, please explore other options available to start a Pen Pal Initiative.

Every year about this time, I reflect on my year and pick out some highlights. There are so many to choose from. The following ones were chosen because of the journey they were on. We have checked in with each other from time to time this year and I have seen some incredible moments. I also look at tweets, news feeds, and the work I have been a part of with them. Yes, I look at many different data points and chart it out in my mind. If you would like to be considered for next year, please let me know. I would love to be your thought partner and get to know the systems you are working on.

I think you all know who Stephanie Aldridge is and how was my partner during the first two years of building R10's MTSS Consortium. I'm sure you have all heard me give her a hard time about going to DeSoto ISD. I'm finally past it enough to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to Stephanie and her counseling team at DeSoto ISD. They made Dallas Weekly. Take a moment to read the article below. Hats off to Stephanie and DeSoto ISD.

Richardson ISD has impressed me personally as a parent for the last year. We moved into RISD land from The Colony at the start of the 2019-2020 school year. My experience as a parent watching the systems in action has impressed the R10 MTSS Consultant that I am. You may or may not know, but I have MTSS running through my blood. Not only are their systems impressive, but they also have this amazing superintendent. I have never seen anything quite like Dr. Jeannie Stone. Her down to earth style of approaching parents on the multiple disasters that have hit her district this year draws you in. She makes you strongly believe she is going to see her students, her staff, and her families through the eye of the storm. We will stand up and rise again. She touches the lives of the diverse families that populate RISD. AMAZING. Hats off to Dr. Stone.

Richardson ISD gets two nods today. This is not favoritism. It feels like Laurel has been a member of the R10 MTSS Consortium since it started, but it might have just been this year. Dr. Gibbins has attended the meetings as often as he could throughout the years. Either way, these two are prime examples of Communication, Collaboration, and Collective Responsibility. They have worked diligently to bring RISD's MTSS framework to life. I'm very proud of the amazing work they have accomplished this year. Hats off to Laurel and Dr. Gibbins.

Newly Guarjardo is new this year to Frisco ISD. Newly has developed some amazing online MTSS professional development for educators in Frisco ISD. I was so impressed with it that she actually shaped my approach to the session I am developing for this summer. She did a phenomenal job of making connections, providing resources and examples. Hats off to Newly.

Amy Montemayor presented in September at the R10 MTSS Institute on the systems changes that were implemented the previous year. This year Amy has continued to build on those changes, make them more sustainable, and is easing into her next phase. If a roadblock appears, Amy will work through it and is able to stay her course with or without modifications. I feel like I learn more from her than she does me. Hats off to Amy.

There is a very small consortium that I am very lucky to be invited to attend. I have had the honor to hang out with them for the last five weeks. I won't name the members, but this group of people are innovative, forward-thinking, and a problem-solving group of people. I don't like to point this out to them, but they have mastered the MTSS framework. They look at the problem, check the data, and work as a group to problem solve before the actual problem hits. I don't know what I bring to the table, but I walk away with notes and a new perspective. Hats off to Ellis County SPED Consortium.

I would like to give a SHOUT OUT to Lori and Dr. Benavidez over at Region 11. Both of these ladies are fairly new to Region 11 and have done an amazing job of building top-notch resources in their respective positions. Lori has just recently launched her MTSS Smore (found here: https://www.smore.com/dz5b0). She did an excellent job! Dr. Benavidez has a Counseling Smore (found here https://www.smore.com/rycbf). This is a great read. It is filled with excellent information. Hats off to Lori and Dr. Benavidez.

If you haven't check out Plano ISD's Social-Emotional Learning site, you are missing out. Check it out here: https://www.pisd.edu/SEL Sharon Bradley's passion and dedication to SEL is phenomenal. She is a leader in this field and I'm so darn proud that she took me by the hand and said: "Kimmie, let me build your capacity." Or at least that is what I heard and I am ever so grateful that she did. She is one of the first members of the SEL4TX. She puts students, educators, and families first in all that she does. Hats off to Sharon.

The National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) is looking for educators who are willing to embark on a learning journey around distance/virtual intensive intervention delivery. Educators will:

• Learn from NCII experts about available tools and resources with application for distance/virtual learning,
• Pilot the use of tools and resources,
• Share lessons learned with other educators,
• Refine implementation, and
• Support NCII with developing products focused on delivering distance/virtual intensive intervention.

Educators within NCII’s intensive TA states with the ability to deliver intensive intervention (e.g., supplemental lessons in literacy, mathematics, or behavior) virtually with students and/or at home with their own children are invited to participate.

Anyone interested in participating should email Sarah Arden (sarden@air.org) ASAP. An initial meeting with all participating educators will then be scheduled. From there, we will establish a recurring meeting schedule through either May or June 2020, depending on participant preference. An honorarium is available to support this work!

• TEA has a grant with NCII on Data Based Individualization - 6/8 other states work with them on this database
• Specifically applies to teachers giving intensive (tier 3) interventions
• Will provide training/tools/PLC for this group based on tools that are being developed

If I were eligible, I would partner with them ASAP ~ Kimmie

T.I.E.R. (Tiered Intervention using Evidence-Based Research) is the Technical Assistance Network for MTSS Intervention which is funded by the Texas Education Agency. Each week they have been sending out introduction videos. MTSS Intervention is one approach under MTSS which is the System. The foundational protocols found at T.I.E.R. can be generalized for other MTSS approaches such as the Supportive and Safe Schools Program.

If you want to learn those foundational protocols so you can apply them to other MTSS approaches, please spend time with this network. Below are a few webinars they are releasing weekly to help you navigate the website and the resources you will find there. So proud of this work and this team!

MTSS Webinar Topic (w/link if applicable) and Release Date:

• April 15, 2020 TIER Introduction
• April 22, 2020 Leadership
• April 29, 2020 Mental Health
• May 6, 2020 Behavior
• May 13, 2020 TIER Website Navigation
• May 20, 2020 Communities
• May 27, 2020 Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Practices
• June 3, 2020 Decision Making
• June 10, 2020 Academics
• June 17, 2020 Screening
• June 24, 2020 Progress Monitoring
• July 1, 2020 TIER 2020-21

Need Direct Services, Consultations or Specialized PD? Please click this link: bit.ly/R10PDRequestForm

Email: kimmie.conlon@region10.org
Website: www.region10.org
Phone: 972.348.1166
Twitter: @R10_MTSS