September 21, 9-11, session #248319

Safe and Healthy Schools Series + Office Hours

September 21, 1:30-3:30, session #233643

EOP Workday

September 27, 12-1, session #248466

School Board Human Trafficking

October 5, 9-11:30, session #239275

Human Trafficking for Superintendents

Online, On-Demand Courses

• Human Trafficking for Superintendents, session #252332
  
• Human Trafficking for School Boards, session #252323
• SB 11: The Omnibus School Safety Bill Canvas Course, session # 252334
• School Crisis Response & Communication During the Pandemic: Canvas Series, session #251154

*Watch our live calendar at https://tinyurl.com/23d8cp2r

Training available to schedule on-site:

• Behavior Threat Assessment (to train your Threat Assessment/Safe and Supportive Schools Team)
• Digital Responsibility & Social Media Safety (to train your students)
• True Colors (offered for students and staff as a team-building/self-awareness opportunity)
• AS+K Suicide Prevention (to train staff)
• Youth Mental Health First Aid (to train staff)
• Trauma-Sensitive Schools (to train staff)

*Contact us for pricing and to schedule.

The link for ordering your Red Ribbon Wristbands will go live at 8:00 am on September 21st and will remain open until all 70,000 bands are claimed. Coordinate with others in your district for mult-campus orders. Decide who your designated representative will be for picking up your bands on October 14th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at our Building 3 location at ESC Region 12 for the "drive-through" pick-up campaign. No orders will be filled or distributed early, so please mark your calendars for ordering and picking up. Special thanks to the Department of Defense JCDTF- Drug Demand Reduction Outreach program for sponsoring our bands this year. Thank you!

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. While mental health and suicide awareness is important year-round, for the month of September, we encourage you to promote suicide prevention and education with your networks. DFPS and Texas Health and Human Services, has put together this toolkit with social media posts, resources, and graphics to help raise awareness about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention. These messages and links can be used as is, or they can be customized in any way that works best for your community by directing to your prevention program’s information. Keep an eye on the Get Parenting Tips Facebook and Instagram feeds as well for more social media updates.

1. We are welcoming Jennifer Serrato to our ESC Region 12 Counseling Services Team. She can be reached at jennifer.serrato@esc12.net if you have any questions in the secondary area. She has a list-serve as well and sends out a newsletter for those who are signed up. Please email her and she can make sure you get on her communication list.

2. RED RIBBON WRISTBAND ordering will be coming up on Tuesday, September 21st, 2021 from 8:00 am until all 70,000 of the wristbands are claimed. The link will be sent out multiple times before ordering day, but if you would like to have it now and be ready to start ordering at 8:00 am on the 21st, you are welcome to do so.

https://www.esc12.net/redribbon

Remember: the link will NOT go live until 8:00 am on September 21st.

3. RED RIBBON PICK UP DAY: Once you order your wristbands through our Google Form, mark your calendar to send a representative from your campus to pick up your orders on Thursday, October 14th at our Building 3 location for a "drive-through" pick-up line as we were able to do last year. No orders will be filled early, so please do make arrangements and coordinate with your district for multiple orders and pick-up arrangements.

4. The Campus Safety Mazing presents Safety Planning for Volatile School Board Meetings

These strategies will help maintain security during school board meetings, protecting board members from potentially violent acts by disgruntled parents and other community members.

https://tinyurl.com/xw4dufpc

5. DFPS presents Become a Certified WhyTry Facilitator

The WhyTry Program is a social-emotional curriculum that has proven effective at increasing student resilience, motivating unmotivated students, increasing GPA, reducing dropout rates, improving social-emotional health, and reducing bullying and violent behavior.

The WhyTry Level 1 training is designed to give the attendees a general overview of the WhyTry approach, curriculum and introduce skills that facilitators need to begin using the curriculum. This training also includes an implementation discussion for any setting including an overview of strategies to use for virtual learning. After the WhyTry Level 1, attendees will be able to begin using the program immediately as a toolkit for in-person and virtual social and emotional learning. Registration is $599 per person.

Upcoming Training

• September 27-28

WhyTry is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) and may offer NBCC approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

The curriculum can be renewed for $99 annually per person.

6. MHTTC Grief Sensitivity Virtual Learning Institute Announcement

https://mailchi.mp/mhttcnetwork.org/mhttc-grief-virtual-institutes-announcement?e=fbff4e3158

7. Crisis Text Line presents Mental Health School Supplies

• Download Our Mental Health School Supplies
• Download Parents and Caregivers Edition
• Download Educators Edition
• Download Student Edition

8. The Department of Homeland Security presents the Violence Prevention Resource Guide

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17gAk7E7gCa6LgoTI5GmGcqsMqczQyONe/view?usp=sharing

9. FEMA presents the Individual & Community Preparedness Newsletter

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSFEMA/bulletins/2ef5e55?reqfrom=share

10. EPA Region 6 presents their Healthy Schools Newsletter

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NbKv0ITXCTI2Z9Ef0w7I8Qch_KTu0igQ/view?usp=sharing

11. Office of the Texas Governor / Child Sex Trafficking Team presents R.E.A.L Friends Don't online safety campaign - empowers parents and caregivers to protect their children from harmful content, grooming, or online exploitation

12. Legislative Updates

• SB 2158 DNA Kits - Requires TEA to provide in-home DNA identification kits to all school districts and open-enrollment charter schools, to be distributed by the LEA to the parent/ legal guardian (upon request) for Kindergarteners to middle school students. The DNA kits allow families to work closely with law enforcement and appropriate officials to locate their child if the child becomes missing or their whereabouts are unknown.

• SB 1831 Signage Requirements - Requires all public and private schools to post warning signs about offenses and penalties relating to human trafficking of minors on and around school premises.TEA and the Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force will work together to develop rules pertaining to the warning signs information, placement, and distribution of posters that will be used for this purpose. TEA will provide further guidance at a future date; at this time districts are not required to do anything until the rules are in effect.

13. Mental Health Matters

• Trauma-Informed Care - SB 1267, Section 19 amended TEC 38.036, amended Subsections (c) and (d), and is adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:

(c) The methods under Subsection (b)(1) for increasing awareness and implementation of trauma-informed care must include training as provided by this subsection. The training must:

(1) be provided:

(A) through a program selected from the list of recommended best practice-based programs and research-based practices established under Section 38.351;

(B) in accordance with the policy adopted under Section 21.4515; and

(C) as part of any new employee orientation for all new school district educators; and

(2) address how grief and trauma affect student learning and behavior and how evidence-based, grief-informed, and trauma-informed strategies support the academic success of

students affected by grief and trauma

(c-1) The training under Subsection (c) may include two or

more listed topics together.

(d) For any training under Subsection (c), each school district shall maintain records that include the district staff members who participated in the training.

*NCTSN Free Downloadable Guidance: Trauma-Informed School Strategies During COVID-19 and Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators

• Suicide Prevention - The Texas Suicide Safer Schools Roadmap is intended to be used as a planning guide for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention by Texas school districts. This Roadmap provides public health information based on best practices for suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. It is recommended that each Element be used in the order presented, to ensure a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention planning.

• Legislative Update - SB 1267 amended TEC 38.351(h). Each school district shall provide training on suicide prevention programs that must include components that provide for training school counselors, teachers, nurses, administrators, and other staff, as well as law enforcement officers and social workers who regularly interact with students, to: recognize students at risk of attempting suicide, including students who are or may be the victims of or who engage in bullying; recognize students displaying early warning signs and a possible need for early mental health or substance abuse intervention, which warning signs may include declining academic performance, depression, anxiety, isolation, unexplained changes in sleep or eating habits, and destructive behavior toward self and others; intervene effectively with students by providing notice and referral to a parent or guardian so appropriate action, such as seeking mental health or substance abuse services, may be taken by a parent or guardian; and assist students in returning to school following treatment of a mental health concern or suicide attempt. Districts shall provide the training for teachers, school counselors, principals, and all other appropriate personnel. A school district must provide the training at an elementary school campus only to the extent that sufficient funding and programs are available. If a school district provides the training, the school district shall: require completion of the training in accordance with the policy adopted under Section 21.4515 and maintain records that include the district employees who participated in the training.

• Seize the Awkward recently released four new videos containing powerful advice for teens and young adults on mental health. Each video features expert advice on practical tips on supporting a friend who may be struggling with their mental health.

Learn the Signs (https://youtu.be/3jCCxsvYjA4)

Have the Conversation (https://youtu.be/8evtuxohDvU)

Tips for Better Conversations (https://youtu.be/gX0cQBL_RzU)

Conversation Starters (https://youtu.be/H-Q6ieH_Z08)

• Classroom WISE (Well-being Information and Strategies for Educators) is a free training and video resource library created by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network. There is a self-paced learning course and videos perfect for sharing with staff, especially at the beginning of a school year.
  

• In-person vision and hearing screening training sessions are on the website now for sign-ups. See training sessions at the top of the newsletter or search by keyword in escWorks. If you were one of those trained virtually last year for vision and hearing, practicum sessions with Paul Gonzalez from DSHS are also available now.

• DSHS is not offering any spinal screening sessions at this time. Watch for updates. RNs can do them without training by using the information on the DSHS website.

• COVID-19 News--TEA has published its newest guidelines: https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/covid/SY-20-21-Public-Health-Guidance.pdf

Please note the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Rule for students who have COVID.

• Here is a great resource from New York State Center for School Health and the section for Sample Health Services Forms and Notifications.

*Most of these documents are in Word or Excel so that they can be downloaded and edited for use.

• From the TEA COVID Response Team....

The current K-12 COVID Testing Project (this was schools that did COVID testing AT the school on students, staff, family) will stop being supported by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) on September 15, 2021. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will roll out guidance for the 2021-2022 COVID-19 Testing Program in the coming weeks.

For districts and private schools already approved to receive tests under the K-12 COVID Testing Project, re-orders of COVID tests have not been permitted until 70% of existing tests have been reported. This limitation is being waived on a one-time basis to facilitate the re-order of supplies for the start of the school year. For the purposes of managing the remaining inventory, districts are permitted to request a number of tests up to the amount (maximum) identified below. To place an order, email k-12logs@tdem.texas.gov. If extenuating circumstances require additional tests, please email us at: COVIDCaseReport@tea.texas.gov

1. Don't forget to register for our Region 12 specific TxSSC trainings!

• Advanced School Behavioral Threat Assessment Training – December 14, 2021
  https://txssc.txstate.edu/events/adv-sbta-trainings/
  
• Advanced Digital Threat Assessment Training – December 15, 2021
  https://txssc.txstate.edu/events/adv-dta-trainings/
• SBLE TCOLE 4064 - March 2-3, 2022
  https://txssc.txstate.edu/events/sble-trainings/tcole-4064#in-person
  

2. TCOLE #4064 Virtual Trainings

The Texas School Safety Center School-Based Law Enforcement (SBLE) Training Division will host 20 free virtual and 20 free in-person TCOLE #4064 trainings beginning September of 2021. The goal of this training is to assist SBLE officers and school districts with compliance with legislative mandates requiring districts employing a peace/resource officer to create a policy requiring officers to complete education and training.

These trainings will be 20 hours divided into two 10-hour days. We have updated training materials to ensure that participants receive the most current information available. Topics will include:

• Child and Adolescent Development and Psychology
• Mental Health Crisis Intervention and Cultural Competency
• De-escalation Techniques and Techniques for Limiting the Use of Force, Including the Use of Physical, Mechanical, and Chemical Restraints
• Mental and Behavioral Health Needs of Children with Disabilities or Special Needs
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, Conflict Resolution Techniques, and Restorative Justice Techniques

This training is open to school-based law enforcement, public ISDs, open-enrollment charter schools, junior colleges, and state agencies that support schools. Due to limited seating, vendors and contractors are not permitted to register or attend the training.

This training is free, but registration is required. Please register early for both virtual and in-person trainings.

Participants must attend the entire virtual or in-person training to be eligible to receive 20 hours TCOLE Credit.

For more information about the TCOLE #4064 trainings, please contact
Joe Munoz at joe.munoz@txstate.edu | 512.245.6827,
Sirenna Cumberland at scumberland@txstate.edu | 512.245.5856, or
Felisha Nauert at fbn@txstate.edu | 512.245.5284.

3. We are pleased to announce our 2021–2022 trainings. This fiscal year, some trainings will return to an in-person format, and some will remain virtual. We are excited to announce the launch of a new training, Sandy Hook Promise – Start with Hello, along with the continuation of trainings on key school safety topics, including School Behavioral Threat Assessment.

Register today for our Sandy Hook Promise – Start with Hello, School Behavioral Threat Assessment, Digital Threat Assessment, and Standard Response Protocol/Standard Reunification Train-the-Trainer (SRP/SRM) trainings.

Our in-person trainings will be hosted in partnership with Regional Education Service Centers. All virtual trainings will be provided through the Zoom online meeting/webinar platform.

4. School Safety Spotlight Program

Are you seeking to find a way to recognize someone for his or her outstanding service in school safety? We know many individuals and schools are working diligently to increase safety in their districts by collaborating, designing, and implementing programs. The School Safety Spotlight Program is an opportunity to nominate those individuals and schools for their hard work.

We want to hear what you, your school, district, or colleagues are doing to make a difference in our schools and communities as it relates to safety and security. Recognizing the creativity and diversity of Texas schools, programming, and personnel, the School Safety Spotlight Program has five categories from which nominations can be made. These categories include:

1. Collaborative Community Partnerships
2. Staff Development and Training
3. Positive School Climate and Prevention Programs
4. Student-Led Groups or Programs
5. Outstanding Individual Service

Nominations for the fall will be accepted from September 1 - November 30, 2021.

The Texas School Safety Center will recognize the top scoring submission from each category in our quarterly newsletter, as well as on our social media platforms. All nominations selected in the fall and spring will be considered for recognition at our Texas School Safety Conference in June of 2022.

Visit the School Safety Spotlight Program webpage to learn more, view past recipients, and submit a nomination.

Required Training

TASB School District Training Chart August 2021

Behavioral Threat Assessment

Prevention is the best form of protection. The Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) publishes research and guidance to inform the best practices in implementing proactive targeted violence prevention programs in schools, including:

• Enhancing School Safety Using a Threat Assessment Model: An Operational Guide for Preventing Targeted School Violence
• Protecting America’s Schools: A U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Targeted School Violence
• Averting Targeted School Violence: A U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Plots Against Schools

When conducted properly, a threat assessment will involve providing robust interventions and support for students experiencing distress, thereby intervening with and de-escalating situations before they become violent. The primary objective of a student threat assessment is to provide a student with help while working to ensure positive outcomes for the student and the community.

TITLE IX

• Title IX Sexual Harassment from TASB School Law eSource
• Implementing the New Title IX Regulations

SHAC Committee

• HB 1525- Section 7 – Amends Section TEC 28.004

Firearms Prohibited Signage

• HB 1927, The Firearm Carry Act, effective September 1, 2021, allows unlicensed individuals to carry a firearm. As with concealed and open carry handgun laws, a school district can prohibit individuals from bringing a firearm onto the premises and other locations specified by state law. Notice is now required for the successful prosecution of an individual who enters district premises with a firearm. The text of the poster, as prescribed in Texas Penal Code §30.05, must be displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public, in English and Spanish, and in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in height. TASB has designed a poster to be a companion to their Handguns Prohibited notices. Districts can access their TASB site for a copy.

Substance Use Prevention

• SAMHSA releases 15 new PSAs that encourage parents and educators to talk to their children/students about alcohol and other substances. Free downloads.

Legislative Updates

• HB 1525 - COVID-19 funded recovery activities - provides opportunities for LEAs to integrate personal and mental health supports into innovations. (1) New Resource Campus designation for certain schools that includes personal, social, emotional supports and hiring of a licensed counselor or mental health professional in the staffing pattern to address student support needs. (2) New PEIMS data elements for collecting information on truancy prevention measures, attendance truancy court filings, and the offering of high school equivalency programs, dropout recovery programs and adult education programs (3)Additional language to the school safety allotment on allowable expenditures for mental health personnel and interventions such as restorative practices in schools.

Back to School Tips (in English and Spanish) from Crime Stoppers of Houston

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VdiwXj9lAZVUMq2cIAoh17O4boHGMB-e/view?usp=sharing

1. Register Now! October 14-15, 2021

The theme of this year’s conference is School Mental Health: Moving Forward Together. Each year, the Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health brings together leaders, practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders in the school mental health field to share the latest research, best practice, and innovation. The conference emphasizes a shared family-school-community agenda to bring high-quality, evidence-based mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention to students and families as part of a multi-tiered system of support.

2. ACET Fall 2021 Virtual Conference

October 27-29, 2021

Register at www.acetx.org

1. Safety Audits
Public Schools should conduct a safety audit of facilities from September 2020 through August 2023.

Charter Schools should conduct a safety audit from September 2019 through August 2022.

2. District Audit Reports

At the culmination of the Safety Audit process, schools are required to submit a District Audit Report to the Texas School Safety Center.

The Public School expected deadline is August 2023.

The Charter School expected deadline is August 2022.

3. Threat Assessment/SSSP

Collection period September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2021 is due in November 2021 by Qualtrics survey (https://tinyurl.com/27fp2437). TEA will send a Qualtrics survey to Superintendents to collect data.

Take a look at the proposed data to be collected (https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/november-2021-proposed-survey-questions.pdf).

Required training for ALL SSSP Team Members, virtually or in-person through TxSSC or your ESC.

Recommended Digital Threat Assessment training for SSSP Team members through TxSSC and is offered virtually.

4. Emergency Operation Plans and Annexes

Can be requested at any time by TxSSC.

HB 3597 now allows TxSSC to request that schools submit safety-related MOUs and Mutual Aid Agreements.

ESC Region 12 offers professional development, expert support and guidance in meeting Title IV, Part A state and federal requirements, including student access to a well-rounded education, school conditions for student learning improvements, and the use of technology to improve the academic achievement and digital literacy of all students.

David Baker, ESC 12 Clinical Mental Health Liaison

Michelle Butler, Education Specialist/Nurse

Jeni Janek, Education Specialist III/Coordinator

Heather Wheeler, Education Specialist

Email: hwheeler@esc12.net
Website: esc12.net
Location: ESC Region 12, West Loop 340, Waco, TX, USA
Phone: 254-297-1166
Twitter: @R12SafeHealthy

Welcome back! School has begun and along with it comes this year's first issue of the MTSS Newsletter presented by the ESC Region 12. Issue #2.1 includes updated information about HB 4545 and upcoming professional development opportunities.