Learn.Empathize.Grow.Overcome.Laugh.Inspire.Fulfillment.Encourage.

Welcome to the MIU IV Social Work team's education and wellness series! Throughout the school year, we will be developing a series of seasonal Smores in an effort to support our staff through education regarding trauma, resilience, and maintaining wellness. A variety of topics will be covered throughout our series which will continue our LEFOLIFE campaign that was presented at the MIU IV best practice day. Take the time to read through the Smore, check out the resources, and utilize some of the tools we will be providing. Need more? Get ahold of us - we'd be happy to help!

Research consistently demonstrates that the availability of at least one stable, caring, and supportive relationship with an adult is a critical factor in building resiliency in youth.

Protective experiences and coping skills on one side counterbalance significant adversity on the other. Resilience is evident when a child’s health and development tips toward positive outcomes — even when a heavy load of factors is stacked on the negative outcome side.

1. Feel able to talk with family about your feelings
2. Feel that your family stood by you during difficult times
3. Enjoy participating in community traditions
4. Feel a sense of belonging in school
5. Feel supported by friends
6. Have at least two non-parent adults who took a genuine interest in you
7. Feel safe and protected by an adult in your home

REMEMBER the more PCEs a child has, the more likely they are to be healthy and resilient.

What is wellness? Wellness is a broad concept. We invite you to think of wellness as being healthy in many dimensions of our lives. That includes the emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, financial, social, environmental, and spiritual parts. These dimensions are interconnected, one dimension building on another. We also recognize that we live in a multicultural world, and wellness encompasses areas that may not be specified in this brief discussion. We believe, for example, that trauma is a universal human experience, and that our culture and spiritual beliefs impact our perceptions and everything we do. In summary, wellness is about how we live our lives and the joy and fulfillment and health we experience.

Relaxation techniques are a great way to help with stress management. Relaxation isn't only about peace of mind or enjoying a hobby. It's a process that decreases the stress effects on your mind and body. Relaxation techniques can help you cope with everyday stress. And these techniques can help with long-term stress or stress related to various health problems, such as heart disease and pain. In general, relaxation techniques involve refocusing your attention on something calming and increasing awareness of your body. (Mayo Clinic, 2022)

Engaging your senses is one type of technique. Fall is a great time to engage all of your senses!

Click the link below for a video on how to use the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method. It's a great skill for anyone to use any time and any place! Use it for yourself or share it with a student, co-worker, or friend.

Ready for another fun GooseChase?! We used this platform for our activity at our in-service day. Playing along is easy!

1. Download the Goosechase iOS or Android app (or just open it if you still have it)

2. Log in. New to Goosechase? Sign up for an account or participate as a guest

3. Search for this Experience by code J4RV3Q or name LegoLife Fall Challenge

4. Complete the challenges we created! (Remember - the pictures get shared to the wall)

5. The Goosechase will close November 30th

6. Winner gets a gift from us! (If there is a tie, we will draw a winner randomly.)

Happy Honking!

Bryda Drumm, LSW, H &SV

Email: bryda.drumm@miu4.org

Phone: 724-458-6700 ext. 1218

Jennifer Guthrie, LCSW

Email: jennifer.guthrie@miu4.org

Phone: 724-458-6700 ext. 1213

Sara Joseph, MSW, LSW

Email: sara.joseph@miu4.org

Phone: 724-201-9251