CSRA RESA

Get Caught Reading is a nationwide public service campaign launched by the Association of American Publishers to remind people of all ages how much fun it is to read. May is officially Get Caught Reading month, but the celebration lasts throughout the year. Get Caught Reading is supported by hundreds of celebrities, including LL Cool J, Dylan and Cole Sprouse, and the newest addition, Olivia the Pig.

May is Get Caught Reading Month! | Read Write Think

Mental Health Awareness Month is a nationally recognized observance held throughout May each year. It was established by Mental Health America – then known as the National Association for Mental Health – to educate the public about conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Throughout the month, MHA and its network of more than 200 affiliates across the United States coordinate campaigns, screenings, community events, and educational programs designed to reach people wherever they are. While the observance originated in the US, its influence has spread globally, with organizations in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and beyond using May as an opportunity to amplify mental health messaging.

Why Mental Health Awareness Month Matters

The numbers paint a stark picture. According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion people worldwide live with a mental disorder – roughly one in every seven people on the planet. Anxiety and depressive disorders account for more than two-thirds of all cases, and depression alone is the leading cause of disability among people aged 15 to 29. The economic toll is equally significant: the WHO estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy US$1 trillion annually in lost productivity.

Access to care remains deeply unequal. In low-income countries, fewer than 10% of people who need mental health treatment actually receive it, compared with over 50% in wealthier nations. Governments spend a median of just 2.1% of their health budgets on mental health, and there are as few as one to two specialist mental health workers per 100,000 people in the world’s poorest countries. Nearly half of all mental health conditions begin before the age of 18, yet early intervention services remain underfunded and difficult to access in most regions.

Mental Health Awareness Month exists to confront these gaps. By bringing mental health into mainstream conversation every May, the campaign helps normalize help-seeking behavior, challenges harmful stereotypes, and pushes for policy changes that expand access to affordable, quality mental health care. If you are also interested in how stress affects overall wellbeing, Stress Awareness Month in April covers closely related ground.

Mental Health Awareness Month 2026: May | Awareness Days

School Principal's Day is celebrated to thank the education leaders who are responsible for the success of the school and the students. One thing to remember is that school is on the principal's mind, both before the school day begins and long after students have finished the school day. From the moment they wake up to the time they go to bed, school is always on their mind, how to make students more successful, how to manage students, teachers and parents' expectations.

Most principals are former teachers and like any other profession, they have worked to lead the school. It is not uncommon for principals to replace a sick teacher, so they know what it takes to interact with students and make learning fun. This is why they should be seen as authority figures and still be seen as teachers trying to make a difference in children's lives.

Their work is timeless, and they deserve to be celebrated for the work they do.

School Principals' Day (Friday, May 1st, 2026)

The United States is home to approximately 3.8 million public school teachers and around 500,000 private school teachers, making teaching one of the largest professions in the country. These educators spend an average of 10 hours and 40 minutes per day on school-related activities during the school year, frequently dipping into their own pockets for classroom supplies. Research consistently shows that teacher quality is the single most important in-school factor affecting student achievement. Teacher Appreciation Week provides a structured opportunity for communities to acknowledge this contribution and, crucially, to address the morale challenges that contribute to high turnover rates in the profession.

The roots of Teacher Appreciation Week stretch back to the early 1940s, when Mattye Whyte Woodridge, an Arkansas teacher, began campaigning for a national day to honor educators. Her efforts caught the attention of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who championed the cause and persuaded Congress to establish National Teacher Day in 1953. Despite this milestone, a consistent national observance failed to take hold for nearly three decades.

In 1980, the National Education Association and its state affiliates in Kansas and Indiana successfully lobbied Congress to formalize National Teacher Day as an annual event, first celebrated on 7 March of that year. The observance continued to take place in March through 1984, but without a permanent Congressional designation. That same year, the National PTA expanded the celebration by designating the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week, with National Teacher Day moved to the Tuesday of that week. The NEA officially adopted this calendar in 1985, cementing the tradition that schools and communities follow to this day.

from: Teacher Appreciation Week 2026: 4-8 May | Awareness Days

On October 1, 1902, the first school nurse, Linda Richards, was employed to prevent absenteeism by consulting with kids and families regarding healthcare requirements related to infectious diseases.

She led the adoption of evidence-based nursing practice across the city after a month of effective nursing operations in New York City schools. Since then, school nurses have continued to control infectious diseases, but their function has grown and become more diverse.

The health of a student is inextricably linked to their ability to learn. Unaddressed health care needs make it difficult for children to participate in the learning system. The school nurse helps students succeed by providing healthcare to all students in the school context through examination, treatment, and follow-up. The school nurse helps children with their physical, psychological, emotional, and social health requirements as well as their academic success.

According to the National Survey of Children with Special Healthcare Needs, 11.2 million children in the United States are at risk of developing persistent physical, cognitive, social, or emotional problems. These students may require school-based health assistance, which school nurses can provide.

National School Nurse Day has been observed since 1972 to honor school nurses. National School Nurse Day was created to raise awareness about the importance of school nurses in the educational setting.

SCHOOL NURSE DAY - May 6, 2026 - National Today

Award Criteria:

• Measurable student growth using literacy screener data
• Effective use of data to guide instruction
• Commitment to improving student literacy outcomes

How to Apply:

• Review and analyze all classroom screener data.
• Complete online application by clicking here.
• All applications must include literacy screener data demonstrating student growth. (Link and directions are included in the application.)

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
• Award Announcement: Fall 2026

SGA students have been working diligently to strengthen their writing skills as they prepare for the Georgia Milestones. Throughout the year, students have practiced a variety of writing techniques designed to help them communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.

Amy Epps, LRG Coach, has partnered with Ms. Cancer’s third-grade class to enhance writing instruction. In celebration of Earth Day, students engaged in opinion writing centered on protecting the environment. They explored recycling practices and considered whether creating a “Gadget Garage” at school would be beneficial. Students began by organizing their ideas on paper, practicing a planning strategy they will use during Milestones testing.

To strengthen their opinions, students supported their claims with evidence drawn from multimodal sources and elaborated on their thinking to clearly communicate their viewpoints. By reading about stores that offer recycling programs and mail-in electronics companies, students also practiced drawing inferences from informational texts. Ultimately, they concluded that recycling electronics at school would be a more convenient option than those described in their sources.

Combining new learning with purposeful writing instruction made the experience both meaningful and engaging for students. With the theme “Knock GMAS out of the park!” guiding their efforts this year, there is no doubt they are well on their way to success.

Mrs. Epps has also collaborated with fourth- and fifth-grade teachers, supporting both small-group and whole-group instruction. Together, they used current student data to drive instruction and differentiation, ensuring that teaching practices effectively meet the needs of all learners.

Jenkins County, students are immersed in literature all year long. Reading is not confined to the ELA classroom; instead, it is a shared commitment among students, families, teachers, and the broader community. Jenkins County proudly offers impactful literacy initiatives that actively involve parents, students, and community leaders in fostering a lifelong love of reading.

Let’s Read Georgia Coach Amy Epps collaborated closely with fourth-grade teachers to strengthen small-group instruction. Together, they analyzed student data to drive differentiated instruction that meets learners where they are. Through modeling, observation, and coaching, teachers refined their small-group practices and confidently implemented new instructional strategies.

In first grade, Amy worked alongside teachers to implement HMH Writing in addition to the strong writing instruction already in place. Together, they planned lessons and modules that emphasized effective writing techniques. Students quickly rose to the challenge, producing expressive language such as, “He cleaned his glasses because he couldn’t believe what his eyes were seeing.” Teachers demonstrated what we know to be true: intentionally modeling quality writing and dedicating time to the process pays dividends as students begin crafting their own pieces.

Jenkins County firmly believes that investing in literacy is an investment in the future. By cultivating a strong literacy culture, the county is helping develop confident, capable students who will grow into the community leaders of tomorrow—continuing to shine for Jenkins County.

At Washington Wilkes Primary School, a strong culture of literacy is alive and thriving, thanks to the dedication of both teachers and students. Classrooms are filled with purposeful instruction, meaningful engagement, and a shared excitement for learning.

Working with Vanessa Murphy, Growing Readers Specialist, and Donna Bennett, Let's Read Georgia Regional Literacy coach, teachers continue to deepen their professional expertise through ongoing learning opportunities, including professional development focused on implementing Words Their Way. Through this work, they are strengthening their ability to provide differentiated word study instruction that meets the diverse needs of their students.

In first and second grade classrooms, teachers are consistently implementing effective small group structures that support student growth. High-impact phonics routines, one-on-one conferring, and strategy groups are thoughtfully embedded into daily instruction, ensuring that each child receives targeted support and opportunities to apply new skills. These intentional practices are helping students build strong foundational reading skills while fostering independence and confidence.

Literacy instruction is further enriched through the use of interactive read-alouds. Teachers are intentionally incorporating general, academic, and specialized vocabulary into their lessons, expanding students’ language development and comprehension in meaningful ways.

Perhaps the most exciting evidence of this thriving literacy culture is the students themselves. At Washington Wilkes Primary School, the love of reading extends far beyond the classroom. Students are so engaged with books that they are choosing to read during recess—proving that at WWPS, literacy is not just a subject, but a passion.

Now that’s what we call fun in the sun!

M.E. Freeman Elementary (Warren County) participated in the Growing Readers Learning Walk with Deandra Hall, Growing Readers Specialist. This learning inquiry provided a powerful opportunity to celebrate strong literacy instruction that places students at the heart of learning. Teachers welcomed district leaders into their classrooms to observe students’ application of literacy skills during meaningful one‑on‑one conferring and strategy group lessons. The visit allowed leaders to learn, reflect, and celebrate classroom teachers. The learning walk highlighted intentional instructional practices, high levels of student engagement, and thoughtful teacher‑student interactions that support the development of confident, capable readers every day.

CSRA RESA is pleased to offer the three required in-person courses as part of the GAPSC School Safety and Anti-Gang Endorsement (SSAG). Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) Area 3 Coordinator, Ashley Kelly, will be leading this training at CSRA RESA 4683 Augusta Hwy, SE Dearing, GA 30808 on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 8:30-12:30. Registration link and information about the three in-person courses is attached, as well as all the information you need to know about the educator SSAG endorsement.

Learn more here: GaPSC - School Safety and Anti-Gang Endorsement

Registration Link: forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ooMkInijSU67JSQONehYSrcENsdVkXtCu7zAesZFajhURVgzTlVOWldJN0VQVzlSSERMMkVXWFM1RS4u&route=shorturl

Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency in partnership with Georgia Department of Education are pleased to announce that registration for the 2026 Georgia School Safety and Homeland Security Conference is now OPEN! Join us June 8th and 9th in historic Savannah for sessions packed with valuable content, networking with other school safety professionals, and vendors presenting school safety solutions and services.

Registration Link: Georgia School Safety and Homeland Security Conference 2026 Registration

Want a peek at our amazing agenda? Visit https://bit.ly/GSSHSC26info and find what interests you.

We look forward to welcoming you in Savannah and joining us in our mission – Plan. Prepare. Protect.

Registration is now OPEN for the Georgia Department of Education’s (GaDOE) annual MathCON & CS CON Summer Conference, taking place June 16–18, 2026, at Georgia Highlands College in Cartersville, GA!

We invite mathematics and computer science teachers, teacher leaders, school counselors, and administrators to join us for three days of engaging, high-impact professional learning focused on Georgia’s standards and effective instructional practices.

For conference details and to register, please click the provided link: Registration Information

Conference Theme

Where Computer Science Brings Innovation to Mathematical Modeling!

Day 1: Preparing Learners for the Future through Problem Solving and Computational Thinking

Day 2: Preparing Learners for the Future through Design Thinking

Day 3: Preparing Learners for the Future through Effective Use of Tools

The conference flyer is attached for your reference.