84 Wisconsin Schools Have Updated Their Policies to Include the Use of Other Tobacco Products (OTP)

In partnership with the Department of Public Instruction, the WISH Center took on planning the 2014 Building the Heart of Successful Schools Conference.  The handouts shared with me are available on our website: http://www.wishschools.org/resources/

Here are some highlights:

• This was the first year of the Health Education Track with cross-cutting topics applicable to health educators, teachers, administrators, and pupil service staff.  One highlight includes a presentation on Energy Breaks and Building Better Brains through Movement. See more:  http://activeclassrooms.wikispaces.com/Active+Classrooms.
• Keynote presenter, Rick Phillips reminded us how important school connectedness is for staff and students by transforming school climate from the inside-out.  The inside-out approach is relationship-focused, student-centered, formative/restorative, and focused on changing social norms. See more about Community Matters, http://community-matters.org/.
• We launched the WISH Center's Other Tobacco Product Video and supporting materials: http://www.wishschools.org/resources/tobaccoupdates.cfm. Strong definitions and equal penalties for the use of cigarettes, tobacco, and electronic devices will be key aspects of any successful policy. Help with updating your school's policy is available: http://sspw.dpi.wi.gov/sspw_tobaccoprog.
• Coach D left us energized and motivated to go back to our schools and be dream-makers and world-changers one student at a time.

I sincerely thank all who took time to participate, plan, and present at the conference.  Mark your calendars for the 2015 Building the Heart of Successful Schools Conference, which will take place on December 3-4, 2015, at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells.

Submitted by Jackie Schoening, Central Regional Coordinator

Mental health issues seem to be coming to school at earlier ages and are more complex and concerning.  A team approach to services for youth is always the best option.  Schools can't do it alone, but are often asked to provide services or information for services until a child can be seen by a therapist. Bring together your community services to complete the downloadable template and develop a better understanding of the services in your community.

The Accessing Mental Health Services template (developed by Fond du Lac School District, CSI) is a brief tool that may help parents, and schools staff who have a concern about a child's mental health or social, emotional or behavioral development.  It is designed to provide a simple step by step decision making process to determine possible services.  You will need to modify the template to fit your school district.  For instance, the bottom of the front page is a great place to put your district's philosophy and logo.  The inside two pages need to have all your specific contacts and numbers listed.  A descriptor of the 24/7 crisis line and contact number(s) along with all mental health providers especially those who have a sliding scale for payment.

The back page is the school based contacts.  If you have an approved mental health screening policy and program, that is what is described in the box at the far left "---is a mental health check up available..." - if not eliminate that information box and arrow!

If you have questions, feel free to contact Jackie Schoening at CESA #6, email: jschoening@cesa6.org or phone: (920)-236-0515. 

For more information on AODA Grants see:  http://sspw.dpi.wi.gov/sspw_aodaprog