Video Available: 

http://video.wpt.org/video/2365445163/

Teen Connection is a live television series that allows teens to connect with each other around the state and share their experiences. Sheds light on the prevalence of prescription drug abuse in Wisconsin and examines statewide efforts to educate teens and their families about the risks of prescription drug abuse. Learn about prescription drug abuse, its effects and user's warning signs, and discover a support network for teens and families coping with addiction.

The first annual report of the new Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health 2014 report has been posted to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Mental Health Page. 

This is the first time all of these data have been pulled together in one place.  There is a lot of application to school-based mental health.

Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D. and Justin W. Patchin, Ph.D. March 2015 Cyberbullying Research Center 

Much research has shown that a positive climate at school contributes to a variety of positive behavioral, emotional, and academic outcomes. Our research demonstrates that students who report a positive climate at school also experience fewer problematic behaviors online. 

Here's what you can do to improve your climate and not only enhance student achievement, success, and productivity, but also teach youth to be safe, smart, honest, and responsible while using technology. Read More

 

• school health education
• physical education and physical activity
• school health policies related to HIV infection/AIDS
• tobacco-use prevention
• bullying and sexual harassment
• nutrition
• health services
• school health coordination
• family and community involvement in school health programs

The 2014 School Health Profiles are representative of all regular public schools and charter schools in Wisconsin having at least one of grades 6 through 12. The School Health Profiles (Profiles) assists state and local education and health agencies in monitoring and assessing characteristics of school health education; physical education and physical activity; school health policies related to HIV infection/AIDS, tobacco-use prevention, bullying and sexual harassment, and nutrition; health services; school health coordination; and family and community involvement in school health programs. Data from Profiles can be used to improve school health programs.

from Christine Kleiman, Eastern Regional Coordinator

 

So many times, while training Restorative Practices Workshops I get the bully question. "Can you use RP with bully incidents?"  My answer is "that depends". There is a fine line in RP, we walk, when dealing with bully incidents because we do not want to reoffend the offended, yet I have read literature that states how bullies do not have in them the sense of empathy and that the RP question process can help build that character in the bully. So RP can help the bully, but what about the offended?

Recently a white paper was published on the topic of using RP with bullies; Integrating Bullying Prevention and Restorative Practices in Schools: Considerations for Practitioners and Policymakers, October, 2014. http://restorativeworks.net/2015/01/bullying-prevention-restorative-practices-can-work-together/

The white paper was written to provide guidance to educators and policymakers who are interested in linking evidence-based bullying prevention strategies and restorative practices in schools. When we think about best practices in BP, the U.S. Department of Education recommends that schools:

• Use a multi-tiered framework to organize and implement BP strategies
• Teach students expected behaviors and how to respond to bullying
• Train staff on active supervision and reporting systems
• Develop and implement clear policies to address bullying
• Monitor and track bullying behaviors
• Notify parents when bullying occurs
• Address ongoing concerns related to school climate and peer relations
• Sustain BP over time

Some experts reason that restorative conferences can be useful in certain cases of bullying. Amstutz and Mullet note that face-to-face meetings can work but to keep in mind these considerations:

• The receiver of the harmful act wishes to be involved in a face-to-face meeting
• The person who commits the harmful act wishes to be involved in a face-to-face meeting and admits behaving in ways that may have caused harm to the other person(s)
• The system in the school operates from a restorative philosophy
• Each party is encouraged to invite a support person to attend the meeting with them
• All parties and support persons have participated in separate preparatory meetings before participating in the face-to-face meeting
• The persons overseeing and facilitating the intervention have specific training in restorative practices.

The white paper also states that there is a need for research on the integration of PB and RP in schools and that this paper gives a glimpse of how RP may work in a bully situation if handled properly.

GSAFE, with the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, is pleased to offer a series of GSA advisor trainings this spring! Gay-Straight Alliances/Gender-Sexuality Alliances, commonly known as GSAs, support the health, well-being, and academic success of LGBTQ+ students. The training is open to current and incoming middle school and high school advisors of GSAs and similar clubs. School districts interested in helping form clubs are particularly encouraged to attend! This is a great chance to connect with and build a stronger network among GSA advisors. Plan now to attend one of three trainings offered around the state:

* April 24 - Green Bay, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

* May 29 - Milwaukee, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

* May 30 - Eau Claire, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Find more information:  https://www.gsafewi.org/sign-up-for-a-spring-gsa-advisor-training/