School Mental Health Framework Training, Trauma Sensitive Schools Modules, Mini-Grants,

& Bullying Prevention Resources

September 2016 Updates

This month's newsletter is also available: www.wishschools.org/resources/newsletters.cfm

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WI School Mental Health Framework Training Available

submitted by Carol Zabel, Western Regional Coordinator

It is estimated one in five children and adolescents experience a significant mental health issue that impairs their functioning in the community, at home, or in school. Symptoms of student mental health issues are wide ranging and can include behavioral outbursts, disengagement from friends and usual activities, problems with grades and school attendance, substance use and abuse, and thoughts or attempts of suicide. Wisconsin's youth suicide rate is more than 30 percent higher than the national average. Among the young people with mental health challenges, it is estimated that in any given year a mere 20 percent to 30 percent receive the services that they need.

With these staggering statistics in mind, the Department of Public Instruction has launched several mental health initiatives. The guiding document for this work is The Wisconsin School Mental Health Framework: Integrating School Mental Health with Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports. In the spring of 2016, the Department rolled out this document at a number of training sessions around the state. If you were unable to attend one of those training sessions and would like to host a training in your district, please contact your Wisconsin Safe and Healthy Schools Regional Coordinator to schedule a training.

Trauma Modules Available From DPI

submitted by Jackie Schoening,

Central Regional Coordinator

Are you interested in taking a team further with their understanding of Trauma? Have you made becoming a Trauma-Sensitive School or District your mission? Did you know there are modules to assist you in your journey at http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/mental-health/trauma/modules?

The modules currently available are tier 1 practice:

Coming soon: additional modules that address Tier 2 and Tier 3 strategies for Trauma-Sensitive Schools.

Funding Available for

Student AODA Mini-Grants

The AODA Student Mini-Grant Program allows students to submit proposals/projects, with costs up to $1,000, each fall. Applications are due on October 14, 2016. Schools will be notified at the end of November on mini-grant application approval. For more information regarding Student AODA Mini-Grants go to the DPI Website.


National Academies Releases New Consensus Report on Bullying

Resources for Bullying Prevention

submitted by Lynn Verage, Northern Regional Coordinator

Looking for tools to assist you with a comprehensive approach to your bullying prevention initiative? Don't forget about the resources available on the DPI webpage: http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/safe-schools/bullying-prevention

You can start with the Bullying Prevention Program Assessment Tool. This tool shows school teams how comprehensive your bullying prevention approach is.

Once you have identified your needs the Comprehensive Bullying Prevention Resource Map will give you links to forms, tools and training resources to address your program gaps.