SCHOOL BEHAVIOR HEALTH TEAM NEWS

We deeply appreciate the National Employee Appreciation Day and recognize the importance of recognizing the hard work and dedication of employees. This day is an opportunity to acknowledge the tireless efforts of employees who put in their time and effort day-in and day-out to keep our workplaces moving forward. We affirm that this day serves as a reminder that the contributions of every employee are vital to the success of our organizations. We are grateful for the time and energy that every employee puts into their work and committed to recognizing and appreciating their efforts beyond National Employee Appreciation Day.

We appreciate the hard work and dedication of school social workers. Their commitment to supporting students' emotional and social well-being is vital to our school community's success. We recognize their efforts to provide resources, advocate for students, and offer a listening ear when needed. We affirm that school social workers are an integral part of creating a safe and supportive educational environment, and their contributions are valued and appreciated.

We deeply appreciate the tireless efforts of school maintenance workers. Their dedication to keeping our school clean, safe, and comfortable is essential to creating a conducive learning environment. We recognize their unwavering commitment to ensuring our facilities and equipment are functioning correctly and maintained to the highest standards. We affirm that school maintenance workers play a crucial role in providing a healthy and hygienic learning environment, and their efforts are valued and appreciated. Without their hard work and dedication, the daily operations of our school would be impossible.

McKinney Vento Liaison Sharon Pettiford participated in a collaborative workshop with community partners sponsored by the NC Head Start & NC Homeless Education Program sharing the needs of our community. Preschool and Beyond High School Supply Kits were given for students and families that are in transition, and experiencing homelessness.

March is National Save your Vision Month. Data shows that poor vision is directly related to academic success and we know that the sooner a visual impairment is detected the better the outcome.

So far this year, district school nurses have screened over 1,100 students and referred 185 of those screened to see an eye care provider for further evaluation. All pre-k students were recently screened as well as part of a free screening program sponsored by our partners at Prevent Blindness NC.

School nurses work closely with Prevent Blindness NC to receive ongoing training and access to financial resources to help families across the district have access to eye care. Nurses are always available to screen students if the teacher or parent has concerns about their vision, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school nurse to request those services.

Our dental partnership with Carolina Fellows is growing! We are expanding to offer school based oral health services to all middle, high and grades 3-5 students. The deadline for new applications is March 8th so be sure to promote this ongoing initiative within your schools. Together we can get more access to dental care for our students and create healthy smiles!

A school counselor supports the well-being of all students, staff members and families.

A school counselor also supports the academic achievement through guidance by

preparing our students for college and career readiness. A school counselor collaborates

with all parties who are involved with students to ensure that the student in on the

pathway to success! February is dedicated to National School Counselor Month; but let

us celebrate each day what our counselors do to support us all!

Our Student Health Advisory Committee is back in Action! Sixteen Vance County Employees along with various dedicated community members came together to work towards a mission to improve the health, academic achievement and well-being of all students. Watch out, great things are coming!

I prioritize my self-care and well-being, knowing that I deserve to nurture and nourish myself in mind, body, and spirit. I honor my needs and boundaries, taking time to rest, recharge, and replenish my energy. I affirm that self-care is not selfish, but essential for my health and happiness. I commit to practicing self-compassion, self-love, and self-care as a daily ritual, knowing that by taking care of myself, I am better able to show up fully for myself and others in all areas of my life.

Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) and guided by a committee of educators, NEA’s Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.

The titles and resources featured by NEA’s Read Across America include books that students can see themselves reflected in, as well as books that allow readers to see a world or a character that might be different than them.

Readers who feel included, recognized, and a part of the world are engaged readers. We hope that you’ll be able to share these recommended titles—and many others—to celebrate Read Across America in March and throughout the year. We invite you to:

1. Read books with kids and use Read Across America’s resources to daily promote the message there is room in our community for all readers. The world—and books—are filled with many different kinds of people. Getting to know them is interesting, exciting, and fun!
2. Use Read Across America to help kids enjoy and relate to what they read by linking books and reading to other experiences in their lives and on the school year calendar. When everything from your Hispanic Heritage Month celebration to the 100th day of school to the science fair to Memorial Day includes books, guest readers, activities, and conversation about reading, you raise awareness about the importance, value, and fun of reading throughout the year.
3. Make your community the place where Read Across America is on everyone’s calendar. When people make the time to read with children, children get the message that reading is important. Parents, members of your community, and local celebrities who make time to read at monthly or annual Read Across America celebrations help motivate kids to read and celebrate the diversity in their community and our country.