October brings the cool air that Texans often long for and many celebrations. Among them is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know this is the most common cancer among American women, with about 250,000 new cases diagnosed each year? Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to prioritize breast health and support those affected. Given the alarming numbers, you probably know someone who has or might still be battling this diagnosis. You are not alone.

And we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. And on the 31st, a particular holiday: Halloween. This national celebration allows us to vent our most monstrous fears, a fascinating psychological experience. It may be "an expression of our desire to experience phenomena that defy logic and rationalism and reside outside the known universe." Enjoy the articles on fear published in This Post. (And have candy on us.)

October is also National Bullying Awareness Month - a timely reminder for organizations to take action at the local level to foster safe and supportive environments. Get involved! Don't be a bystander. It is also National Principals' Month (thank you!) And if that wasn't enough, October 10 is World Mental Health Day. Wow!

On a grateful note, we would be happy to sponsor your attendance at one of our workshops. It is our simple way to support our districts facing financial challenges. Our mission is to provide meaningful services to empower your professional growth and, consequently, your students and their families. Let us know which session(s) from the Special Education Department you prefer to attend.

Finally, a compassionate prayer to the Apalachee High School community in Georgia. Another senseless school shooting that impacts the entire education community across our nation. Peace be upon us.

January 29 - From Power Struggle to Response: Working with Young Students with Defiance and Frequent Non-Compliance - # 553172 - Presenter: Anissa Moore, BCBA - F2F at Region 6

March 27 - Help Your Students Develop Self-Regulation Skills to Improve Behavior and Increase Learning in 3 to 5-Year-Olds - #553176 - Presenter: Kathy Morris - F2F at Region 6

April 23, 9:00 - 11:30 am - You're Going to Love This Kid!: Educating Students with Autism in Inclusive Schools - # 553708 - Presenter: Dr. Paula Kluth - Virtual

April 23, 12:30 - 3:00 pm - Just Give Him the Whale: Using Passions, Areas of Expertise, and Strengths to Support Students - # 553710 - Presenter: Dr. Paula Kluth - Virtual

If you are seeking information on MTSS/TIER and/or on how to implement it, we have a survey for you!

By completing this questionnaire, we will be able to tailor the courses that we offer and better understand your coaching needs. Please take this 5-10 minute survey. We truly appreciate it!

ESC6 TIERmates

All Texas educators may access these courses for free on the TEALearn website and earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours.

https://tinyurl.com/TIERcourses

The Texas Education Agency’s Supportive Schools Division and our Project AWARE Texas partners will be hosting a series of webinars to highlight resources and best practice strategies on timely and relevant safe and supportive schools topics. Session topics will include universal supports for school mental health, bullying prevention, psychological safety, and data informed decision-making to support school mental health. All sessions will be held from 11am to 12:30pm CST.

“Bullying Prevention”- October 10th, 2024

Register Here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5AtnxJ0QSHCZse5xzpycBw

Save the date for upcoming webinar sessions. Session topics will be released at a later date.

December 12th, 20204

Register Here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ljEZjpotQB2WlOV5UcMZuQ

January 9th , 2025

Register Here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_o9rlIQSHT4upmKCJ7gGAiA

March 13th, 2025

Register Here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XxYoLdUjTGKBNmtOJTeX-g

May 8th, 2025

Register Here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3Kj2T9HwS6CXQkv6c1uVAg

• October 10 at 4 p.m. ET! Hosted by AFSP Vice President of Public Relations María de los Ángeles Corral, this important conversation will explore the role we can each play in supporting the mental health of Latinx and Hispanic youth. Suicide is a growing concern among Latinx and Hispanic youth, but at AFSP, we know there are steps we can all take to prevent suicide –– whether you're a parent, pediatrician, school staff member, or other youth caretaker or service provider. The panel will be streamed on facebook.com/afspnational and youtube.com/afspnational.
• Register to attend our upcoming virtual presentations of Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Latinx and Hispanic Communities. This program is a community-based, educational presentation that addresses mental health, suicide, and its impact on Latinx and Hispanic communities in the United States.
  
  October 3 at 1 p.m. ET –– An English-language presentation of Talk Saves Lives for Latinx and Hispanic Communities facilitated by trained AFSP volunteers Camila Pulgar and Marsha de Almeida. Register here.
  
  October 9 at 2 p.m. ET –– A Spanish-language presentation of Talk Saves Lives for Latinx and Hispanic Communities facilitated by trained AFSP volunteers Denisse Lamas and Robert Noriega. Register here.
• Read and share our roundup of national mental health and suicide prevention resources focused on supporting Latinx and Hispanic communities: "Mental Health Resources for Latinx and Hispanic Communities."

Ron Swatzyna, Ph.D.

Friday, October 4, 2024, 12:00 – 3:30 pm, Central

Virtual - 3 Ethics CEs*

*Can’t attend? Register to receive the recording!

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As licensed mental health professionals we have an ethical responsibility to everyone that comes to us for help; this starts with a diagnosis. However, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) has three requirements that must be considered and assessed prior to assigning a diagnosis. These are substance abuse issues, medical problems, and environmental issues. This presentation provides case examples where the underlying environmental, physiological, and neurological issues presented as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and psychosis. The methods taught will enhance each attendee’s ability to meet these requirements, bring neuroscience into their practices, and improve their client’s outcomes.

​

Objectives

The attendees of this presentation will be able to:

• Identify what the DSM requires prior to making a diagnosis.

• Explain why it is ethically responsible to identify the cause of a person’s mental health issues prior to assigning a diagnosis.

• Discuss why mold is an issue for children and adolescents.

• List the three questions to ask to screen for the MTHFR gene.

• Name the most prevalent toxins that may cause mental health issues.

• Know when and who to refer to when physiological or organic issues are suspected.

​​

*ADDA-SR CEs are accepted in Texas. If you are in another state, please check with your licensing board to see if they are accepted. ​

*The recording link will be sent to all that registered the following day. If you do not attend at the original time you can view it later. After watching, you will need to compete a short quiz and evaluation. Once those are received, your CE certificate will be sent.

​

Click Here to Register

​

Register at No Charge!

Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 8:30 AM–3:00 PM Eastern

Fifth Annual

SEL Resource

Virtual Showcase

Due to the generous support received, you can register for this event at no charge.

Discover new approaches to strengthen and enhance social and emotional learning in your school, district, and community

Whether you have a strong SEL approach that you are seeking to enhance or you are looking to head in a new direction, this event will provide you with valuable options and strategies. Learn from national experts and exchange tips with other SEL leaders and champions in this dynamic professional development event.

Through the virtual conference platform, experience interactive plenary presentations, select a choice of live breakout sessions, explore exhibit booths, and network with other participants.

Highlights include:

• Leading SEL provider organizations on building community and fostering SEL skills in the classroom and school; culturally responsive, trauma-conscious, and evidence-based SEL leadership practices; cultivating inclusive and equitable learning communities for all students, and more.

• Educators and youth development professionals from across the country on successful models of SEL in their communities.

Register at No Charge!

Join for all or part of the day. Take action now to ensure yourself a spot!

DID YOU KNOW?

There is a glaring racial disparity in incarceration rates in the United States. This racial disparity creates ripple effects resulting in elevated levels of loss and grief experienced by Black adults, youth, and families who have been impacted by incarceration. The grief experienced by Black individuals needs to be considered within context, including the following factors: historical trauma, race-based stress, and collective grief.

Want to learn more FACTS about the loss and grief experienced as a result of incarceration (and learn how to use culture-centered approaches to address these issues)?

Join CRESTSprogram on October 15th for a presentation by Dr. Ebony White

and in-depth panel discussion on this important topic!

"Collateral Damage: Loss, Grief, & Incarceration"

Tuesday, October 15th @ 1:00 p.m.

(Eastern Time)

Dr. Ebony White, Research Fellow with CRESTSprogram, LLC

Dr. Ebony White is a counselor, advocate, activist, speaker, trainer, researcher, and mental health expert. She is an Associate Professor at St. Bonaventure University. She has devoted her career to supporting under-resourced, under-served, culturally rich and resilient individuals, families, and communities. Dr. Ebony has done trauma work in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti, provided training to leaders in the healthcare system in Gombe State and Abuja, Nigeria, and created a mental health course for students in Tarkwa, Ghana.​

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

Classroom WISE that helps educators equitably support students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic communities.

Similar to Classroom WISE, Cultural Inclusiveness and Equity Well-being Information and Strategies for Educators (CIE-WISE) is a FREE 3-part training package for educators and school staff that consists of an online course, video library, and resource collection. Developed by the Central East MHTTC and National Center for School Mental Health, participants in the online course will:

• Understand how social injustices impact student mental health
• Understand how educator bias impacts student mental health
• Engage in culturally inclusive action to promote student mental health
• Learn how to support students experiencing distress from a culturally inclusive & equity lens

You can access the complete list of learning objectives for CIE-WISE here. The online course consists of four modules, and after completing all four modules, participants will receive a certificate of completion for 2 contact hours.

Get started today!

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

5:00 – 7:30 PM EDT

Free Virtual Event

Join us for the Child Mind Institute’s 14th annual On the Shoulders of Giants Scientific Symposium, where we will explore the rapidly evolving landscape of anxiety care and the transformative potential of next-generation treatments.

Dr. Rachel Klein and her proteges will highlight recent breakthroughs in understanding anxiety disorders, their biological underpinnings, and the applications of these findings toward new treatments. The presentations will be followed by a roundtable discussion among experts in psychiatry, neuroscience, and digital therapeutics, who will critically examine the future of anxiety care and its implications for patients.

With anxiety disorders affecting millions globally, the event will delve into cutting-edge approaches poised to redefine treatment and improve outcomes.

REGISTER NOW

This virtual event will be recorded and shared with all registrants.

November 8, 2024 | Silver Springs, MD

The 2024 Black Mental Wellness Conference, themed Disrupting Spaces, is a groundbreaking event focused on challenging and reshaping the traditional mental health system. This year’s conference will center on addressing the specific mental health and wellness needs of the Black community, through thought-provoking discussions, innovative strategies, and community-focused solutions.This conference is a must-attend for anyone invested in mental health advocacy, equity, and the well-being of Black communities, aiming to empower participants to create transformative change in both clinical and community settings. Black Mental Wellness, Corp. is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. 6.5 continuing education for psychologists are available for registrants who attend the live conference. Black Mental Wellness, Corp. maintains responsibility for this conference and its content. Learn more and register.

Registration is open for the 2024 Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health. Take advantage of our early bird registration fees before prices increase on September 17, 2024!

Each year, the Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health brings together leaders, practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders in the school mental health field to share the latest research, best practice, and innovation.

The conference emphasizes a shared family-school-community agenda to bring high-quality, evidence-based mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention to students and families as part of a multi-tiered system of supports. This year’s conference theme is Promoting Well-Being in School.

The conference will be held in Orlando, FL, from December 5-7, 2024.

SchoolSafety.gov released a new bullying and cyberbullying prevention issue brief for K-12 leaders, educators, and school staff. The brief highlights information on the prevalence of bullying and its potential indicators, details on its connection to suicide risk, and school-based prevention strategies. It also includes a listing of resources, trainings, and guides to support schools in their bullying prevention efforts.

Download and share this new brief to help inform activities during Bullying Prevention Month in October and throughout the school year. Continue reading below to learn more.

What is bullying?
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying can be physical, verbal, relational or social, or take place over technology (known as cyberbullying).

What can schools do to prevent bullying?
School personnel can consider the following strategies when working to identify, address, and prevent bullying:

• Create a positive school environment to promote a culture of inclusion and respect, build school connectedness, and foster trusting relationships.
• Establish and enforce rules to set clear expectations for how students should treat each other and the consequences for when those expectations aren’t met.
• Implement social and emotional learning to help students learn skills to manage emotions, show empathy towards others, and make responsible decisions.
• Involve and train school staff to adopt a school-wide approach to bullying prevention and help address bullying behavior consistently and appropriately.
• Engage parents and youth to help reinforce anti-bullying rules and expectations at home and in school.

Download the Issue Brief

For additional bullying and cyberbullying resources for the K-12 community, please visit SchoolSafety.gov’s bullying and cyberbullying topic page. If you have any questions, please contact us at SchoolSafety@mail.cisa.dhs.gov.

SchoolSafety.gov Disclaimer
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Education (ED), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) do not endorse any individual, enterprise, product, or service. DHS, ED, DOJ, and HHS do not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described in this communication. DHS, ED, DOJ, and HHS do not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any information outside of those respective Departments, and the opinions expressed in any of these materials do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of DHS, ED, DOJ, and HHS.

• **LiveBinder: Exploring Positive Outcome Strategies for Challenging Behaviors: https://www.livebinders.com/b/2746682

• **LiveBinder: Evidence-Based Strategies for Students with Autism - https://www.livebinders.com/b/2574221

• **LiveBinder: Structuring the Classroom Live Binder: https://www.livebinders.com/b/1733288

• **LiveBinder: FBA Resources: https://www.livebinders.com/b/2883554

• Password: FBABIP

• **LiveBinder: In-Home Training and Parent Training - https://www.livebinders.com/b/1534499

The Multilingual Interest Group is open to all school psychologists, supervisors, faculty, and students. You do not have to be bilingual/multilingual to participate, as our focus is to support those who work with multilingual children and families.

Although you do not have to be a NASP member to participate in our meetups, we encourage you to join NASP or renew your membership here. NASP offers many member benefits and advocacy for the kids we serve and the profession!

The College of Education’s School Psychology program has been awarded a

$1.6 million grant by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education for 2023-2028. Led by PI Janine Jones, PhD, this grant aims to diversify the workforce of School Psychologists through a partnership with Seattle Public Schools (SPS). The initiative focuses on recruiting, preparing, mentoring, and employing Black male school psychologists. Currently, eight Black male students have been admitted into the Educational Specialist degree program, with an additional four to join in 2025. These 12 students will receive full funding to complete the three-year, fee-based EdS program and are guaranteed employment in Seattle Public Schools upon graduation.

For more information, here is the University of Washington College of Education Website.

All sessions are virtual, and there is no charge. While the sessions are developed with parents in mind, district staff are welcome to attend.

November 12 - Surviving the Holidays! Sensory Strategies and Self-Regulation Supports - # 555577

January 28 - Behavior Basics for Parents, Caregivers, and Staff Enhancing Positive Behavior Support - #555580

March 25 - I Need a Break (for Adults!): Self-Care Strategies and Techniques to Keep Being Awesome - #555583

May 6 - Surviving the Summer: Increasing Self-Play Skills and Activity Engagement During Summer Breaks - #555587

If you have any questions, please contact Pam Bumpass at pbumpass@esc6.net

Fabiana Bezerra, LSSP, NCSP

ESC 6 Behavior & Autism Specialist for Special Education

Email: fbezerra@esc6.net
Website: https://www.esc6.net/
Location: Education Service Center Region 6, Montgomery Road, Huntsville, TX, USA
Phone: 936-4350-8252
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ESC6SPED/
Twitter: @escregion6