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The Responsive Counselor - The Responsive Counselor

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Social emotional learning and school counseling ideas, tools, and trainings that are research-based., effective., engaging., easy to use. EMOTIONAL SCALING FREEBIE Join the newsletter for tips, ideas, new resources, and get this problems and feelings scale sent right to your inbox! HOW CAN WE HELP Y…

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Kansas Communities That Care Survey Results

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Kansas Communities That Care Survey Results

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Data is not displayed if < 20 students or < 25% participation. Year to year differences in data may be affected by varying participation rates. *This question/response text has changed. To learn more
CLICK HERE

© Greenbush - The Southeast Kansas Education Service Center

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Data is not displayed if < 20 students or < 25% participation. Year to year differences in data may be affected by varying participation rates. *This question/response text has changed. To learn more CLICK HERE © Greenbush - The Southeast Kansas Education Service Center

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State of Kansas - Office of Information Technology Services

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Kansas Aging and Disability Services Website

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Youth use of tobacco products in any form is unsafe, regardless of whether it is smoked, smokeless, or electronic. Preventing tobacco initiation among youth and young adults is critical since approximately 54 percent of daily adult smokers in Kansas started smoking by age 18, and 94 percent started by age 26.

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KCA Member Preconference $40.00

NON- KCA Member Preconference $65.00

KCA Professional Member Conference $80.00

KCA Student OR Retired Member Conference $40.00

NON-KCA Member Conference$125.00

If you attend the KACES Preconference & KCA Conference, you can earn up to 9.5 CEs for licensure from KCA & NBCC.

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Kansas Counseling Association - KCA Conference

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KCA Member Preconference $40.00 NON- KCA Member Preconference $65.00 KCA Professional Member Conference $80.00 KCA Student OR Retired Member Conference $40.00 NON-KCA Member Conference$125.00 If you attend the KACES Preconference & KCA Conference, you can earn up to 9.5 CEs for licensure from KCA & NBCC.

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Banana Splits Resource Center -- Activities for Grades K-8

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The purposes of group activities are to promote discussion or teach a self help skill. Kids can always take a pass on discussion--no one is forced to reveal feelings.

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Child Counseling in Topeka | FSGC Topeka

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Watching your child struggle is hard. FSGC offers professional child counseling in Topeka to help them overcome their unique struggles.

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Access to FREE self-efficacy lessons and resources-both for school and home

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Access to FREE self-efficacy lessons and resources-both for school and home

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FREE SEL resources for resilent learners

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FREE SEL resources for resilent learners

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The College and Career Competency Framework, developed by Drs. Gaumer Erickson and Noonan, supports educators in systematically embedding intrapersonal, interpersonal, and cognitive competencies into course content.

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Research indicates the school counselor investment in the partnership of school-family-community collaboration enhances student achievement (Bryan & Henry, 2012; Emde, 2015; Epstein & Van Voorhis, 2010; Griffin & Farris, 2010). Student achievement is defined by greater investment in academics, social/emotional well-being and college preparedness (Hann Morrison, 2011).

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Haysville and Salina Reduce Chronic Absenteeism...

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Haysville and Salina Reduce Chronic Absenteeism...

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Chronic absenteeism is linked to lower academic performance, and students who already lag in outcomes miss school at higher rates. Absenteeism increased during the COVID pandemic, both in Kansas and nationally. Attendance has improved but absenteeism remains higher than prior years. Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson has challenged school leaders to address this issue. He has cited Haysville USD 261 and Salina USD 305 for making significant progress.

There are differences in how the two districts address absenteeism, but they share some common strategies. These include making it a district priority, engaging with parents, and taking a positive approach with incentives rather than penalties.
Absent students defined
A student is considered chronically absent if he or she misses 10 percent or more of school days, either excused or unexcused. Essentially, the chronic absenteeism rate is the percentage of students who are missing a lot of school. Ten percent per year will add up to an entire year of education by senior year.

Chronic absenteeism is not the same thing as truancy. Under the state's compulsory attendance law, all schools, public and private, are required to report as truant, students who accumulate a specific number of unexcused absences. Chronic absenteeism refers to those students whose absence, excused or unexcused, exceeds 10 percent. Local school boards set policies for determining which absences are excused and other consequences for missing school.
Why chronic absenteeism matters
Commissioner Watson has noted that children who are chronically absent in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the third grade. Those results can impact a student throughout their school career.

Children living in poverty are much more likely to be chronically absent while lacking the resources to make up for the lost learning in school. Like national data, Kansas State Department of Education data shows that students from a number of have categories have significantly higher rates of chronic absenteeism. This includes low income, Hispanic, African American, Native American, English Language Learners, homeless, foster care, and students with disabilities. Each of those groups also lags on state reading tests, math tests, and graduation rates.

High absenteeism can offset efforts to improve student outcomes. Additional resources and opportunities will have less impact if students are not attending school.

KSDE guidance notes that the impact of chronic absenteeism goes beyond the student who misses instruction, relationships, and social interactions. Time and resources are redirected from the entire class to re-teach or remediate students who have fallen behind.
Haysville USD 261
When Haysville leaders reviewed chronic absenteeism in 2022, they first focused on ensuring that tracking and reporting of absences was accurate and consistent. They developed a clearer policy that was adopted by the school board last winter. This gave the district better data to work with allowing teachers and staff to recommend action when students are missing.

The district took additional steps to address the problem. "We know too many kids are still missing school, and this continues to negatively impact academic performance," said Jeff Hersh, Superintendent. The district developed a consistent parent notification system and increased messaging to parents and other stakeholders about why attendance matters. "For some, being physically in school every day just didn't seem important," said Hersh. "We are seeing more and more evidence that most students need to be in school to learn most effectively."

Those strategies appear to be working. Reports from the first semester of this year show the chronic absenteeism rate is on track to be below last year's rate for both the district and state.

Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Reed credits building leaders with developing ideas for incentives to attend school, from student awards to increased parental communication to higher bus driver pay. Although those positive efforts are balanced by a stricter attendance policy, superintendent Hersh says he has received very few parent complaints.

It is important to note that views on attendance have changed outside the school as well. Haysville employers say more workers are missing time at work and want more flexibility in their hours.
Salina USD 305
Salina has significantly reduced their chronic absentee rate by shifting from a negative to a positive approach, better data to support educators, and more parental and public awareness.

"Long before 2022, we had created a local review board," said Superintendant Linn Exline. "When a student had the number unexcused absences under compulsory attendance law, they were reported, and we then tried to work with other local agencies to provide assistance. But that's about all we had." That system was only activated when absences had already become a problem, Salina leaders said. It was perceived as more punitive than proactive.

As a result, Salina implemented a new system that took effect last year designed to be proactive and positive. The chronic absenteeism rate fell nearly 9 percent. This year the district is on track to continue the decline. The district points to several changes that are driving improvements.

The district now tracks student absences much more closely enabling schools to identify students more rapidly. They are using a more standardized, stepped process for giving parents notice and offering support well before a student might be reported for truancy. Salina has increased communications to parents and community members about the importance of school attendance.

The district is also trying to reduce b arriers to attendance. Expanding transportation options can help parents who don't have vehicles or who work unusual hours. Mental health services like in-school therapists can help students with anxiety about going to school. Parent classes can help families with ways to get children ready for school.

Salina school leaders say parents have been receptive. Jody Craddock-Iselin, Director of Student Support Services handles many of those calls to parents. "Sometimes a conversation is very heated at beginning," she said. "But once I explained that we're here to help support the students and the families and that all we're trying to do is find those barriers that are keeping the kids from coming to school, the tone changes. Probably every single phone call has ended with a thank you. I think a lot of that is just letting them know that we really are here just to support kids."

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about kansas association of school boards

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Discover the latest in Kansas public education news. Read more information on the Kansas legislative session, hear perspectives from educational leaders across the state, and stay informed.

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Helping students, staff, community cope after a shooting. 

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Helping students, staff, community cope after a shooting. 

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CHC Resource Library | CHC | Services for Mental Health and Learning Differences for Young Children, Teens and Young Adults | Palo Alto, San Jose, Ravenswood

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The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed a collection of resources to help youth heal after a school shooting.

Downloadable resources include fact sheets, tip sheets, tool kits and more.

Several are listed below. The full set of school shootings resources is available on the National Child Traumatic Stress Network website.

Offers parents guidance on helping their children after a shooting. This fact sheet describes common reactions children may have, how parents can help them, and self-care tips after an event.

Describes how young children, school-age children, and adolescents react to traumatic events and offers suggestions on how parents and caregivers can help and support them.

Offers strategies to help parents/caregivers cope with collective traumas. This fact sheet also provides guidance on what parents/caregivers can do to care for their children as they cope.

Provides information on how to talk to children about mass shootings. This tip sheet describes ways to talk to children about mass violence events that involve a shooting. It gives tips about how to start the conversation, common reactions children may have, and how to seek help if needed.

Lists common reactions educators might see in the students with whom they work and suggestions on how they may help after community trauma.

Source: National Child Traumatic Stress Network | School Shooting Resources, https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/terrorism-and-violence/school-shooting-resources | The NCTSN is funded by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and jointly coordinated by UCLA and Duke University.

If you have concerns about your child or teen, CHC Care Coordinators can arrange a free 30-minute consultation so you can explore options with an expert. We invite you to call or email us at 650.688.3625 or careteam@chconline.org to set up an initial Parent Consultation appointment. CHC teletherapy services are available now.

You might also be interested in these library resources:

Students with learning disabilities must be able to advocate effectively for themselves. Beginning in the...

Head Start's Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center offers this short list of children's books...

For most students, the 2021-22 academic year will be starting in-person, and won't feel like...

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Helping Youth Cope After a School Shooting [downloadable] - CHC Resource Library | CHC | Services for Mental Health and Learning Differences for Young Children, Teens and Young Adults | Palo Alto, San Jose, Ravenswood

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The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed a collection of resources to help youth heal after a school shooting. Downloadable resources include fact sheets, tip sheets, tool kits and more. Several are listed below. The full set of school...Read more ›

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Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares.

Responding to a painful loss in the healthiest way possible

Jamie Howard, PhD

We know there's no way we can make the suicide of a student less upsetting. It's a very painful thing for kids - and the adults who love them - to experience. But we also know that there are things that you can do to help young people process their feelings and thoughts in a healthy way. Here are some pointers that we hope will be helpful in responding to this loss.

It's important that suicide be acknowledged in a matter-of-fact way, but do not provide children and teens with a lot of details about the specific method of suicide. Teachers and parents should convey consistent messages to reduce confusion, misinformation and secrecy.

Suicide should be explained in terms of an untreated psychiatric illness. People sometimes hide emotional pain even from those they are closest to, which makes it very hard to help them. You should avoid sensationalizing or dramatizing suicide, but you shouldn't avoid talking about it.

Parents, encourage your child to tell you what she's hearing and thinking, and listen nonjudgmentally. You want to keep checking in with her, because it takes time for kids to process disturbing experiences, and she may have important questions later. Teens will want to talk about this with their friends, but you can let her know that you want to stay in the loop.

If your child has depression or has made a prior suicide attempt, it's especially important to prioritize this conversation. Don't avoid it because it's difficult and you're worried that it might make him feel worse. Drawing out his thoughts and feelings and underscoring your connection can help him, even if he doesn't acknowledge it. Unfortunately, suicides sometimes occur in multiples, so it's very important to increase monitoring of children who are at risk. It's also important to remember that talking about suicide and/or asking your child if they're suicidal will not increase their risk of actually completing a suicide; it may actually decrease the risk.

Some kids may feel guilty, feeling that there's something they could have done to prevent it. Let them know that this is a common feeling when a loss is very difficult to accept; we can't help thinking about what we should or could have done differently. Help them understand that they are not responsible, and that when we learn of something so unexpected, it takes some time for the shock to wear off before we can start to understand what happened and eventually accept it.

It's healthy for the school community to respond to a loss like this with an organized celebration of his or her life or memorial, and for the school community to attend the funeral, if it accords with the family's wishes.

Sometimes teens turn to alcohol, drugs, or other risky behaviors as a way of coping with painful loss. Monitor children closely and explain to them that it's normal to experience a range of intense emotions - sadness, anger, confusion - sometimes all at once. Come up with a few strategies for managing these feelings, such as talking to friends, talking with a parent or trusted adult, running or other intense exercise, deep breathing, allowing herself to cry, etc. This is called "coping ahead," or anticipating potential difficulties and how to deal with them.

Two key factors are involved in suicide (and both stem from depression). The first is having the desire to die, which comes from thinking you are a burden or feeling like you don't belong. Kids and adults sometimes mistakenly think that people will be better off without them around. To counteract this, adults should tell kids very clearly that it would be devastating if they died. The second risk factor is the ability to die, which comes from planning and getting used to pain and fear. Kids who self-injure are at higher risk for suicide because they override their self-preservation drive and get used to feeling pain. Learning how other people have killed themselves also increases a person's ability. For more on this I recommend reading Myths About Suicide by Thomas Joiner, PhD, a preeminent suicide researcher.

Grieving and coming to terms with a disturbing death take time, and there's nothing we do can do to bypass or hurry the process. But by giving kids opportunities to share their feelings we can help them rebound in a healthy way. And by talking about suicide openly and matter-of-factly, as the result of an emotional illness, we can help kids put it in a realistic and useful perspective.

Jamie M. Howard, PhD, is a senior clinical psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute and ... Read Bio

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Supporting Children After the Suicide of a Classmate - Child Mind Institute

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Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares. Responding to a painful loss in the healthiest way possible Jamie Howard, PhD We know there's no way we can make the suicide of a student less upsetting.

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Most young children are aware of death, even if they don't understand it. Death is a common theme in cartoons and television, and some of your child's friends may have already lost a loved one. But experiencing grief firsthand is a different and often confusing process for kids. As a parent, you can't protect a child from the pain of loss, but you can help them feel safe. And by allowing and encouraging them to express their feelings, you can help your child build healthy coping skills that will serve them well in the future.

Kids grieve differently

After losing a loved one, a child may go from crying one minute to playing the next. Their changeable moods do not mean that they aren't sad or that they've finished grieving; children cope differently than adults, and playing can be a defense mechanism to prevent a child from becoming overwhelmed. It is also normal to feel depressed, guilty, anxious, or angry at the person who has died or at someone else entirely.

Very young children may regress and start wetting the bed again or slip back into baby talk.

Encourage a grieving child to express feelings

It's good for kids to express whatever emotions they are feeling. There are many good children's books about death, and reading these books together can be a great way to start a conversation with your child. Since many children aren't able to express their emotions through words, other helpful outlets include drawing pictures, building a scrapbook, looking at photo albums, or telling stories.

Be developmentally appropriate

It is hard to know how a child will react to death or even if they can grasp the concept. Don't volunteer too much information, as this may be overwhelming. Instead, try to answer their questions. Very young children often don't realize that death is permanent, and they may think that a dead loved one will come back if they do their chores and eat their vegetables. As psychiatrist Gail Saltz, MD, explains, "Children understand that death is bad, and they don't like separation, but the concept of 'forever' is just not present."

Older, school-age children understand the permanence of death, but they may still have many questions. Do your best to answer honestly and clearly. It's okay if you can't answer everything; being available to your child is what matters.

When discussing death, never use euphemisms. Kids are extremely literal, and hearing that a loved one "went to sleep" can be scary. Besides making your child afraid of bedtime, euphemisms interfere with their opportunity to develop healthy coping skills that they will need in the future.

Whether or not to attend the funeral is a personal decision that depends entirely on you and your child. Funerals can be helpful in providing closure, but some children simply aren't ready for such an intense experience. Never force a child to attend a funeral. If your child wants to go, make sure that you prepare them for what they will see. Explain that funerals are very sad occasions, and some people will probably be crying. If there will be a casket, you should prepare them for that, too.

Keep in mind that even the best-prepared child might get upset, and their behavior can be unpredictable. "Kids will not behave in a way that you might want or expect," Dr. Saltz notes. "If you decide that a funeral is not the best way, there are other ways to have a goodbye." Planting a tree, sharing stories, or releasing balloons can all be good alternatives for providing closure to a child.

Discussing an afterlife

The idea of an afterlife can be very helpful to a grieving child, observes Dr. Saltz. If you have religious beliefs about the afterlife, now is the time to share them. But even if you aren't religious, you can still comfort your child with the concept that a person continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others. You can also build a scrapbook or plant something that represents the person you have lost.

Don't ignore your own grief

Children will often imitate the grieving behavior of their parents. It is important to show your emotions as it reassures children that feeling sad or upset is okay. However, reacting explosively or uncontrollably teaches your child unhealthy ways of dealing with grief.

Children find great comfort in routines, so if you need some time alone, try to find relatives or friends who can help keep your child's life as normal as possible Although it is important to grieve over the death of a loved one, it is also important for your child to understand that life does go on.

Some specific situations

For many children, the death of a pet will be their first exposure to death. The bonds that children build with their pets are very strong, and the death of a family pet can be intensely upsetting. Don't minimize its importance or immediately replace the dead pet with a new animal. Instead, give your child time to grieve for their dog or cat. This is an opportunity to teach them about death and how to deal with grieving in a healthy and emotionally supportive way.

The death of a grandparent is also a common experience for young children, and it may bring up many questions, such as, "Will my mom be next?" It is important to tell your child that you will probably live for a long time.

After the death of a parent, children will naturally worry about the death of the remaining parent or other caretakers. Reassure a child that they are loved and will always be cared for. It is a good idea to rely on family members during this time to help provide additional nurturing and care. Dr. Saltz also recommends therapy in the case of a significant death, such as the death of a parent or sibling. "Therapy provides another outlet for talking when a child may feel like they can't talk with other family members because they are grieving as well."

Treating serious problems

If you notice that your child seems unusually upset and unable to cope with grief and loss, they may have something called adjustment disorder. Adjustment disorder is a serious and distressing condition that some children develop after experiencing a painful or disruptive event. It is a good idea to consult your child's doctor if you feel that your child isn't recovering from a loss in a healthy way.

How can I help a child grieve the loss of a parent?

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Helping Children Deal With Grief - Child Mind Institute

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Tips for families dealing with grief, from what parents should say to how they can help kids express their emotions in a healthy way.

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Divorce resources for both parents and students k-12

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Divorce resources for both parents and students k-12

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Websites for Preschool and Elementary School Age

Sesame Street: Dealing with Divorce: https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/divorce/

I am a Child of Divorce: https://iamachildofdivorce.com/

PDF workbook: https://www.family-action.org.uk/content/uploads/2022/08/My-familys-changing-younger-children-leaflet-1.pdf

Books for Preschool and Elementary School Age

A Brand New Day: A Banana Split Story by A.S. Chung

Always Mom, Forever Dad by Joanna Rowland

The Case of the Scary Divorce by Carl Pickhardt (boy helps detective; issues relate to divorce

Dinosaurs Divorce by Mark Brown (we read much of this book in class)
Divorce Is Not the End of the World: Zoe's and Evan's Coping Guide for Kids by Zoe & Evan Stern (written by kids for kids ages 9-15)
Divorced But Still My Parents by Shirley Thomas & Dorothy Rankin (interactive workbook)

Fred Stays With Me! by Nancy Coffelt

Freeda the Frog Gets A Divorce by Nadine Haruni

Getting Through My Parents' Divorce by Amy J.L. Baker and Katherine C. Andre

I Am Living in 2 Homes by Garcelle Beauvais & Sebastian Jones

I Don't Want to Talk About It by Jeanie Franz Ransom (girl doesn't want to talk about divorce)

Is a Worry Worrying You? by Ferida Wolff & Harriet May Savitz (for any worries)

Let's Talk About It: Divorce by Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers)

Living with Mom and Living with Dad by Melanie Walsh

Mama and Daddy Bear's Divorce by Cornelia Maude Spelman

Monday, Wednesday, and Every Other Weekend by Karen Stanton

Standing on My Own Two Feet by Tamara Schmitz (affirmation of love in midst of divorce)

Two Homes by Claire Masurel

Was It the Chocolate Pudding? by Sandra Levins (boy who thinks divorce is his fault)

Why do Families Change? by Dr. Jillian Roberts

What Can I Do? by Danielle Lowry (girl tries everything to get parents back together)

What in the World Do You Do When Your Parents Divorce? by Winchester/Beyer (Q&A basics)

When Mom and Dad Separate by Marge Heegaard (workbook that kids illustrate)

What Can I Do? by Danielle Lowry

When My Parents Forgot How to Be Friends by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos (parents happier apart)

Why Can't We Live Together?: The Kid-Sized Answer To A King-Sized Question About Divorce by Madison and Lucas Lovato

Websites for Middle and High School Age

Divorce and Separation (specific to girls): http://youngwomenshealth.org/2012/04/30/divorce/

Teen Line: www.teenlineonline.org

Foundation 2- Crisis line and Chat: https://foundation2.org/services/crisis-center/

Dealing with Divorce: www.safeteens.org/relationships/dealing-with-divorce

Teen Guide to Divorce: www.teensadvisor.com/divorce/teen-guide.html

Books for Middle and High School Age

A Smart Girl's Guide to Her Parents' Divorce (American Girl) by Nancy Holyoke

When Your Parents Divorce by Kimberly King

The Divorce Helpbook for Teens by Cynthia MacGregor

Now What Do I Do? by Lynn Cassella-Kapusink

Hot Stones and Funny Bones: Teens Helping Teens Cope with Stress & Anger by Brian Luke Seaward

How to Survive Your Parents' Divorce: Kids' Advice to Kids by Gayle Kimball

The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead

My Parents Are Getting Divorced by Florence Cadier & Melissa Daly

The Divorce Workbook for Teens by Lisa Schab

Divorce is Not the End of the World by Zoe and Evan Stern

The Divorce Helpbook for Teens by Cynthia MacGregor

Now What Do I Do? A guide to help teenagers with their parents' separation or divorce by Lynn Cassella-Kapusinski

Surviving Divorce: Teens talk about what hurts and what helps by Trudi Strain Trueit
Dealing with the Stuff that Makes Life Tough: The 10 things that stress girls
out and how to cope with them by Jill Zimmerman Rutledge

Books about Feelings

The Big Feelings Book for Children: Mindfulness Moments to Manage Anger, Excitement, Anxiety, and Sadness by Sharon Selby

The Boy with Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee

The Girl with Big, Big Questions by Britney Winn Lee

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How can you help your child or teen adjust to divorce or a family separation? Here are some books your child may find helpful.

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Connecting the Dot: Teen Dating Violence & Other Unhealthy Behaviors PDF

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Connecting the Dot: Teen Dating Violence & Other Unhealthy Behaviors PDF

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Middle School Exploration Awareness Resources

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Middle School Exploration Awareness Resources

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DCCCA is providing free naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray, fentanyl test strips and training to community organizations and any Kansas resident.

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DCCCA is providing free naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray, fentanyl test strips and training to community organizations and any Kansas resident.

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DCCCA is providing free naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray, fentanyl test strips and training to community organizations and any Kansas resident. DCCCA is funded for this project by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) through the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant initiative from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Healthy Blue of Kansas.

*This program offers free Naloxone/Narcan contingent upon continued Federal, State & Local Funding and available supply*
Naloxone is an opioid overdose reversal drug that counteracts the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available to any resident or organization in Kansas upon request.

Training on naloxone administration is available at no cost to you or your organization.

Click on the buttons below to register or request the training that works best for you.

Training Objectives:

Participants will:

For more information or if you have questions please contact naloxone@dccca.org.
For Oklahoma residents interested in naloxone access and/or training, please contact Monica Townsdin at mtownsdin@dccca.org or 1.405.548.5062

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DCCCA provides free naloxone and administration training to any person or agency in Kansas upon request.

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Addiction is Real began with a simple question. How can we educate parents on the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and provide them with the tools needed to guide and engage their children through this very rough and sensitive terrain?

Stop the Silence. Start a Conversation. Save a Life.

The circumstances surrounding our group's passion to do more was unfortunately grounded in loss, but also a deep and passionate understanding of how important it is to speak to your child early and often about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

So many of us have been affected by addiction. Many of us have lost loved ones, or currently know people who are struggling themselves with drug or alcohol dependence.

Although the need to want to help seemed simple enough, the conversation is one that comes with unfortunate barriers:

It is reported that only 25% of parents speak with their children about the dangers of drugs.

How Can This Be?

Especially given the proven effectiveness of early engagement between a parent and child surrounding this issue?

There are many reasons why these conversations don't take place, but the main one that we have heard over and over again is that some parents just don't think their child will ever have an issue with drugs or alcohol, making the conversation unnecessary.

"Not My Child."

Is usually the phrase we hear over and over again. Of course, the hope is that no child ever goes down the path of drug experimentation, but the reality is far different from our hope.

Children are faced with all sorts of challenges and pressures along their journey, especially during their transition from elementary school to middle school, and middle school to high school. The reality is that so many of us take for granted the premise that our kids are fully prepared for the unfortunate day that they are introduced to something harmful.

When this day comes, it is our hope that we have done our job and educated enough parents to help their kids avoid going down a path that all too often ends in tragedy.

Addiction is Real is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, Missouri whose mission is to provide parents the tools to take a proactive approach in discussing the dangers of substance use with their child, as well as recognize signs of risky behavior.

Est 2015

Founded in 2015 by a group of concerned parents, we are determined to engage as many schools, groups, and parents as possible to push our message through. If you are interested in learning more about services we provide, visit our events page and/or contact us. We would love to hear from you.

Board of Directors

Erin Kelley

Executive Director

Erin Kelley joins Addiction is Real with over 25 years' experience leading nonprofit organizations, with a focus on strategic growth. She brings financial resources (over $70 million to date), to underserved and marginalized populations, with a focus on sustainability for long-term growth and development. Erin holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Missouri - St. Louis, earned the Certified Fundraising Executive designation in 2017, and the Missouri Prevention Specialist Certification in 2019.
Over the last five years Erin led the Drug Free Coalition and nonprofit organization Step Up of St. Louis. Her career has focused on providing education, awareness, and advocacy by bringing the right people and partners to the table. This collaborative approach has led to major changes in legislation in St. Louis County - which has been replicated across the United States. Erin's love for community and passion to make life better for area youth and vulnerable families has led her to serve as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Police Athletic League (PAL) and to accept an appointment to the nine member St. Louis County Crime Commission. Addiction is Real's mission is personal to Erin and her son, Jrue - whose paternal grandmother lost her battle with heroin in 2006.

Brett Mitchell

Teasurer

Brett Mitchell currently works for Centene Corporation and is responsible for Cybersecurity. He spent most of his career in law enforcement. He retired from the City of Cottleville where he served as Chief of Police. Brett is also an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at Webster University. Brett has a bachelor's degree in human resource management from Lindenwood University, Master of Arts degree in sociology and criminal justice from Lincoln University, Master of Science degree in cybersecurity from Webster University and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. He is also a graduate of the Missouri Police Chief's Command College and Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Additionally, he is on the executive board for the Eastern Missouri Police Academy and has served on the board for St. Charles County Regional Drug Task Force, and St. Charles County Regional S.W.A.T., and several within the Francis Howell School District.

Laura Gunter

Director

Laura Gunter joins the board, bringing her Master's Degree in Psychology, as well as her passion for helping others. With over 15 years of experience, she has served as a Licensed Professional Counselor, an Adjunct Professor of Psychology, and a Management Consultant to organizations across St. Louis and the globe.

A mother herself, Laura believes there's no greater calling than being a parent, and is committed to helping families build healthy coping mechanisms for life's challenges.

Farrah Gilbert

Director/Secretary

Farrah Gilbert has lived in St Louis since 2017 with her husband and daughter. She graduated with a bachelors degree in interior design from Missouri State University. After owning her own business in commercial interiors for 13 years, she has switched gears and is now focusing on raising her daughter and is grateful for that opportunity.

Addiction Is Real hits close to home. Tragically, addiction is on both sides of her family and has been for many generations. Farrah's goal is to share her experience, strength and hope with families, caregivers and educators in hopes of preventing alcohol and drug use in children.

Farrah was drawn to this mission because it aligns with her passion of helping others. Discovering Addiction Is Real has made her even more determined to help break the family cycle, drop the stigma, and end the silence.

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Addiction is Real is an organization based in St. Louis, Missouri whose sole mission is to educate parents about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

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Keepin' Clean for Coop Website and Resources

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Keepin' Clean for Coop Website and Resources

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The mission of the Cooper Davis Memorial Foundation is to help spread the awareness of the dangers of counterfeit pills to save families the heartache of losing a loved one. Every life is precious and we want to prevent others from making choices that could have a deadly outcome.

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Drugs in the Age of Fentanyl Presentation

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Drugs in the Age of Fentanyl Presentation

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Techniques for Looking Beyond Behaviors: Using Neuroscience in Our Schools

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Techniques for Looking Beyond Behaviors: Using Neuroscience in Our Schools

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The Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery

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Although cutting is one of the most common and well documented forms, there are many things people do to hurt themselves. In fact, our studies have documented over 16 forms of self-injury and there may well be more. Moreover, it is clear that number of forms used by an individual varies significantly; from 1 to over 10.

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State Resource Center: Evidence-based programs Implementation of evidence-based programs in schools is a central element of an effective, systemic

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MagicSchool.ai - AI for teachers - lesson planning and more!

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Join over a million teachers saving hours of time using the #1 AI Platform for Education, MagicSchool, to help lesson plan, differentiate, write assessments, write IEPs, communicate clearly, and more!

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ChatGPT helps you get answers, find inspiration, and be more productive.

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Know Your IX (Title IX-Stop Sexual Violence

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Know Your IX (Title IX-Stop Sexual Violence

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Our survey of more than 100 student survivors who formally reported sexual violence to their schools found a massive failure on the part of schools to fulfill their obligations under Title IX. In fact, 39 percent of survivors who reported sexual violence to their schools experienced a substantial disruption in their educations. Read our latest publication, The Cost of Reporting: Perpetrator Retaliation, Institutional Betrayal, and Student Survivor Pushout to learn more and read our recommendations.

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Empowering Students to Stop Sexual Violence

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Our survey of more than 100 student survivors who formally reported sexual violence to their schools found a massive failure on the part of schools to fulfill their obligations under Title IX. In fact, 39 percent of survivors who reported sexual violence to their schools experienced a substantial disruption in their educations.

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MagicSchool AI has a lot of cool tools that you might find helpful! They have a lesson plan generator, unit generator, thank you note generator and more!

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MagicSchool.ai - AI for teachers - lesson planning and more!

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Join over a million teachers saving hours of time using the #1 AI Platform for Education, MagicSchool, to help lesson plan, differentiate, write assessments, write IEPs, communicate clearly, and more!

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KSDE School Counselor Fall Semester 2023 PD

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KSDE School Counselor Fall Semester 2023 PD

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ESU 71st Annual Fall Conference Session PDF

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ESU 71st Annual Fall Conference Session PDF

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Having Early Conversations_ Supporting our Undocumented Students

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Engaging school counseling & social emotional learning resources, trauma informed classroom management strategies & coping skills for kids.

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After losing a loved one, grief can leave your life in a mess. Grief is a Mess is an illustrated book for grieving children and adults who need a healthy dose of understanding, comfort, and laughter. Through humorous animal illustrations, the book explores how grief is different for everyone and can change without warning. Having lost her mother to cancer, author/illustrator Jackie Schuld uses her illustrations to remind us to be kind to others and patient with ourselves as we find our way through the mess of grief.

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After losing a loved one, grief can leave your life in a mess. Grief is a Mess is an illustrated book for grieving children and adults who need a healthy dose of understanding, comfort, and laughter. Through humorous animal illustrations, the book explores how grief is different for everyone and ...

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The Grief Center of Southwest Colorado-so many resources!

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The Grief Center of Southwest Colorado-so many resources!

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The Grief Center of Southwest Colorado is now offering HIPAA compliant telehealth services for Colorado residents who cannot make it to our offices. Please contact us for more info.

We acknowledge the grief felt at this time, and encourage you to reach out for support, regardless of the loss.

We deeply thank the following for supporting our efforts at this time:

​

​​​​ We are seeking friends and supporters who share our vision of healing from grief and the long-term prevention that comes with it. Please consider a financial contribution to support this work at www.griefcenterswco.org. All tax-deductible donations will go directly to supporting bereaved members of our community.

"When we started our grief journey 3 1/2 years ago we were lost and confused. We had just lost our son Austin in a tragic car accident. Judy was a calm in a crazy storm. Our daughters were 6 and 9 and grieved very differently from one another. Our youngest daughter became all but non-functional at school as she "carried" her grief there. Judy was her advocate and her confidant.

As our daughters' grief has changed she has been there every step of the way, not only for them but for my husband and I as well. I've desperately reached out to her for guidance when I didn't know how to help my hurting babies. I can't imagine making it this far in our journey without her.

Because The Grief Center of Southwest Colorado is non-profit we have not had to worry when our funds were low. They gladly accepted whatever we could pay.

No one thinks about the loss of income when a loved passes away until it happens to your family. Whether it's a spouse or a grieving parent who has to take a leave of absence, knowing your children can get the help they need is a huge relief.

Our family will always be eternally grateful for Judy and The Grief Center of Southwest Colorado."

Barrett and Amy Potthoff

The Grief Center of Colorado is a legal Colorado nonprofit corporation and a federally designated tax exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible.

​Proudly supported by

The New York Life Foundation
The National Alliance for Children's Grief
Judi's House/The JAG Institute
Rocky Mountain Health Foundation
The City of Durango
Local First Foundation
Community Foundation of Southwest Colorado
Durango Association of Area Realtors
The C.O.D.Y. Project/La Plata 4-H
LPEA Roundup Foundation
Quick Foundation
Funeral Services Foundation
Alpine Bank
Help Colorado Now
The Payroll Department
Onward! A Legacy Foundation
Collaborative Management Partners
San Juan Basin Health SIM Grant
La Plata Youth Services CISP Program
Unitarian Universalist Church of Durango
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Christ the King Lutheran Church
First United Methodist Church of Durango/Summit Church
The Community Foundation of Southwest Colorado
The Community Emergency Relief Fund/Alpine Bank
The Barney Family Fund
The Ballantine Family Fund
The Martin Family Fund
Purgatory's Locals Benefits Days
Garrett Young Music
The Medicine Wheel Foundation
Ironhorse Bicycle Classic
Cafe Au Play
The Family Center
Sage Fresh Eats
Zia Taqueria
Grassburger
Bread
Coca-Cola Durango
​Serious Texas BBQ

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Bereavement services for adults, teens, children, and families in Southwest Colorado.

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If you're struggling with grief, you don't have to face it alone. Our grief support resources are here to help you every step of the way. Whether you're looking for a support group or a therapist, we can connect you with the resources you need to heal.

At our Hospice, we believe that grief is a journey that we all must take. Our grief support resources are here to help you find your way through that journey. We hope that you'll find our resources helpful and that they'll bring you the comfort and support you need to heal.

If you have any questions about our grief support resources, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you in any way we can.

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Find solace and support in your journey of grieving. Our Hospice provides a range of resources to help you cope with the challenges of losing a loved one.

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Explore our free, bilingual resources for families, providers, and teachers who care for children impacted by parental incarceration.

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Get guidance for preteen and adolescent issues with this step-by-step, field-tested resource! Addresses topics such as social skills, academic support, conflict resolution, and more Applies group plans for each academic level elementary, middle, and high school Presents lessons in an easy-to-follow and developmentally appropriate style

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Get guidance for preteen and adolescent issues with this step-by-step, field-tested resource! Addresses topics such as social skills, academic support, conflict resolution, and more Applies group plans for each academic level elementary, middle, and high school Presents lessons in an easy-to-follow and developmentally appropriate style

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FEATURED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES

Part of the Ordinary Terrible Things series, the new and expanded edition of Death Is Stupid is an invaluable tool for discussing death, exploring grief, and honoring the life of our loved ones.

When someone we love dies, adults often say things like, "She's in a better place now," or "I know how you feel." You do not , one little boy thinks after his grandma passes away. Caught in the swirl of anger, confusion, and fear that accompanies grief and mourning, he doesn't just think death is unfair-he thinks death is stupid . It takes him some time, but when he starts sharing cherished memories of his grandma and working in her garden, he starts to feel just a little bit better. Necessary, beautiful, and ultimately reassuring, Death Is Stupid helps make death a little less scary-for kids and adults.

The Ordinary Terrible Things series shows children who navigate trouble with their senses on alert and their souls intact. In these stories of common childhood crises, help may come from family, counselors, teachers, or dreams―but crucially, it's the children themselves who find their way to cope and grow.

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Death Is Stupid (Ordinary Terrible Things)

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Death Is Stupid (Ordinary Terrible Things) [Higginbotham, Anastasia, Higginbotham, Anastasia] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Death Is Stupid (Ordinary Terrible Things)

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Grief is a natural response to death and loss―it's not an illness to be cured or a problem to be fixed. This workbook contains no clichés, timetables, or checklists of stages to get through; it won't help you "move past" or put your loss behind you. Instead, you'll find encouragement, self-care exercises, and daily tools, including:

* Writing prompts to help you honor your pain and heartbreak
* On-the-spot practices for tough situations―like grocery store trips, the sleepless nights, and being the "awkward guest"
* The art of healthy distraction and self-care
* What you can do when you worry that "moving on" means "letting go of love"
* Practical advice for fielding the dreaded "How are you doing?" question
* What it means to find meaning in your loss
* How to hold joy and grief at the same time
* Tear-and-share resources to help you educate friends and allies
* The "Griever's Bill of Rights," and much more

Your grief, like your love, belongs to you. No one has the right to dictate, judge, or dismiss what is yours to live.

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How to Carry What Can't Be Fixed: A Journal for Grief

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How to Carry What Can't Be Fixed: A Journal for Grief [Devine, Megan] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. How to Carry What Can't Be Fixed: A Journal for Grief

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Patrice Karst is the author of the bestselling, contemporary classic children's (and adults'!) book The Invisible String, which has sold over 1.5 million copies and been translated into fifteen languages. It is the story of the String (made out of love!) that connects us all.

The Invisible String book series offers children a tangible understanding of love and teaches the world about the String that "even though you can't see it with your eyes, you can feel it in your heart and know that you are always connected to everyone you love."

In addition to being shared by all ages as a gift for many of life's milestone moments, it is also being used by schools, psychologists, hospices, grief groups, the military, hospitals, prison systems and countless organizations worldwide for any kind of loss or separation issues.

A leading title for healing, comfort, celebrations, bereavement and counseling of children and their families since its original publication in 2000, The Invisible String continues to soar because of its timeless message.

Patrice has been on a lifelong mission to share the message that this energy called love transcends time and space and is the most powerful force in all the universe.

Patrice has also written The Invisible Leash: An Invisible String Story Celebrating Love After the Loss of a Pet, The Invisible String Workbook: Creative Activities to Comfort, Calm and Connect, a therapeutic activity book co-written with Dana Wyss, Ph.D., The Invisible Web: An Invisible String Story Celebrating Love and Our Universal Connection, You Are Never Alone: An Invisible String Lullaby, The Invisible String Backpack, The Smile that Went Around the World and Ruby and Lonely.

Born in London, England, Patrice moved to the United States as a child, where she spent many a night pondering the meaning of life under the canopy of stars, and has been on a fascinating creative and spiritual journey ever since.

The single mother of Elijah (now grown) lives near the beach in Ventura, California, where she is currently writing her memoir (and what a wild ride it has been!), working on more stories, and still gazing up in wonder at starry nights.

Patrice loves to hear from her readers! To find out more or to contact Patrice, go to www.patricekarst.com.

If you reach out--she promises to reach back!

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The Invisible String (The Invisible String, 1)

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The Invisible String (The Invisible String, 1) [Karst, Patrice, Lew-Vriethoff, Joanne] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Invisible String (The Invisible String, 1)

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Sadness happens for many reasons. It can happen when a child misses a loved one, loses a favorite toy or gets hurt. This story shows a child how to visual their sadness as a SADNESS SPOT so that they can control it better. It walks them through several situations and offers guidance on how to help manage a SADNESS SPOT when it gets TOO BIG or stays for TOO LONG. It also shows how to help others with their SADNESS SPOT, too! It teaches EMPATHY, COMPASSION, FRIENDSHIP and much more! Circle the spot, in the middle of your palm,

It offers creative strategies for children on how to bring themselves back to a PEACEFUL SPOT!
count the swirls down to calm.

The goal of this series of books is to give children the tools needed to identity what emotion they are feeling and how to properly manage that emotion. Don't forget to check out the rest in the series!

A Little SPOT of Anxiety
A Little SPOT of Anger
A Little SPOT of Kindness
A Little SPOT of Confidence

Around and around, and around twice more .
One, then two, then three, then four.
Each time you trace around the SPOTS,
take a deep breath to CALM your thoughts.

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A Little SPOT of Sadness: A Story About Empathy And Compassion (Inspire to Create A Better You!)

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A Little SPOT of Sadness: A Story About Empathy And Compassion (Inspire to Create A Better You!) [Alber, Diane] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. A Little SPOT of Sadness: A Story About Empathy And Compassion (Inspire to Create A Better You!)

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If you are going to buy only one book on grief, this is the one to get! It will validate your grief experience, and you can share it with your children. You can leave it on the coffee table so others will pick it up, read it, and then better appreciate your grieving time. Grand's Cooking Tips section at the back of the book is rich with wisdom and concrete recommendations. Better than a casserole!

Hardbound; 56 full-color pages. Affirms the bereaved. Educates the un-bereaved. A building-block for children..... WINNER! of the 2001 Theologos Book Award, presented by the Association of Theological Booksellers.

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Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss

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If you are going to buy only one book on grief, this is the one to get! It will validate your grief experience, and you can share it with your children. You can leave it on the coffee table so others will pick it up, read it, and then better appreciate your grieving time.

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Worry Management Workbook - Looking for a great worry coping skills tool for school counseling and the classroom? This printable worry workbook is perfect for your kids who worry! Help your students explore what worry is, how worry affects the brain, the physical experience of worry, and effective strategies for dealing with worry at school and at home. This workbook is perfect for individual counseling or small group counseling and now includes a digital workbook for use with Google Slides TM.
What's included in the workbook:

Psychoeducation

Self-checks

Worry trackers

Case study examples

Practice exercises

Calming strategy activities

Reflections

Index of strategies

Why buy printable workbooks? With a printable workbook, you can pick and choose the activities and pages that will be helpful for your specific student. You can organize the pages in a way that makes sense to you. You can print additional copies of worry tracker pages or worry strategy pages to hang on the wall. And best of all... you can use it forever!

Need more resources to help students with worry? You'll love these:

⭐ Managing Worry and Anxiety Classroom Guidance Lesson for School Counseling

⭐ Worry Activity: Worry Story & Activity for School Counseling

⭐ Worry Warriors: Group Counseling Program for Managing Anxiety and Worries

⭐ Worry/Anxiety Management Lap Book for Elementary School Counseling

C lick here to be the first to know about new resources and updates in my store!

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Worry Workbook: Worry Activities & Journal for Anxiety Management

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Worry Management Workbook - Looking for a great worry coping skills tool for school counseling and the classroom? This printable worry workbook is perfect for your kids who worry! Help your students explore what worry is, how worry affects the brain, the physical experience of worry, and effective s...

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Meet Ruby -- a happy, curious, imaginative young girl. But one day, she finds something unexpected: a Worry. It's not such a big Worry, at first. But every day, it grows a little bigger . . . and a little bigger . . . . Until eventually, the Worry is ENORMOUS and is all she can think about.

This perceptive and poignant story is the perfect springboard for talking to children about emotions and anxieties.

Read all the books in the Big Bright Feelings series!

The
But when Ruby befriends a young boy, she discovers that everyone Big Bright Feelings Ruby Finds a Worry Perfectly Norman Ravi's Roar Meesha Makes Friends Tilda Tries Again

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Ruby Finds a Worry (Big Bright Feelings)

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Ruby Finds a Worry (Big Bright Feelings) [Percival, Tom] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Ruby Finds a Worry (Big Bright Feelings)

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Julia Cook, M.S.

With millions of books in print, Julia Cook is a former school counselor and teacher who never dreamed she could evolve into a national award-winning children's author, parenting expert, and inspirational speaker. She now travels the world encouraging students and educators to become lifelong problem solvers. "There are so many ideas out there that need to be shared!" says Julia, who takes top research and creatively translates it into "kid language" that is both entertaining and engaging. Julia has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through picture books, giving children both the "what to say" and the "how to say it."

Several years ago, Julia was searching for an effective story to teach children about the differences between tattling and telling. When she couldn't find the right resource, she decided to write her own book - A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue. Over a decade later, she has published bestselling books with the National Center for Youth Issues, Boys Town Press, and the CDC. Cook's ultimate goal: make a positive difference in the lives of people both young and old by teaching lifelong problem-solving skills.

Julia has been endorsed by organizations including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Safe and Sound (a Sandy Hook initiative,) Childwatch of North America, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Childhelp, Darkness to Light, USA Volleyball, and The Alaska Department of Education. Cook's research-based books have been referenced in outlets including Parent's Magazine, The New Yorker, The Chicago Tribune, Military Spouse, Care.com, Yahoo.com, Drlaura.com, and Babyzone.com. She has also been featured on Hallmark Home and Family, CNN's HLN News, and numerous metropolitan networks. She is the recipient of several book awards including The Association of Educational Publisher's Distinguished Achievement Award, the National Parenting Seal of Approval, and The Mom's Choice Award.

Julia frequently delivers entertaining and engaging keynote addresses at counseling, business and leadership, and character development conferences and has presented in thousands of schools both nationwide and internationally.

Bestselling Titles Include: My Mouth is a Volcano! (interrupting), Bubble Gum Brain (growth mindset), A Flicker of Hope (depression and youth suicide), Uniquely Wired (autism), Jumping Into Kindergarten (kindergarten preparation), The Judgmental Flower (appreciating differences/ building relationships), Foster Care (emotions related to being in foster care), But It's Just a Game! (gaming addiction), Wilma Jean the Worry Machine (anxiety), But It's Not My Fault! (assuming responsibility), Soda Pop Head (anger control), and I Can't Believe You Said That! (using social filters).

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Wilma Jean the Worry Machine: A Picture Book About Worry and Anxiety

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Wilma Jean the Worry Machine: A Picture Book About Worry and Anxiety [Julia Cook, Anita DuFalla] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Wilma Jean the Worry Machine: A Picture Book About Worry and Anxiety

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Hey Warrior [Young, Karen] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Hey Warrior

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Parent's Take Home Guide to A Little SPOT...

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If you are implementing A Little SPOT in your classroom this is a great guide to send to Parents to help them continue the vocabulary and skills at home. ...

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Anxiety comes from feelings of being worried, scared, or anxious. When these feelings are in small amounts that's okay because they are there to help protect us, but when they get TOO BIG, they become overwhelming and need to be managed. When a child experiences anxiety it can prevent them from doing what he/she wants and and/or needs to do, which can make anxiety a disability. From the tip of my finger, to the center of my palm,

This story addresses how anxiety can affect all ages and how it can show up in all different situations. The Gray SPOT in the story creates a visual representation of Anxiety so that a child can see when it's gets too big, and how to shrink it back to a Green PEACEFUL SPOT.
I can do this! I can be calm!
This worry grew too big, and cannot stay,
take a deep breath, and blow it away!

The goal of this book is to

It offers creative strategies for children to help cope with anxiety as well.
give children the tools needed to identity what emotion they are feeling and how to properly manage that emotion.

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A Little SPOT of Anxiety: A Story About Calming Your Worries (Inspire to Create A Better You!)

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A Little SPOT of Anxiety: A Story About Calming Your Worries (Inspire to Create A Better You!) [Alber, Diane, Alber, Diane] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. A Little SPOT of Anxiety: A Story About Calming Your Worries (Inspire to Create A Better You!)

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https://www.google.com/url?q=https://thinkplaycreate.org/blog/diy-friendship-bracelets/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1698686837498077&usg=AOvVaw2JLPpBmotqO017jEwlAjXh

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Flop Ball (Active Mindfulness and Community Building)

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Flop Ball (Active Mindfulness and Community Building)

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https://www.flopball.com/

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Pick something up and begin your journey.

Get Curious.

How many ways can you flip, fly, and play?

Kinetic Play Everyday

Push your edge or flow with friends.

Flop For Five

Challenge yourself to pick up and play for 5 minutes a day.

We are five graduate students living in Brooklyn and we have loved trying flop tricks. They've been such an unexpected source of joy for us to play together.
Alana

A perfect replacement to old myachis. These are a bit heavier, grippier, more durable, and have a unique broken in floppy feel which many may enjoy.

Shawn, FL USA

My 12 year old son absolutely LOVES the Flop Ball I brought home from our conference. He plays with that ALL the time! He recently found your instagram sites, so I find him constantly watching the videos, trying to mimic Paul :) So, as a Mom, "thank you" for a fun way to play that isn't electronic and encourages play even when you make a mistake - keep trying!
Kristy LaVella

Stackers 8-Pack

Flop Ball Stackers are made for stack flipping. 25% lighter means you can hold more on the back of your outstretched arm and for longer.

Stackers come in green and purple packs. Each 8-pack includes:

2 each of green/green, green/purple, purple/purple, and purple/green.
Find them here.

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The Flop Ball is a flat, round, sand filled handsack that is manipulated using the back of your hand. Players are challenged to start where they are and then try something different. Master tricks while practicing strategies for thriving in the messiness of learning, growth, and change.

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Here's a list full of opportunities of gratitude!

Gratitude is a simple yet life-transforming shift in one's mindset. A grateful heart opens up infinite doors for joy to flow into their life.

Gratitude has been proven to significantly help us improve our mental health and build a happy life.

The most recommended way of practicing gratitude is through gratitude journaling, and that becomes very easy and guided with prompts.

In fact, on our gratitude journaling mobile app, the people who use prompts often tend to make a habit of gratitude journaling more effectively, so much so, that it becomes second thought to look at life through the lens of gratitude (I'm one of those people, by the way.)

We have hundreds more prompts in the app, and we continue adding more, so I recommend you to take a look!

Alright then, here are 101 gratitude journal prompts for you to practice gratitude with and build a grateful life every day.

Gratitude Journal Prompts

Write about a time when you laughed uncontrollably.

Appreciate a friend who lives far away but is dear to you.

What is the best gift that you have ever received?

Write about a movie that touched your heart, and why.

Write about someone that you really admire.

Appreciate a refreshing walk that you had in nature.

What do you like most about yourself?

What do you love most about the time you are living in?

Express gratitude for having as much food as you need.

Appreciate the vehicles that let you travel long distances.

Express gratitude for the facility of ordering food at your doorstep and the people who deliver it.

Look around and list 5 things that help you in your day-to-day life.

List 5 ways that having a mobile phone makes your life easier.

Express gratitude for 5 things that you use daily.

Write about an electronic device that you feel grateful to have.

What is one thing about the Internet that you admire?

What is something that you can do today that people 30 years ago couldn't?

Think about the people you don't know who help make your life easier.

List 5 things in your bedroom that you are grateful for.

Express gratitude for 5 tools that help you save time.

What privilege do you enjoy that others might not?

Write about a song that you can't help but sing along to.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

What was the most enjoyable part of your childhood?

What aspect of your health do you feel grateful for?

Whose company do you like the most?

What excites you about the future?

Who is the most reliable person in your life?

When did something wonderful happen unexpectedly?

Appreciate a stranger that was helping someone in need.

Write about the most influential people in your life.

Write about an achievement that you are most proud of.

Write about something that makes you feel lucky.

Write about a recent improvement in your lifestyle.

Write about something beautiful that moved you to tears.

What is the funniest video you've watched recently?

Write about a time when you challenged your comfort zone.

What is your favorite part about your town or city?

What do you like about growing up?

Which is your favorite weather, and why?

What is the most fascinating thing about life?

What is one skill or quality about yourself that you appreciate the most?

Express gratitude to yourself and the journey you're having.

Write about someone that you idolize, and why.

What are you always excited to do?

What is your strongest life value?

Write about one positive thing that happened today.

What is your favorite part of your life?

Which recent experience in life taught you a big lesson?

What is your most prized possession?

Write about a day when you felt really happy.

What does spirituality mean to you?

What is your favorite part about nature?

Write about a song that always comforts you.

What are your favorite things to eat?

Where do you feel most happy and relaxed?

Write about the person that you like the most. How do you feel about them?

Which tool do you use most frequently to get your tasks done? (mobile phone, pen, Internet, transport, utensils, etc.)

What happened in the last week that made you laugh out loud?

Reflective Gratitude Journal Prompts

Why did you start gratitude journaling? Express gratitude to yourself for taking this step.

What is one part of your life that you won't trade for anything?

Which activity do you enjoy doing the most?

What is a lesson in your life that has helped you?

When did someone smile or laugh because of you? How did that make you feel?

Who is the person in your life that you'll call in an emergency?

What is something that was hard to do but you did it anyway?

Write about a time you were grateful for something a loved one did for you.

Write a thank-you note to yourself.

Pick a random photo, and write about why you're grateful for that memory.

Write about a person who helped you through a tough situation.

Look around you and find something that you can feel grateful for, no matter how small.

What is something that always gives you happiness?

How does practicing gratitude impact your thoughts?

Express gratitude for how you've grown and developed through the years.

What is something that you are looking forward to in your life?

Remember a time when someone listened to you and empathized with you as you needed them to.

Appreciate yourself for building the habit of gratitude to live a happier life.

Take a moment to appreciate a fond memory that always brings a smile to your face.

Express gratitude for the time you achieved a goal with your willingness and effort.

How have you supported people throughout your life? Remember a time when you helped someone in need.

What is something that you turn to when you need comfort?

Take a deep breath and feel grateful to be who you are, right where you are.

What is a special memory from your childhood?

Write and share a Letter of Gratitude to someone who has been your well-wisher.

What is one thing that you do for yourself that enriches your health?

Reflect through the week and write about moments that made you happy.

What are the steps that you have taken through the years that made you a better version of yourself?

Write about someone who has mentored you and taught you important lessons.

Choose 3 people to say thanks today. Write about why you are thankful to them.

Write about something valuable that you learned this week.

Describe a family tradition that you are most grateful for.

Who is a teacher or mentor that has made an impact on your life, and how did they help you?

Write about someone you've never met but who has enriched your life in some way.

What part of your life has changed for the better over the past year?

Describe the last time someone helped you solve a problem at work or personal tasks.

What is your favorite part of your daily routine?

What are some great words that you read recently?

What is your favorite holiday, and why do you love it?

What is your favorite TV show, and why do you love it?

Write about a recent obstacle you faced and how you overcame it.

Write about someone who makes your life better.

👉 Continue Reading: How The Attitude of Gratitude Can Transform Your Life

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101 Gratitude Journal Prompts for Building a Grateful Life Every Day

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Gratitude journal prompts - 1. Express gratitude for having as much food as you need. 2. List 5 ways that having a mobile phone makes your life easier.

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Managing Anxiety: Name, Claim and Tame Your Way Through Anxiety Without Medication

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Social and Emotional Learning, Equitable School Culture, and Discipline Resources. Conscious Discipline® is a comprehensive social and emotional and classroom management program that uses everyday life events to teach children and adults self-control, conflict resolution, character development and s…

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Here's a list full of opportunities of gratitude!

Gratitude is a simple yet life-transforming shift in one's mindset. A grateful heart opens up infinite doors for joy to flow into their life.

Gratitude has been proven to significantly help us improve our mental health and build a happy life.

The most recommended way of practicing gratitude is through gratitude journaling, and that becomes very easy and guided with prompts.

In fact, on our gratitude journaling mobile app, the people who use prompts often tend to make a habit of gratitude journaling more effectively, so much so, that it becomes second thought to look at life through the lens of gratitude (I'm one of those people, by the way.)

We have hundreds more prompts in the app, and we continue adding more, so I recommend you to take a look!

Alright then, here are 101 gratitude journal prompts for you to practice gratitude with and build a grateful life every day.

Gratitude Journal Prompts

Write about a time when you laughed uncontrollably.

Appreciate a friend who lives far away but is dear to you.

What is the best gift that you have ever received?

Write about a movie that touched your heart, and why.

Write about someone that you really admire.

Appreciate a refreshing walk that you had in nature.

What do you like most about yourself?

What do you love most about the time you are living in?

Express gratitude for having as much food as you need.

Appreciate the vehicles that let you travel long distances.

Express gratitude for the facility of ordering food at your doorstep and the people who deliver it.

Look around and list 5 things that help you in your day-to-day life.

List 5 ways that having a mobile phone makes your life easier.

Express gratitude for 5 things that you use daily.

Write about an electronic device that you feel grateful to have.

What is one thing about the Internet that you admire?

What is something that you can do today that people 30 years ago couldn't?

Think about the people you don't know who help make your life easier.

List 5 things in your bedroom that you are grateful for.

Express gratitude for 5 tools that help you save time.

What privilege do you enjoy that others might not?

Write about a song that you can't help but sing along to.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

What was the most enjoyable part of your childhood?

What aspect of your health do you feel grateful for?

Whose company do you like the most?

What excites you about the future?

Who is the most reliable person in your life?

When did something wonderful happen unexpectedly?

Appreciate a stranger that was helping someone in need.

Write about the most influential people in your life.

Write about an achievement that you are most proud of.

Write about something that makes you feel lucky.

Write about a recent improvement in your lifestyle.

Write about something beautiful that moved you to tears.

What is the funniest video you've watched recently?

Write about a time when you challenged your comfort zone.

What is your favorite part about your town or city?

What do you like about growing up?

Which is your favorite weather, and why?

What is the most fascinating thing about life?

What is one skill or quality about yourself that you appreciate the most?

Express gratitude to yourself and the journey you're having.

Write about someone that you idolize, and why.

What are you always excited to do?

What is your strongest life value?

Write about one positive thing that happened today.

What is your favorite part of your life?

Which recent experience in life taught you a big lesson?

What is your most prized possession?

Write about a day when you felt really happy.

What does spirituality mean to you?

What is your favorite part about nature?

Write about a song that always comforts you.

What are your favorite things to eat?

Where do you feel most happy and relaxed?

Write about the person that you like the most. How do you feel about them?

Which tool do you use most frequently to get your tasks done? (mobile phone, pen, Internet, transport, utensils, etc.)

What happened in the last week that made you laugh out loud?

Reflective Gratitude Journal Prompts

Why did you start gratitude journaling? Express gratitude to yourself for taking this step.

What is one part of your life that you won't trade for anything?

Which activity do you enjoy doing the most?

What is a lesson in your life that has helped you?

When did someone smile or laugh because of you? How did that make you feel?

Who is the person in your life that you'll call in an emergency?

What is something that was hard to do but you did it anyway?

Write about a time you were grateful for something a loved one did for you.

Write a thank-you note to yourself.

Pick a random photo, and write about why you're grateful for that memory.

Write about a person who helped you through a tough situation.

Look around you and find something that you can feel grateful for, no matter how small.

What is something that always gives you happiness?

How does practicing gratitude impact your thoughts?

Express gratitude for how you've grown and developed through the years.

What is something that you are looking forward to in your life?

Remember a time when someone listened to you and empathized with you as you needed them to.

Appreciate yourself for building the habit of gratitude to live a happier life.

Take a moment to appreciate a fond memory that always brings a smile to your face.

Express gratitude for the time you achieved a goal with your willingness and effort.

How have you supported people throughout your life? Remember a time when you helped someone in need.

What is something that you turn to when you need comfort?

Take a deep breath and feel grateful to be who you are, right where you are.

What is a special memory from your childhood?

Write and share a Letter of Gratitude to someone who has been your well-wisher.

What is one thing that you do for yourself that enriches your health?

Reflect through the week and write about moments that made you happy.

What are the steps that you have taken through the years that made you a better version of yourself?

Write about someone who has mentored you and taught you important lessons.

Choose 3 people to say thanks today. Write about why you are thankful to them.

Write about something valuable that you learned this week.

Describe a family tradition that you are most grateful for.

Who is a teacher or mentor that has made an impact on your life, and how did they help you?

Write about someone you've never met but who has enriched your life in some way.

What part of your life has changed for the better over the past year?

Describe the last time someone helped you solve a problem at work or personal tasks.

What is your favorite part of your daily routine?

What are some great words that you read recently?

What is your favorite holiday, and why do you love it?

What is your favorite TV show, and why do you love it?

Write about a recent obstacle you faced and how you overcame it.

Write about someone who makes your life better.

👉 Continue Reading: How The Attitude of Gratitude Can Transform Your Life

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101 Gratitude Journal Prompts for Building a Grateful Life Every Day

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Gratitude journal prompts - 1. Express gratitude for having as much food as you need. 2. List 5 ways that having a mobile phone makes your life easier.

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Templates & Tools - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

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Ready to get started? Review the ASCA National Model® phased implementation plan.

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Managing Anxiety: Name, Claim and Tame Your Way Through Anxiety Without Medication

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Social and Emotional Learning, Equitable School Culture, and Discipline Resources. Conscious Discipline® is a comprehensive social and emotional and classroom management program that uses everyday life events to teach children and adults self-control, conflict resolution, character development and s…

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Safety planning can include risk assessments, preparations, and contingency plans to increase the safety of a human trafficking victim or an individual at-risk for human trafficking, as well as any agency or individual assisting a victim. Safety plans:

Assess the current risk and identify current and potential safety concerns;

Create strategies for avoiding or reducing the threat of harm;

Outline concrete options for responding when safety is threatened or compromised.

Safety planning is important while a victim is experiencing trafficking, during the process of leaving, and once the victim has left. Consider these tips for conducting safety planning with victims of human trafficking as well as those who may be considering suspicious jobs or relationships and may be at risk for human trafficking. We cannot guarantee an individual's safety or the prevention of trafficking after using these suggestions. Each individual is in the best position to assess his/her own current level of safety and safety planning should be tailored to his/her unique circumstance.

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Safety planning can include risk assessments, preparations, and contingency plans to increase the safety of a human trafficking victim or an individual at-risk for human trafficking, as well as any agency or individual assisting a victim. Safety plans:

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Title IX-Sexual Harassment-US Department of Education

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Title IX-Sexual Harassment-US Department of Education

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PDF (138K)
Know Your Rights : Title IX Prohibits Sexual Harassment and
Sexual Violence Where You Go to School What are a school's responsibilities to address sexual harassment and sexual violence?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 ("Title IX"), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. All public and private elementary and secondary schools, school districts, colleges, and universities (hereinafter "schools") receiving any Federal funds must comply with Title IX. Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment or sexual violence, such as rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion.
What procedures must a school have in place to prevent sexual harassment and sexual violence and resolve complaints?
Below is additional information regarding the specific requirements of Title IX as they pertain to sexual harassment and sexual violence.

A school has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively. If a school knows or reasonably should know about sexual harassment or sexual violence that creates a hostile environment, the school must take immediate action to eliminate the sexual harassment or sexual violence, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects.

Even if a student or his or her parent does not want to file a complaint or does not request that the school take any action on the student's behalf, if a school knows or reasonably should know about possible sexual harassment or sexual violence, it must promptly investigate to determine what occurred and then take appropriate steps to resolve the situation.

A criminal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment or sexual violence does not relieve the school of its duty under Title IX to resolve complaints promptly and equitably.

Every School Must Have And Distribute A Policy Against Sex Discrimination

Title IX requires that each school publish a policy that it does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities. This notice must be widely distributed and available on an on-going basis.

The policy must state that inquiries concerning Title IX may be referred to the school's Title IX coordinator or to OCR.

Every School Must Have A Title IX Coordinator

Every school must designate at least one employee who is responsible for coordinating the school's compliance with Title IX. This person is sometimes referred to as the Title IX coordinator. Schools must notify all students and employees of the name or title and contact information of the Title IX coordinator.

The coordinator's responsibilities include overseeing all complaints of sex discrimination and identifying and addressing any patterns or systemic problems that arise during the review of such complaints.

Every School Must Have And Make Known Procedures For Students To File Complaints Of Sex Discrimination.

Title IX requires schools to adopt and publish grievance procedures for students to file complaints of sex discrimination, including complaints of sexual harassment or sexual violence. Schools can use general disciplinary procedures to address complaints of sex discrimination. But all procedures must provide for prompt and equitable resolution of sex discrimination complaints.

Every complainant has the right to present his or her case. This includes the right to adequate, reliable, and impartial investigation of complaints, the right to have an equal opportunity to present witnesses and other evidence, and the right to the same appeal processes, for both parties.

Every complainant has the right to be notified of the time frame within which: (a) the school will conduct a full investigation of the complaint; (b) the parties will be notified of the outcome of the complaint; and (c) the parties may file an appeal, if applicable.

Every complainant has the right for the complaint to be decided using a preponderance of the evidence standard (i.e., it is more likely than not that sexual harassment or violence occurred).

Every complainant has the right to be notified, in writing, of the outcome of the complaint. Even though federal privacy laws limit disclosure of certain information in disciplinary proceedings:

Schools must disclose to the complainant information about the sanction imposed on the perpetrator when the sanction directly relates to the harassed student. This includes an order that the harasser stay away from the harassed student, or that the harasser is prohibited from attending school for a period of time, or transferred to other classes or another residence hall.

Additionally, the Clery Act (20 U.S.C. §1092(f)), which only applies to postsecondary institutions, requires that both parties be informed of the outcome, including sanction information, of any institutional proceeding alleging a sex offense. Therefore, colleges and universities may not require a complainant to abide by a non-disclosure agreement, in writing or otherwise.

The grievance procedures may include voluntary informal methods (e.g., mediation) for resolving some types of sexual harassment complaints. However, the complainant must be notified of the right to end the informal process at any time and begin the formal stage of the complaint process. In cases involving allegations of sexual assault, mediation is not appropriate.

If you want to learn more about your rights, or if you believe that a school district, college, or university is violating Federal law, you may contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, at (800) 421-3481 or ocr@ed.gov. If you wish to fill out a complaint form online, you may do so at: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html .

Use of the term "sexual harassment" throughout this document includes sexual violence unless otherwise noted.

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harassment; discrimination; sexual abuse; violence; sexual violence; gender-based harassment; sexual harassment; sex discrimination

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Know Your Rights: Title IX Prohibits Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Where You Go to School

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Dear Colleague Letter: Know Your Rights: Title IX Prohibits Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Where You Go to School

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Feeling fatigued? Counseling Essentials has teamed up with a certified health and fitness coach to help build resilience and wellness as we start off the New Year.

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Project Echo School Mental Health Professional Development

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Project Echo School Mental Health Professional Development

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Skip to main content.

One-time registration for this series includes access to all courses on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, beginning August 23rd, 2023 through July 25th, 2024
All courses will be held via Zoom from 9:00-10:00 AM CST.

About the Series

The School-Based Mental Health 2023-24 ECHO series will foster a collaborative and supportive environment to address the most pressing student and staff mental health priorities identified by school-based partners in student mental health. By bringing together a diverse range of expertise, experiences, and perspectives, this ECHO seeks to empower and equip school counselors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and administrators with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to promote mental well-being and create resilient school communities. Through shared learning, student-based discussions, and interactive sessions, the ECHO aims to unite school-based professionals in a common mission of enhancing student mental health outcomes and ultimately shaping a brighter future for Kansas schools.

Via a statewide needs assessment, Kansas school counselors, nurses, and social workers prioritized the topics of stress and anxiety, trauma, suicide, crisis management, mental illness, mental health first aid, and school staff wellness for this ECHO series. These topics and many more will be explored throughout this year-long series.

This project is supported by UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas. The Olathe Public Schools have long been statewide leaders in the effort to promote student mental wellness. We are pleased that Dr. Sarah Gilliland, Director of Health Services and Angie Salava, Director of Mental Health, are Subject Matter Experts for Project Echo and support their efforts to improve the physical and mental health of all Kansas students.

Cost and Continuing Education Credit

No-cost, open to all, registration required.

Video recordings and accompanying resources will be available without CE credit to all completing registration.

Physicians: The University of Kansas Medical Center Office of Continuing Education & Professional Development accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Kansas Medical Center Office of Continuing Education designates this live activity for a maximum of 19 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The University of Kansas Medical Center Area Health Education Center East is approved as a provider of CNE by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. This course offering is approved for APRNs/RNs: 19 contact hours applicable for APRN or RN relicensure. Kansas State Board of Nursing provider number: LT0056-0749. Mary Beth Warren, MS, RN, Coordinator.

The University of Kansas Medical Center Area Health Education Center East, as an approved provider of continuing education by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board presents this offering for a maximum of Social Workers: 19 hours credit applicable for relicensure of LASWs, LBSWs, LMSWs and LSCSWs. Kansas Provider Number 12-002. Mary Beth Warren, MS, RN, coordinator.

APRN/RNs/SWs attendance requirement : Credit will be awarded based upon documented attendance at individual sessions. Presentations must be attended in their entirety to claim credit. No partial credit will be given.

Attendance requirements : Credit will be awarded based upon documented attendance at individual presentations. Individual presentations offer 1 hour credit and must be attended in their entirety to claim credit.

Approaching Challenging Behavior with Healthy Coping Skill Development

Speaker

Nicole Gilmore, LMSW, School Social Worker, Southeast Kansas Interlocal #637

Taking Action on Suicide Prevention and Response

Speakers

Angie Salava, MEd, Director of Mental Health, Olathe Public Schools

Melanie Scott, M.S., LPC, School Counselor Leader Coordinator, KSDE

Bridging Gaps to Mental Health Access with Medicaid

Speaker

Supporting Students with Mental Illness

Speaker

Building Resilient Students and Staff

Speaker

Angie Salava, MEd, Director of Mental Health, Olathe Public Schools

Managing Stress: Take a Real Winter Break

Speaker

More sessions coming in January 2024.

Specialty Team

Kenda Fischer, EdS, School Psychologist, Southeast Kansas Interlocal #637

Sarah L. Gilliland, DNP, Director of Health Services, Olathe Public Schools

Nicole Gilmore, LMSW, School Social Worker, Southeast Kansas Interlocal #637

Angie Salava, MEd, Director of Mental Health, Olathe Public Schools

Melanie Scott, M.S., LPC, School Counselor Leader Coordinator, KSDE

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School-Based Mental Health 2023-24 ECHO: Uniting School Professionals for Student Wellness

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Utilizing Project ECHO web conferencing, healthcare and educational professionals discuss topics related to Student Wellness

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71st Fall School Counselor's Conference
Wellness in a Post-Pandemic Environment: Nov. 17, 2023
This conference will include a keynote Speaker with breakout sessions in the morning and afternoon. You'll also have the opportunity to network with fellow school counselors. You will receive CEUs for license renewal. This conference will be held at Emporia State University. Stay tuned for more information.

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Counselor Education Conferences + Events

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Counselor Education hosts professional learning opportunities for school counselors and art therapists.

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In January 2014 the Kansas State Department of Education went to the State Board of Education strongly recommending that all districts implement individual plans of study for students in grades 8 through 12 for the following reasons:

Individual plans of study should be considered a "best practice" for districts, can help all Kansas students obtain a suitable vision of their path toward college and career readiness, and will address the gap between the percentage of students enrolling and the percentage of students earning credit during their first year of enrollment in 2- and 4-year postsecondary institutions.

Individual plans of study are addressed as part of the "Career Awareness and Guidance" criteria in the current draft version of Kansas' new accreditation model.

The Kansas State Department of Education can provide support to educators, as well as to vendors of student information systems to ensure that individual plans of study are implemented in ways that will be cost-effective and not unreasonably taxing to students or educators.

As students navigate through high school and into career and college, it is imperative that students set educational goals and create a roadmap for success in high school and beyond. This roadmap, or individual plan of study, includes development of a flexible career focus and an education plan that is clearly-defined, rigorous, and relevant to assure a successful and efficient transition to postsecondary education and/or the workforce.

The foundational elements of the individual plan of study are the career interests identified by the student through an authentic career interest survey or assessment. A roadmap based on the student's interests and talents can then be developed. Other parts of the IPS include graduation requirements, approved coursework for the student's educational and career goals, and developmentally-appropriate, work-based learning experiences.

An IPS is developed cooperatively with the student and the student's counselor, teachers, and family members. The plan is reviewed at least twice annually and is revised as needed.
Final KSDE Recommendation to State Board of Education

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Individual Plans of Study (IPS) - Student

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In January 2014 the Kansas State Department of Education went to the State Board of Education strongly recommending that all districts implement individual plans of study for students in grades 8 through 12 for the following reasons: Individual plans of study should be considered a "best practice" for districts, can help all Kansas students obtain a suitable vision of their path toward college and career readiness, and will address the gap between the percentage of students enrolling and the percentage of students earning credit during their first year of enrollment in 2- and 4-year postsecondary institutions.

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In order to be safer, young people need accurate, honest, compassionate drug education. This is why the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) developed and distributed Safety First: Real Drug Education for Teens. It is the nation's first harm reduction-based drug education curriculum for high school students.

The curriculum emerged from DPA's long-running Safety First program aimed at providing resources for parents. DPA managed the Safety First curriculum from its creation in 2016 until March 2023 when we transferred it to Stanford Medicine's REACH Lab. The Stamford Medicine's REACH Lab has deep expertise in developing curricula for young people and will further develop, expand, and evaluate Safety First.
You can now find the Safety First curriculum and all its supporting materials on Stanford Medicine's REACH Lab site here.
Why DPA Developed Safety First

Young people need factual information on drugs in order to be safer. Yet, most schools in the United States provide drug education programs that are based in abstinence-only logic despite its weaknesses. Programs like D.A.R.E. don't give students the tools they need to make safe decisions or to get help if problems with alcohol and other drugs do occur.

Furthermore, abstinence-only education too often has the effect of making teenagers cynical about any drug information coming from adults.

DPA developed Safety First according to the following principles:

The safest path for teens is to avoid drugs, including alcohol, cigarettes, and prescription drugs outside of a doctor's recommendations.

Some youth will choose to try drugs, regardless of the risks. In order to reduce potential harm, we must teach young people strategies for keeping themselves and their friends safer when they do encounter drugs.

Drug education should be:

scientifically accurate;

honest, not seeking to minimize or exaggerate the risks of drugs, acknowledging the fact that not all drugs carry the same risks;

interactive; and

compassionate, taking into account that some youth will have used and/or sold drugs - or have close friends and family members who have.

Safety First Works

Safety First was developed with young people in mind. After conducting research, DPA completed its first version in 2017. It consisted of 15 lessons that were meant to be delivered by a health teacher for 9th or 10th graders in 45 to 50 minute class periods. The curriculum content was aligned with National Health Education Standards as well as Common Core State Standards.

From 2018-2019, DPA piloted and evaluated Safety First with New York City and San Francisco high schools. We then launched Safety First publicly, making it broadly available as a free resource. In 2020, we created a Distance Learning version in response to COVID-19 restrictions.

At every turn, we solicited feedback from students and teachers to improve our curriculum. In 2021, we released the final version. This was the version we transferred to Stanford Medicine's REACH Lab.

Safety First was independently evaluated by Dr. Nina Rose Fischer, Associate Professor at City University of New York (CUNY) John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Interdisciplinary Studies, both in 2018 and 2019.

Highlights from the evaluation include:

Increased student knowledge of harm reduction

Increased student knowledge of drug knowledge regarding alcohol, cannabis and opioids

Increased student knowledge of how to detect and respond to a drug-related overdose

You can read a published paper reviewing the evaluation results in the Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention and Policy journal.

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Safety First: Real Drug Education for Teens - Drug Policy Alliance

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In order to be safer, young people need accurate, honest, compassionate drug education. This is why the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) developed and distributed Safety First: Real Drug Education for Teens. It is the nation's first harm reduction-based drug education curriculum for high school students.