Working With Students Who Are Using Drugs And Alcohol: A School District’s Perspective

Does it seem as though you have more students using illegal drugs, prescription medications, alcohol and marijuana? You are not alone! The influences are all around our kids and it will not be getting any easier on us. Whether it is the legalization of marijuana, the ease of accessing prescription pills, or alcohol, the issues school staffs face are based on the normalization of using. Society has permitted this normalization in a variety of ways. Having trouble figuring out what to do for these students who are using? Come learn some of the strategies used in one Southern California school district that may help you in your school and district.

Presenters: Steve Behar, EdD– Director, Child Welfare and Attendance, Lake Elsinore Unified School District and Erin Hill, Administrator, Lake Elsinore Unified School District

 

A Success Story: From Cleaner to Leader

Dr. Reyes Guana, a son of Mexican immigrants, proves the saying: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” In Dr. Guana’s case, he went from cleaning classrooms to leading a California school system – that is, from being a custodian to superintendent. Now he is in his first year leading the Byron Union School District in rural northern California.  In this session Dr. Guana will share what he has learned along the way that makes a healthy school climate, not only students, but for ALL staff.

Presenter: Dr. Reyes Gauna – Superintendent Byron Union School District

 

Three Perspectives of Crisis: Students, Parents, and You

Dealing with loss affects every aspect of a child’s life. Often, families do not talk to each other about death thus making it difficult for childrento process the death. Participating in groups designed to address death provides a platform for children to express their thoughts and beliefs regarding death. It is necessary to address key components of grief in an age appropriate manner in an effort to facilitate the development of healthy coping skills. The facilitation of a grief group provides a safe environment for children to come together and gain the necessary tools to progress through the grieving process.

Presenter:Regina Siez – LCSW,PPS, Temecula Valley Unified School District

Trends, Prevention, and Intervention: Strategies for Reducing Vaping and Other Related Disciplinary Issues

This workshop is designed to provide insight into developing a positive school-wide culture. The strategies presented will reveal tips on leadership skills, increasing student engagement, reducing suspension rates and fostering a safe environment on your school campus. Attendees will be educated on current vaping trends and will learn how to implement activities and presentations to reduce and address existing issues.

Presenter: NCADD-OC - Phillip Falcetti, MPH; Ashley Devin; Emily Lobo; Blair Veraza

 

Gangs: From the Inside Out

Gang culture in and out of schools has a powerful negative impact that interferes with building a positive school climate.  The best way to learn about gangs and keeping youth out is by being taught by the gang members themselves. Therefore, this workshop will provide a question and answer panel discussion by male and female former hard core gang members from different races and backgrounds.  Come hear their stories and ask your questions to get a genuine inside view of the gang culture and strategies to keep youth out.

Presenter: Panel Moderators: Riverside County Deputy District Attorney’s Michael Tripp and Evelyn Essenwanger

5 Mindful Ways to Shift the Climate of Your Classroom

Session will include tips, tools and trade activities that will help students learn how to build skills in self-regulation, self- awareness, empathy and build connection and community inside the classroom. We will take a deeper dive into todays digital dilemma and provide a new approaches so that students can make healthier decisions about how to use devices and social media. Further, we will review the power of reflection, so that students understand their potential to become thoughtful and kinder contributors to a larger society.

Room: Julia Gabor, M.Ed, Founder, kid-grit

 

“Dr. RB, We need you Now!!” - One Data-Driven Approach to Transform an Elementary School’s Climate

In this session, participants will delve into the data and decision-making process for school climate transformation for an urban, 1000 student, K-5 school situated within the western US . Participants will be introduced to the school site administrator’s three prong plan. Participants will collaborate with each other to compile a very simple 30-day action plan to begin the process of transformation for their own schools.

Presenter: Dr. Carey W. Roybal-Benson

 

Got Student Voice?

In this session, participants will learn how to use student voice activities to assess, measure and address the critical issues impacting school climate. Come discover how schools are developing youth leadership classes to empower students to gather data and work alongside the PBIS/MTSS Team, School Safety Team and the School Climate Committee to address the critical issues impacting their school climate.  The PLUS Program, an evidence-based Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) model will be highlighted as a tool for schools to utilize as part of their action plans.  When we stop doing the research on the students, and let the students do the research on themselves, we find effective Solutions!

Presenter: John Vandenburgh – Protect Connect Educate Solutions

 

Teaching Students A Restorative Mindset Through Social-Emotional Life Skills

Schools are incorporating restorative practices to support disciplinary reform.  To achieve success, educating students in the reflective processes of this methodology is essential.  The session presents an educational model that instructs students in restorative strategies that support social-emotional development and conflict management.

Tasreen Khamisa - Executive Director TKF – Benita Page - Program Manager TKF