Montana is Beautiful and What about the Dog?
One of the largest states in the USA with one of the smallest population of residents in the USA. That combines for a once a year conference for all educators in MT. Enjoy a quick view of Billings, MT.
Character Plus Conference during All-Star Week
This is an oldie we found in our files that hadn't been posted to the blog. All-Star Week is a fun atmosphere in a city and a great time to hold a conference.
Why start a S.A.F.E. TEAM in your school? Let the facts get in the way of your decision.
The Search Institute has been providing high quality research on the needs of youth for 50 years. One of the most landmark studies involved the creation of 40 Developmental Assets. Schools And Families Engaged™ has documented how our approach to Family Engagement supports the 40 Developmental Assets in building individuals, families & communities.
More $$: Your families need great school counseling programs.
S.A.F.E. TEAM could qualify to support your schools counselors by actively engaging families in your school.
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL COUNSELING GRANT
Web site: http://www.ed.gov/programs/elseccounseling/applicant.html.
Purpose: The purpose of the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling program is to support efforts by LEAs to establish or expand elementary and secondary school counseling programs.
• Application Deadline Date: February 26, 2010
• Estimated Available Funds: $15,437,591
• Estimated Average Size of Awards: $350,000
• Maximum Award: $400,000 per year (for each year of funding requested)
Estimated Number of Awards: 44
Connecting with Your Child’s School Counselor for a Successful School Year
This information was copied from the American School Counselor Association website
Connecting with Your Child’s School Counselor for a Successful School Year
1. Understand the expertise and responsibilities of your child’s school counselor. School counselors make a measurable impact in every student’s life, assisting with academic, career and personal/social development. Professional school counselors are trained in both educating and counseling, allowing them to function as a facilitator between parents, teachers and the student in matters concerning the student’s goals, abilities and any areas needing improvement. School counselors provide services not only to students in need, but to all students.
2. Meet or contact your child’s school counselor at least three times per school year. The beginning of a school year is an excellent opportunity to initiate contact with your child’s school counselor and doing so can ensure your child’s positive school experience. Find out who the counselor is and what his or her experience and background are. By communicating with one another at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year, parents and counselors can have a definite impact on a child’s success.
3. Discuss your child’s challenges and concerns with the school counselor. As a parent, you know your child best. However, the school counselor can help you better understand your child as a student. It’s important to encourage your child’s expression of needs, hopes and frustrations. School counselors are trained to help your children.
4. Learn about your child’s school and social connections from the school counselor. When you need information or assistance, your child’s school counselor can help you get in touch with the appropriate school officials; learn about school policies on behavior, attendance, and dress; know the school calendar of important dates and stay connected with the school in many other ways. The school counselor can also help you locate resources in the community when you need them.
5. Work with the school counselor to identify resources and find solutions to problems. If your child is having a problem at school, it is important to work with your child’s school counselor to find solutions. Discuss resources available within and outside of the school, and get information on how such programs can benefit your child. Your school counselor can be a valuable partner in your child’s education and preparation for life beyond school.
THIS WEEK is National School Counseling Week
School Counselors: individuals in a school who support the students and families of your school with MANY different needs. Our organization speaks for school counselor conferences all over the USA. The S.A.F.E. TEAM supports the mission of the American School Counselors Association.
Look for great ideas on ASCA's site.
Not One More Child (Feel Empowered as a Child)
I was invited by good friends Amy and LaDonna from Let's Bring Them Home to attend a day training on the PRIDE program at a county sheriff's office. Little did I know the education I was going to receive on the missing and abused children within our communities around this great nation.
Ed Smart, father of Elizabeth, shared his testimony and passion for both the PRIDE and RAD Kids programs. He is a current member of The Surviving Parents Coalition. Ed shared the following, " We want kids to be prepared and NOT scared." After Ed set the tone for the training, Erin Runnion, mother of Samantha, introduced, trained and qualified 20+ attendees as PRIDE Facilitators. PRIDE is a neighborhood plan to watch out for our children. Learn more at The Joyful Child Foundation. Steve Daley, leads the radKIDS Personal Empowerment Safety Education Program. #1 Rule of radKIDS: No one has the right to hurt you. radKIDS goal is to empower children by TEACHING them what to do, not just tell them.
Additionally, a representative from Arkansas Attorney General's office and Colleen Nick, mother of Morgan, participated in the event. The Morgan Nick Foundation was started 14 years ago after Morgan was abducted at a softball field complex. Colleen's message was simple, we need to be proactive as families.
I was privileged to be a part of a great day to listen, learn and be trained in an area I was not familiar with. S.A.F.E. TEAM is a great parent/family program to support our children and schools on campus and at school events. But it also takes parents/families and programs like PRIDE and radKIDS to take it home to our neighborhoods.
Why START a S.A.F.E. TEAM
This presentation was taped while Scott Huse, (Chief Inspirational Officer for S.A.F.E.) delivered the keynote during a state school counselor conference. This 23 minute video will provide you the inspiration and education for understanding, family, education and WHY to START the S.A.F.E. TEAM program within your school or school district.
Grab a sandwich and drink, sit back and listen. Actively engaging families is the key to success in education.
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Definition of Stakeholders
Stakeholders defined: a person, group or organization with an interest in a project.
Have you defined who the stakeholders are in your community. It is important to know how your idea, program or organzation will impact your community and who you need on your team that will receive value from your efforts. Checkout the Value of S.A.F.E. TEAM stakeholders report.