The Fairfax County Council PTA (FCCPTA), representing over 160+ school PTAs and the Fairfax Special Education PTA (SEPTA) have joined together to address the use of restraint and seclusion in FCPS. To view the revised FCPS policy, click here, and to view the SEPTA position statement (also adopted by FCCPTA board) click here.
Read this article for next steps and how you can help advocate for a trauma informed FCPS.
Read MoreAdvocates are preparing for the upcoming 45-day session of the VA General Assembly. Follow the Voices blog for news about the Governor’s proposed budget (coming soon) and opportunities to advocate. Teams are being formed focused on Early Childhood, Foster Care, and The Campaign for a Trauma-Informed VA/Racial Truth & Reconciliation.
https://vakids.org/our-news/blog
https://vakids.org/.../blog/racial-truth-reconciliation-va
Read MoreFormed Families Forward- Check out their website and give them a follow on social media to stay informed about their offerings, which currently include a twice monthly IN PERSON peer support group for teens and young adults, and regular webinars covering topics that will be of interest to many TICN members and the families you serve. https://formedfamiliesforward.org/
Read MoreLifelong Learning from Virginia Theological Seminary offers this complimentary retreat in gratitude for our supporters from 9:00 - Noon on Friday, December 11 on Zoom.
Register today using this link: Register today!
Department of Family Services- A schedule of upcoming parenting classes is attached to this message. Classes are being offered virtually, and upcoming offerings include ARC Reflections, a course for parents who have a child who has been impacted by trauma. Calendar in article.
Read MoreFrom the Office for Children’s Neighborhood School Readiness Teams- They are currently having some small group virtual meetings on topics of interest (e.g., mental health support, needs of preschool directors) and will continue to have these periodic meetings. If there are topics any of you want to suggest for small group, virtual meetings or you want to participate in the groups, please let Elaine know- p.elaine.barker@fairfaxcounty.gov
Read MoreOn November 5th, Governor Northam signed the Marcus-David Peters Act, a new law requiring the implementation of new co-responder models to mental health crisis across Virginia. The law, named for Marcus-David Peters, a black man who was shot and killed by Richmond police in 2017 while suffering a mental health crisis, will create a system where mental health clinicians work alongside law enforcement to address mental health crisis calls. This system aims to de-escalate situations involving an individual with a mental health concern without the use of force. We commend Governor Northam for signing this into law.
Read MoreMany Native/Indigenous tribes have a worldview that centers around connectedness, strong family bonds, adaptability, connection to nature, wisdom of elders, meaningful traditions, and strong spirit, all of which could serve as protective factors for mental health.* Despite these protective factors, Native/Indigenous people in the U.S. report 2.5 times more serious psychological distress in a month than the general population. In addition, poverty rates among Native/Indigenous people are almost twice that of the general population, making access to treatment difficult.
Read MoreYouth MOVE VA is piloting a new program aimed at promoting resiliency in young adults. They are looking for youth and young adults to take part in this 6-hour workshop on December 14, 15 and 16th from 6-8pm. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, register here by November 29th at 11:59pm.
Read MoreIn this week's Healthy Minds podcast. Dr. Ronne Lancaster shares important information on actions families can take to help their students cope with the ongoing pandemic. Action strategies relating to managing screen time, building personal resilience, and the importance of recognizing one another’s positive strengths and seizing times to turn current challenges into positive opportunities to move forward. Listen to the podcast.
Read MoreThe Fairfax County Youth Survey is a comprehensive, anonymous and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 that examines behaviors, experiences and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. Results from the 2019-2020 school year are now available; read 5 things you need to know about the results, or check out the full report. Read coverage from the Tysons Reporter, or listen to the FCPS Healthy Minds Podcast about the survey.
Read MoreIn November, our wellness activities focus on living a tobacco-free lifestyle, including resources to quit vaping. Join CSB’s Wellness, Health Promotion & Prevention team by taking part in individual and community-wide actions that you can take – virtually and from a safe distance – that promote resiliency, provide support to loved ones and stay connected. Get the calendar.
Read MoreNov. 16: REVIVE! virtual class – Overdoses can happen in unexpected situations – a social gathering, a school event, with a friend or family member, or other community event. CSB’s Wellness, Health Promotion & Prevention team is offering free online REVIVE! opioid overdose reversal classes that will provide you with the knowledge and confidence you need to potentially save a life during an opioid overdose emergency.
Read MoreBraveTV was developed to bring stories of hope to the homes of our audience during the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode focuses on the stories of Veterans as they share their stories around mental health.
Read MoreIn this week's podcast, learn about Healthy Minds’ short-term behavioral health resources and peer support partners (available at low or no cost) that can help struggling children and teens across Fairfax County.
Read MoreHello 7th-12th Grade Families,
I hope you all are doing well and staying safe.
I want to highlight a few upcoming events happening at the church this week.
This Monday, November 9th, 12 - 2 PM, is our outdoor homeroom. This is a chance for 7th-12th grade students to get outside, be in the parking lot surrounded by friends and nature, and get homework done. It’s going to be a beautiful day to be outside! Plus, today we are going to be visited by a therapy dog set up by our amazing Abiding Fellow Laurel. Masks will be worn at all times and social distancing will be enforced. If you have never tried outdoor homeroom before, today is a great day to do so!
This Tuesday, November 10th, 4 -5 PM, our 9th and 10th graders have the chance to meet with Mr. Jon and Mr. Andrew for small groups. In small groups we explore how our lives and faith intersect and interact. It is a time and place to ask profound questions and think about them with the group. This is a time for everyone, no matter where they find themselves in their faith journey. We have had a great group of students joining us each week and we’d love to welcome a few more of our 9th and 10th graders to the conversation.
This Thursday, November 12th, 3 - 5 PM, I am back to doing driveway visits. If you want a chance to chat with Mr. Jon one on one in the comfort of your front driveway, please reach out (jon@abidingpresence.net) to set up a time.
This Friday, November 13th, 7 - 8:15 PM is Friday Night Lights. Please sign up in advance here at abidingpresence.net/youth. Parents, please sign up to volunteer as well as these events take a lot of parent support.
Our Abiding Fellows (11th & 12th grade) will be meeting two times this week, in person on Monday 1:30 -2:30 PM, and online on Wednesday from 7:30 - 8:30 PM.
We will continue to follow our safety protocol and ask everyone to wear a mask at all in-person events.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas as we head into fall, please do not hesitate to be in touch.
Blessings,
Mr. Jon
Sleep quality can make the difference in maintaining a daily routine, promoting academic learning, and supporting general health. However, with the many changes… children may have more difficulty recognizing and following a set schedule which includes time for sleep.
When youth do not get enough sleep, they may experience problems with emotional regulation, mood, behavior, and academic performance. Important cognitive abilities for learning are more likely to be impaired, such as attention, memory, and planning.
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) recommends these six research-based strategies to help improve the quality of your children's sleep.
Read More
