By TR Robertson
The mission of the Youth Enrichment Services (YES) in Carlsbad Unified is to be instrumental in creating a positive environment and safety net for young people in Carlsbad and the surrounding community to flourish and grow by collaborating with agencies and organizations that help young people thrive and resist negative influences. The January Zoom meeting featured a power point presentation by Heather Nemour, Program Specialist, about the San Diego County Office of Educations program in dealing with Student Wellness and School Culture.
SDCOE provides service to forty-two school districts and their 783 schools in the county. They provide Professional Development, Technical Assistance, Student, Staff and Caregiver Wellness and County Wide, Communities and Coalitions Assistance. SDCOE supports the mental health and wellness of school, staff, students, and parents while promoting positive school climate, practices, policies, and systems. Since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, Mental Health has become the #1 source of disability worldwide. One in four COVID deaths in the U.S. left a child without a parent or caregiver. Along with this 100,000 have died from overdose, an all time high. Fifty-six per cent of high school students report they are more stressed about school and teachers report they have fifty per cent less contact with students and students report they have forty per cent less contact with their peers.
The Pandemic has had a significant impact on schools, staff, parents, and students. Staff and student stress and anxiety levels have gone up. There have been staffing shortages in all schools and large numbers of staff out on sick level. Staff has reported a rise in burn-out levels, many choosing to leave their positions. There is also a report in student behavior challenges for staff and administration as well as a magnified mental health challenges.
SDCOE has put together a series of resource measures designed for staff, student, and parents. All of these handouts and videos are available in English and Spanish. One of the handouts available to students is the Teen Guide to Mental Health & Wellness. Phone numbers and videos are available for students needing help with issues of abuse, suicide, Trans Life, Domestic Violence in the home. The phone numbers are both a hotline and a warm line. The warm lines are designed for students who just need someone to speak with. Wellness tips are also provided, such as Finding Calm, Getting a Daily Routine, Digital Well Being, Balancing Time and Treating Yourself with Compassion. Videos are available for each topic. There are also a series of Apps available on Mental Health or Mental Discomfort issues as well as a Self-Care Tool Kit students can personalize.
SDCOE also focuses on teachers who need assistance. One handout is Back to School Tips or Teachers. It lists eight guidelines in supporting student mental health and well-being during this unprecedented time. Other handouts available deal with Adult Wellness and Prioritizing Staff Wellness and Caregiver Wellness. The SDCOE Wellness Center provides access to support, take a break, rest and refocus, provide calming activities and games that can help in these areas. All of these come with handouts and videos. Some additional examples of topics that can be accessed include Positive Thinking, Museums Around the World, Windows of the World, Gratitude and Stress & Anxiety Relief. Also available is an On-line Suicide Prevention training for Middle School and High School students. Visit https://www.sdcoe.net/student-srvices/student-support/Pages/Student-Wellness-and-School-Culture.aspx .
Additional Reports:
Kathy Kinane – reported on success of Miles of Smiles running program in Oceanside
Margaret Hamer from the City of Carlsbad reported the Carlsbad Senior Centers are opening with a variety of programs
Mira Costa College reported they have a number of innovative programs available – contact gbeas@miracosta.edu
Laura Mendez introduced herself as the new Head Librarian for the Outreach Program. Laura.Mendez@carlsbadca.gov
Bryan Snyder reported on a soon to be available Mural Wall Project for young people in Carlsbad
Megan Arias, Director of Secondary Education for Carlsbad Unified reported on a presentation that will be held at Sage Creek and Carlsbad High School concerning developing career pathways education programs. This will be on March 3rd at 4:30 and will include presentations and project demonstrations showcasing the program.
