Americans observe Veterans Day every November 11, and many of us have or will be a part of Veterans Day celebrations throughout this month. It is also a time to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of our military families. These families routinely face separation from their loved ones and adjust to new living situations and communities once every two to three years. It is our duty to care for military families and support them at every turn. The health and safety of our Nation and that of our allies depends on the brave and courageous women and men who serve. They would be unable to focus on their missions if not for the support and reassurance provided to them by their own families and by their communities. The goal of this month's newsletter is to provide the reader with a wealth of resources and connections to equip you with information that can make a difference for military families year-round.
MILITARY FAMILY APPRECIATION MONTH RELATED RESOURCES
MONTH OF THE MILITARY FAMILY: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
IMPORTANT DATES THIS MONTH
NATIONAL SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY WEEK (NSPW)
NOVEMBER 6-10, 2023
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During this week, we celebrate school psychologists and the critical work they do to help students thrive! Amid a national and state shortage of school psychologists, highlighting their work is an opportunity to bring awareness to the positive impact that school psychologists have on the school community. This year's theme, “Let’s Grow Together,” recognizes every aspect of growth as fundamental to effective learning environments and to school psychologists’ role in supporting student well-being and learning. Read more about the inspiration behind the theme on the National School Psychology Association (NASP) "About the Theme" webpage. NASP had created adaptable resources for the theme, and now is a great time to use these resources and start planning for NSPW, if you haven’t already.
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NATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT MONTH
This Career Development Month we celebrate the exciting journey of exploring future opportunities and the vital role played by educators and families in guiding the way. At its core, career development is about empowering the leaders of tomorrow and helping our students unlock their potential to pave the way to a fulfilling and successful future.
Career development is an important aspect of a student's academic journey. It helps students understand their interests, strengths, and weaknesses, and provides them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen path. As educators, consider the ways you can provide all students with the support and guidance they need to explore different career options and make informed decisions about their future.
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UPDATES AND HIGHLIGHTED RESOURCES FROM OSSS
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Stopping the Domino Effect: Supporting Students After a Suicide Risk or Threat Assessment Webinar Recording
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When schools conduct a threat or suicide risk assessment, teams convene to discuss the level of threat and determine what immediate actions need to occur to ensure everyone’s safety. What happens after the assessment is complete? How can we use the results of the assessment to design a support plan for the student(s) involved to prevent future threats of violence? To prevent future incidents and address the root cause of the threat, schools cannot respond with disciplinary action alone.
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This webinar will be presented by specialist in the Office of Specialized Student Services, VDOE. Attendees will gain an understanding of how to design a plan of support after a threat or suicide risk assessment that offers ongoing support and reduces the risk of future violence. We will discuss the importance of determining the root cause of the threat intentionally selecting interventions. When we do these well, we can promote student sell-being and prevent more serious threats from occurring.
Stopping the Domino Effect: Supporting Students After a Suicide Risk Assessment or Threat Assessment Webinar Recording
*This webinar was initially hosted on November 1, 2023, by OSSS Staff.
Level Up Virginia Website is Live
VDOE is thrilled to announce that the Level Up Virginia website is now live and ready for you to explore! Level Up Virginia (LUV) is a statewide initiative led by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Our mission is to increase postsecondary readiness, enrollment and completion for all students in the Commonwealth. We’re committed to making college access information easily understandable and accessible for students of all backgrounds.
Financial Aid Webinar Series
November 15 FAFSA Training: Join us for the upcoming FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) training session, where you'll learn how to navigate the application and the new updates. FAFSA Training Registration Form
December 12 VASA Application Training: Prepare for the VASA (Virginia Application for State Aid) application with our upcoming training session. This training guides you through the steps to support students who may not be eligible to complete the FAFSA. VASA Application Training Registration Form
Recordings Available: Couldn't make it to previous webinars? No worries! You can access the recordings of the Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile sessions. These resources are invaluable for understanding the financial aid process.
This video provides an overview of the Transfer Virginia initiative and portal specifically for high school counselors and those working with high school students. Learn how to make the most of this resource.
November 29-December 1, 2023, in Virginia Beach. Sessions will cover a broad range of topics in access and attainment, from beginner to advanced level complexity, there will be something for everyone, including campus- and community-based organizations, school counselors and administrators, and higher education professionals. Plus enjoy networking opportunities, fun social activities, and new this year, a College & Career Fair featuring representatives from institutions across the Commonwealth!
Previous OSSS Bulletins
Newsletter Subscription Information and Twitter
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