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Volume 6, Issue 3 December 2015
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Director's Message
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Last month, we hosted our 3rd Annual Resource Fair and Symposium at the California Endowment Center.
Over 60 agencies were present at the Resource Fair to provide District staff and Community Partners with resources to support our students and families. The Symposium hosted over 80 LAUSD and community leaders who viewed a special screening of our new program video (Click here to view) and heard from a student panel, moderated by Board Member Mónica García and from our Board President Steve Zimmer. I would like to thank everyone for attending and making the event a great success.
Congratulations to Lora Palacios, Pupil Services and Attendance Counselor (PSAC) at Belvedere Middle School in Local District East. Lora was featured in the California Educator magazine, October 2015 edition in an article titled, "Making it Through Middle School". Lora shared her experience as a PSA Counselor through a home visit with one of her students to highlight the importance of preventing middle school dropouts. The article also discussed how independent study, the School Attendance Review Board and other interventions provided by a PSAC can help to prevent a student from dropping out of school. Thank you Lora for your continuous dedication and hard work on behalf of our students.
Last but not least, I wish all of you a safe and joyous Winter Break. Enjoy this time with your loved ones. I look forward to seeing you all again and continuing our work in 2016.
Respectfully,
Erika F. Torres
Director
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3rd Annual Resource Fair & Symposium
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Upcoming Important Dates
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3 New Counselor Training
21
Winter Break Begins
January 2016
1/08
Winter Break Ends
1/11 Second Semester Starts
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Truancy Automation
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Central Automation of
Initial NOT Letters
Schools may utilize the Uncleared Absences Report and the Unresolved Absences Screen to clear absences and help identify students who may qualify for truancy classification. Click on the link to the
MiSiS job aids.
Schools may access the Truancy Report and the Mailed Truancy Letter Report by clicking on the link to
EZ Access and logging in.
Schools must manually identify students for truancy letters 2 and 3. You can access the MS Word versions of the NOT letters by clicking on this link:
NOT Letter Updates.
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LOCAL DISTRICT AND SCHOOL BASED SUPPORT
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LOCAL DISTRICT CENTRAL
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Engaging our Students at Local District Central Schools: Celebrating Three Amazing Pupil Services and Attendance Counselors
In Local District Central, it is important to celebrate 25th day increments to build consistency with attendance awareness and engage students and staff in fun activities that create memorable experiences. On September 25, 2015, at Dr. Maya Angelou Community High School, celebrating the "25th day of school" was a big hit. Students were recognized in front of their peers in the quad area during lunch time. The 100 students with perfect attendance also had no tardies and each received a recognition certificate signed by Omar Del Cueto, Principal and Letisia Alvarado, Pupil Services and Attendance (PSA) Counselor and a Golf N' Stuff attendance award for a free round of miniature golf game.
 In preparation for the 50th day of instruction at West Vernon Elementary "A Day Without Absence" was celebrated and enjoyed by staff, students, parents, and outside community agencies. The students were welcomed to school on Thursday, October 22, 2015 with cheers "pom-poms", and paparazzi. Sylvia Bolanos, Pupil Services and Attendance Counselor collaborated with LAPD Officer Dawson, from Newton Police Division and provided an anti-bullying workshop for parents. The following week, on October 29th, Officer Dawson also addressed the students in K-5 about anti-bullying and Halloween safety.
At Roybal Learning Center, Esther Vargas, PSA Counselor in collaboration with Eric Burns, Attendance Improvement PSA Counselor celebrated their 50th day of instruction with a movie night event. At Roybal LC, to encourage school wide attendance (the day before Halloween is often notorious for a large number of absences), the school decided to give those students making the 96% Club the VIP movie experience.
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LOCAL DISTRICT EAST
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Don't Be a Bully!
Bullying is a problem at many schools and it can impede on a child's ability to function as well as their want/ability to attend school and to be successful academically. Last school year, Reidiny Martinez, Pupil Services and Attendance Counselor at Sheridan St. Elementary, worked with many parents and students who cited incidents of bullying as reasons not to come to school.
This school year, Ms. Martinez, with the support of staff at Sheridan Elementary School, is implementing an anti-bullying program. Together with the school psychologist, Ms. Martinez developed an anti-bullying program that included lesson plans, positive behavior modeling, and positive reinforcement for good behavior. The foundation of Sheridan's anti-bullying program was taken from the book, "How Full Is Your Bucket?" for kids. Each teacher was provided with lesson plans and the book to share and utilize with their students.
 Ms. Martinez helped organize anti-bullying assemblies, which included student skits and starred the school mascot, "The Mighty Owl." Each skit modeled positive behavior and reminded them to be like Sheridan's Mighty Owl and use positive and affirming comments and remarks in their interactions with others.
The school also instituted the use of two boxes in the Main Office for student comments. One box or "bucket" is for the students' "Fill the Bucket" tickets. The students "fill each other's buckets" by writing positive comments on the tickets that are collected weekly. The bucket filler tickets are read during Monday morning assemblies. The other box is for students to anonymously report any incidents of bullying or mistreatment of other students on campus.
By adopting a positive school-wide culture, anti-bullying program, and focusing on a positive learning environment, Sheridan's students feel welcomed, safe, and motivated to go to school each and every day. Way to go, Ms. Martinez!
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LOCAL DISTRICT NORTHEAST
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 November Attendance Incentive Program
Congratulations to Arleta High School on another creative attendance campaign with a catchy slogan! November can be a challenging month given that LAUSD had a Wednesday off for Veteran's Day and a five-day break for Thanksgiving. To ensure students attend every instructional day during the month of November, the Assistant Principal and Angelica Vanegas, Pupil Services and Attendance Counselor (PSA), came up with a great incentive program.
The school received a commitment for a donation of free churros for all perfect attendance winners, and the slogan is "BE CHURRO TO STAY IN SCHOOL!" Students who attended school every day during November won free churros. The flyer, which was developed and expertly designed by Gregory Achen, PSA Intern at Arleta HS, promoted the incentive program as well as listed important reminders and tips for students and parents.
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LOCAL DISTRICT NORTHWEST
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Home Visits: A Powerful Tool
Federico Ichés is a dedicated Pupil Services and Attendance Counselor who teaches his school the importance of home visits. This year, he is conducting an average of three home visits per day at Sutter Middle School. Mr. Ichés has seen it all; aggressive dogs, gang activity, and extreme poverty in our communities. The goal of a home visit is to uncover the reason for the student's absences and to work with parents/guardians to overcome any barriers impacting the child's regular school attendance. After the home visits, Mr. Ichés shares his experiences and gained knowledge with the school staff to keep them informed as to their student's environment and how this affects their functioning and well-being.
 Home visits are one of the most powerful tools in the Pupil Services and Attendance Counselor's tool box. Mr. Ichés also uses the home visits to promote attendance incentives at his school. This year Mr. Ichés secured tickets to a UCLA football game and utilized them to promote attendance during his home visits. Students who returned to school after Mr. Ichés' home visit and maintained good attendance were entered into a raffle for the UCLA tickets. Twenty students and their families attended the game on November 14th. Way to go Mr. Ichés!
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LOCAL DISTRICT SOUTH
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SARB Training for Interns
On October 28th, Local District South Pupil Services Coordinator, Valerie Corcoran, and SARB Chair, Velma Davis, had the privilege of providing School Attendance Review Board (SARB) training to over ninety School Mental Health (SMH) interns. This is in addition to the training provided to almost a hundred PSA and SMH interns by Local District East SARB Chairs Lissette Gomez-Solano and Yesenia Valadez on October 7th.
 Best practices and educational mandates were thoroughly covered in both seminars. The training stressed that SARB is an intensive intervention that has benefited many families. The opportunity for success increases when a panel of community experts assists parents and students with their specific problems. The highlight of the training came when interns were asked to assist Valerie and Velma with a mock SARB hearing.
Strategically, Valerie ascertained interns' backgrounds to add to the flavor of the mock SARB. For instance, there were interns who had a background in police science. These interns were perfect candidates for probation or police officer representatives. There was an intern who had been a nurse in her former life and she was a natural for the IEP nurse who sits on the panel. The most sterling performance came from the intern who pretended to be the student. She had been a counselor for a suicide hotline and was very familiar with young people in crisis.
Overall, the interns were very impressive and will prove to be valuable assets to our students and our Unit in the future. Everyone agreed that the opportunity to cross-train and collaborate with our Student Health and Human Services staff and interns benefits our individual units, the interns and the families we serve.
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LOCAL DISTRICT WEST
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Our PSA Counselor Luz Torres recognizes "Minion" Reasons to Come to School, Everyday and On Time!
In order to promote LAUSD's 96% attendance goal, Hollywood High School's PSA Counselor Luz Torres launched a three week campaign titled, The "Minion" Reasons to Come to School, Everyday and On Time. PSA Counselor Torres launched the campaign in the beginning of October to get students and school staff motivated about coming to school. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, Ms. Torres created catchy announcements over the PA system to promote the campaign. She also visited classrooms and conducted a small presentation on the importance of school attendance.
 To reinforce the message, miniature minions were given to students so they could record "minion" reasons why they should come to school, every day and on time. Students were receptive to this activity and most reported liking the connection of coming to school with the minion characters. Leadership students were so excited about the campaign, they helped in the creation of the miniature minions and with the campaign promotion.
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SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
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ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM
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The Academic Support and Achievement Program (ASAP) provides targeted, intensive academic support and intervention to improve educational outcomes for identified, high-need foster, probation, and/or at-risk youth. The program provides extended day (afterschool) one-on-one or small group tutoring, implemented by Highly Qualified LAUSD teachers.
As of November, 2015, 66 students have been matched and the teacher tutors have begun meeting with the students in the group homes. ASAP is still recruiting highly qualified LAUSD teachers. Please share with colleagues as applicable.
Visit the Pupil Services website to learn more about the
Academic Support and Achievement Program.
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ATTENDANCE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
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Toy Loan Program Collaboration
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Toy Load Center at 116th Street Elementary.
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Margaret Wirth, Attendance Improvement PSA Counselor at 116th Street Elementary, operates a Toy Loan center to encourage TK/Kindergarten students to come to school every day. The Grand Opening of the Toy Loan center was held on September 21st. The day begun with a parent orientation, followed by classroom orientations, and ended with eligible students borrowing a toy. This program is made possible through collaboration with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services Toy Loan Program.
This Toy Loan Program began during the Great Depression as a way for students to borrow toys when their families could not afford them. Ms. Wirth uses the program as an attendance incentive and a responsibility builder. When TK/Kinder students come to school five days in a row, they get to choose a toy to borrow from the Toy Loan "library". They get to take the toy home for one week. After five weeks of returning their toy on time and in good condition, they earn a "Forever Toy" which is a brand new toy to keep! Every five weeks the Forever Toy gets bigger, culminating in an Honor Party for students who come to school and borrow toys for at least twenty weeks. Students and teachers love the Toy Loan program! 
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JUVENILE HALL /CAMP RETURNEE PROGRAM
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Collaborative Team Meet and Greet
On October 15, 2015, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) and Los Angeles County Probation Department Collaborative Team had a meet and greet meeting. Pupil Services and Attendance (PSA) Counselors from the Juvenile Hall/Camp Returnee Program, Student Discipline and Expulsion Support Unit, LACOE Transition Counselors, and Deputy Probation Officers assigned to work with LAUSD's probation youth were present at this meeting. Special guests include Delinquency Supervising Judge Honorable Donna Quigley Groman, LAUSD Board Member, Mónica García, and Probation Chief, Dave Mitchell. The objective of the meeting was to strengthen the collaboration and rapport amongst staff from the three agencies. The goal is to facilitate a smooth transition of our probation youth from camp to back to the community.
 The Collaborative Team presented and discussed the collaborative agency workflow and communication protocol. Counselors and Deputy Probation Officers had the opportunity to discuss scenarios by working through pre and post vignette activities. The Collaborative Team introduced the Pilot Camp Project which includes Camp Afflerbaugh, Camp Paige, and Camp Rockey. The Pilot Camp Project requires LAUSD PSA Counselors to submit a school recommendation to the LACOE transition counselor prior to the Multi-Disciplinary Team meeting in an effort to make the best and most appropriate school placement for the minor prior to being released. Finally, all three agencies shared best practices, recommendations and strategies in an effort to facilitate the probation youth's transition back to the community.
Visit the Pupil Services website to learn more about the Juvenile Hall/Camp Returnee Program.
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DIPLOMA PROJECT
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 Improving Relationships through Groups
The Diploma Project has expanded its efforts this school year. The program now serves nineteen high schools and twenty middle schools. Re-Entry Diploma Project (DP) Pupil Services and Attendance C
ounselors focus on re-enrolling and re-engaging students that have disconnected and/or dropped out from school. It can be challenging for Re-Entry Counselors to fully integrate into the school community when they have to split their time between two sites.
Gina Tucker-Williams serves our unit as the Re-Entry Counselor at both Crenshaw and Washington Preparatory High Schools. She has found ways to make connections with both the students and  staff at her school sites. Specifically, she assists with the facilitation of a girls group called "Girl Talk" at Crenshaw High School.
The goals of the group are to improve relationships between and among teen girls of color, foster self-identity, team build and improve self-esteem. Presently, the girls are reading the book, Letters to a Young Sister by Hill Harper. The group journals what they have read and Gina co-facilitates discussions around the book's topics with Crenshaw staff member Mrs. Stanton. Gina is using this experience as an opportunity to engage more of the disconnected youth who she encounters throughout this school year.
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FAMILYSOURCE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
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New Economics for Women FamilySource Centers Focus on Building Wellness
"Identifying feelings, Showing your feelings, Formulating "I" statements, Good Listener, Accepting Responsibilities, Responsible Behavior, Manners, Conflict Resolution, Decision Making and Self-Care" were all topics for a psychoeducational group facilitated by Mrs. Karen Alvarado, FamilySource Partnership Program (FSPP) Pupil Services and Attendance (PSA) Counselor at the New Economics for Women FamilySource Center (FSC) in Canoga Park. It was a six week program with the students who participate in the after school program at the FSC. The group curriculum is based on "Sense of Self-SOS!" The SOS model takes the foundation of group work with all its benefits and adds solution-focused approaches in combination with psychoeducational content. Mrs. Alvarado met with the students on Mondays in order to start off the week with new skills to utilize at school and at home.
 The Community Resource Coordinator, Rocio Rodriguez, of New Economics for Women (NEW) FamilySource Center in Van Nuys and the FSPP PSA Counselor, Sylvia Elias, collaborated and conducted outreach at the Monroe Wellness Center's Resource Fair. The objective was to inform community members of the services available at the NEW FamilySource Centers in Van Nuys and Canoga Park. The upcoming Abriendo Puertas parenting classes, Healthy Parenting Nutrition classes, Latino Tech Network computer classes and Learning Center tutoring program for elementary-aged students were highlighted. The radio station Que Buena 105.5/94.3 FM was also there promoting the event. As representatives of the FamilySource Partnership Program, Ms. Rodriguez and Ms. Elias partnered together during the Resource Fair and demonstrated how the LAUSD and FSC services compliment each other.
 This year, the FSPP PSA Counselors are also conducting parent workshops at the FamilySource Centers and at local schools throughout the District. November's Parent Workshop topic is "The Importance of Attendance" and "How to Read a Report Card."
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YOUTHSOURCE CENTER CITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
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Partnering for Success at Los Angeles Harbor YouthSource Center
On July 13, 2015 in response to a YouthSource Pupil Services and Attendance Counselor (PSAC) mailer, Jose Lopez walked into the Los Angeles Harbor YouthSource center. The
mailer was sent out by the PSAC Lorena Garcia and included the resources available at the Center to assist Jose. He was one of many LAUSD students targeted from the dropout list in hopes of re-engaging him back into the education process. During an initial meeting, PSAC Ms. Garcia learned that he was a 2014 expected graduate who didn't pass CAHSEE. He provided copies of his last High School transcript, summer school report card, as well as a grade completion form from Banning Adult School, where he had been concurrently enrolled during senior year. Jose, expressed the desire to attend community college and wanted academic assistance to help him pass CAHSEE so that he could obtain his HS diploma. With the postponement, and then cancellation, of the CAHSEE tests, it was almost impossible for Jose to be able to fulfill the graduation requirements. During one of his visits to the YouthSource Center, he expressed worry and frustration as he was unsure of his future.
 PSACs Lorena Garcia and Estela Robinson collaborated to ensure that Jose's high school transcript was updated to reflect the last class he completed during summer school at Banning HS, as it never recorded when he became inactive. PSAC Lorena Garcia also consulted with AP Imelda Macias, from Harbor Occupational Center, who verified that the course Jose completed at Banning Adult School was reflected in their database. He was provided with an updated transcript to be hand-delivered to Ms. Macias for official evaluation pending passage of AB 172. During the month of October 2015, Jose received a letter of completion verifying that he had met all the requirements for the high school diploma. He expressed gratitude for the assistance and support he received during the past several months. Jose is looking forward to and planning for his first semester at LA Harbor College this coming Spring. Congratulations Jose!
Visit the Pupil Services website to learn more about the
YouthSource City Partnership.
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FOREIGN STUDENT ADMISSIONS OFFICE
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International Education Week
International Education Week occurred the week of November 16th-20th. This week was a great opportunity for the Foreign Student Admissions Office (FSAO) and school sites to honor our foreign exchange students in the LAUSD. The FSAO PSA Counselors collaborated with the Leadership classes at the students' high schools to implement activities for
International Education Week. The following activities were provided/implemented: poster campaigns, recognition assemblies, goody bags, booths and music representing countries from around the world during lunch, and PA announcements. International students had the opportunity to share about their home countries with their peers and school staff. The FSAO is honored to have students from around the world as part of our LAUSD family for the 2015-2016 school year.
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FOSTER YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM
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 Foster Youth Leadership Council
The Foster Youth Leadership Council (FYLC) was established to empower the foster youth of LAUSD. The council is charged with planning, organizing, and implementing a youth led program to educate adults that support them and to raise awareness of youth living in foster care. In addition, the councils efforts are aimed at increasing attendance and graduation rates.
For the academic year 2015-2016, select schools in each Local District will launch their youth councils. The foster youth selected to participate in the council have strong Grade Point Averages or demonstrated leadership skills that are reflected in personal and school interactions. The foster youth selected also exhibit a passion for improving the foster care system, and are interested in educating their peers and school staff about what youth face in the foster care system.
The goals of the council are to educate foster youth about their legal rights, improve high school academic performance, increase social/emotional engagement and support participation in Pathways to College. FYLC provides a safe and confidential environment for foster youth to voice their opinions and shared experiences. In addition, it is our hope that the council will give foster youth the opportunity to make contacts with others and develop a support network. Foster youth will act as trainers; provide valuable insights about their concerns, while learning the legislation that protects their rights.
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GROUP HOME SCHOLARS PROGRAM
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Working Together to Achieve Success
Robert is a 17 year old youth that is doing well academically now, but has struggled within the last several years in trying to fit in at the multiple schools that he has been in. Robert has had at least five school placement changes during his high school years. Most recently, he was evicted from a relative's home and was homeless for several weeks. Despite his homelessness, he continued to attend school regularly. The principal at his school found out that he was homeless and contacted the Department of Children and Family Services, which resulted in him being placed at a group home.
It was his placement at a group home that he came to the attention of Al Chin, Group Home Scholars Program Counselor Liaison. Upon reviewing Robert's STAR test scores, Mr. Chin and Counselor Assistant Cindy Perez noticed that Robert scored very well on the test despite his friendly protestation, "I already know I failed the test!". Immediately after the test, the school held a Student Success Team meeting where the Principal noted that Robert had been coming to school during the entire time that he was homeless and was found reading a book many times in the office. Mr. Chin and Ms. Perez also found out that Robert wanted to join the Navy, so they checked and advocated for him to graduate under AB 167/216. Currently, Robert is enrolled at Johnston CDS where the Principal and her staff are very supportive and committed to helping him successfully graduate under AB 216. Mr. Chin and Ms. Perez also visited with the Naval Recruiting Office to make sure AB 216 would not be a hindrance to being a candidate for the Navy. With all the necessary support, they hope to see Robert fulfill his dream of serving in the Navy soon!
The launching of the Group Home Scholars Program this year has been instrumental in helping group home staff get a better handle on issues that they have come across with students and school staff this school year. Group Home Liaisons are in constant contact with their students and group home staff and make themselves available to assist and attend meetings to help resolve issues that may occur at the school and the group home. Group Home staff expressed their appreciation in having a partner to assist them, and in some cases, take the lead in situations concerning the legal rights of youth in foster care.
Visit the Pupil Services website to learn about the
Group Home Scholars Program.
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HOMELESS EDUCATION PROGRAM
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Continuing the Success Throughout the Holiday Season
The Homeless Education Program has many successes to share. The Operation School Bell on Wheels: Universal Studios Day of Giving event last month was a tremendous success. 250 students were provided clothing and got to spend the day at Universal Studios enjoying rides and festivities.
We also had great success with our National Homeless Youth Awareness Month fundraisers, including Portos, Lilianas and California Pizza Kitchen and
are thankful to all who supported the cause.
Our team, Homeless Education Program (LAUSD), participated in the 2015 United Way Homewalk to End Homelessness on November 21st. We were able to raise nearly $1000 dollars, of which 100% goes directly to serving families in need.
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Operation School Bell on Wheels at Universal Studios with the HEP Staff and Mario Lopez.
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This month, we are holding our annual Sponsor-a-Family project, where over 120 homeless families (over 500 individuals total) will be matched with sponsors for the holidays. Many of our homeless families sleep in cars, motels, garages, and other inadequate living conditions and the holidays are an especially difficult time for the children. Families are referred by PSA Counselors and other Student Health and Human Services professionals throughout the District. Sponsors shop for the families and deliver the gifts to the Homeless Education Program. LAUSD counselors then personally deliver the gifts to the families. Many PSA Counselors participate in this event every year and report that their families are so grateful and appreciative that such generous people who have never met them, would do so much for their children. This project truly brings out the spirit of giving in all of us.
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CLINICAL SUPERVISION
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Effective January 1, 2016, the Board of Behavioral Science's examination process for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) applicants will be changing as follows:
REGISTRANTS MUST TAKE A CALIFORNIA LAW AND ETHICS EXAM:
Those who hold an ASW, MFT Intern or PCC Intern registration will be required to take a California Law and Ethics Exam while a registrant. (The timing for those who do not hold a registration and have applied to take the exams will not change.)
If you hold a renewable registration that expires no later than June 30, 2016, and your application for renewal is postmarked between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2016, you may renew without first taking the Law and Ethics Exam. However, you must take the exam during the following renewal cycle in order to renew next time.
PASSING SCORE REQUIRED FOR SUBSEQUENT REGISTRATIONS:
Effective January 1, 2017: Applicants will be unable to obtain a subsequent (2nd or 3rd) ASW or intern registration without first passing the Law and Ethics Exam.
Effective January 1, 2016: Applicants will be able to obtain a subsequent registration number without passing the Law and Ethics exam. However, such applicants must pass the exam prior to the first registration renewal. The subsequent registration cannot be renewed until the exam has been passed.
NEW LCSW & LMFT EXAMS:
LCSW and LMFT applicants will be required to pass two new exams that replace the existing exams, as follows. Both are written, multiple choice exams. There are no changes to the LEP or LPCC exam types.
- California Law and Ethics Exam. This exam is designed to assess an applicant's knowledge of and ability to apply legal and ethical standards relating to clinical practice. It will replace the Standard Written Exam.
- Clinical Exam. This exam is designed to assess an applicant's knowledge of psychotherapeutic principles and methods in treatment and their application, and the ability to make judgments about appropriate techniques, methods and objectives as applicable to the profession's scope of practice. It will replace the Clinical Vignette Exam.
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FIELD EDUCATION PROGRAM
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The Division of Student Health and Human Services is offering FREE trainings on
Mental Health First Aid (Youth-focused) to Pupil Services Interns. This training is optional and not mandatory for interns.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour evidence based training that provides knowledge about the
 signs and symptoms of mental illness, safe de-escalation of crisis situations and timely referral to mental health services. The use of role-playing and other interactive activities enhance the participants' understanding and skill set to assess, intervene and provide initial help pending referral/linkage to a mental health professional. Participants are also provided information about local mental health resources that include treatment, self-help and other important social supports. MHFA offers trainings that are specific to working with youth (12 yrs - 18 yrs). Individuals certified as MHFA Instructors by the National Council for Behavioral Health provide the training. A training can include a minimum of 15 participants and a maximum of 25 participants. After completing the training and passing an examination, participants are certified for 3 years as a Mental Health First Aiders.
Although all three workshops have been filled, there is still some space available for Wednesday, December 2, 2015 and Wednesday, December 9, 2015. If your intern has not yet signed up please contact Elsa Garcia-Sanda or Teresa Murillo at 213-241-3844.
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LAUSD GRAD VAN SERVICES
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Pupil Services utilizes the Grad Van as part of outreach efforts to engage students, parents and the community. The Grad Van provides a unique means of support and information to families across the district, increasing access to school and community resources for families who may face logistical barriers.
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| Shown in picture from left to right: Judith Fernandez, PSA Aide, Sandra Naranjo, PSA Principal Administrative Analyst, Maricela Velis, PSA Counselor, Ivonne Ayala Argumedo, Interpreter Aide and Nicole Mitchell, SEPA Center Coordinator at the Brazos Abiertos Resource Fair. |
During the month of November, the Grad Van visited two events; Brazos Abiertos Resource Fair at La Placita Olvera and United Way Home Walk at Exposition Park
. Resources were provided at both events to students and families including attendance information, high school graduation requirements, college information, as well as financial aid.
Visit the Pupil Services website to access the flyer and the r
equest form for the Grad Van for an upcoming school event.
Please note: A minimum of three weeks advanced notice is necessary. All requests are reviewed carefully and confirmation of the event is based on van staffing and availability.
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