23 SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING AND WELLNESS Wicomico County Public Schools continues to focus on meeting the academic, social, emotional and behavioral health and well-being of all students and staff while recognizing that some will havemore significant mental health concerns that require specialized support. We are committed to providing the strongest possible support for our students and staff. Key activities to foster student mental health will include but are not limited to: professional development for teachers, administrators, and staff to identify and refer students in need of mental health services; counseling and support services provided by school mental health providers using HIPAA protected virtual ( i.e. doxy.me, etc.) when instruction is virtual; virtual and in-person classroom visits in order to observe and support students when needed and as delineated in IEPs and 504 Accommodation Plans; and tiered supports for students exhibiting indicators of isolation, anxiety, disengagement (such as attendance, behavioral, and/or academic challenges). Supports will also be provided to students and families through close partnership with city agencies and community-based organizations, including the following key activities and supports at the school level: • Intensify efforts to identify, connect with, and provide coordinated supports to students and families experiencing homelessness, transition, food insecurity and medical assistance. • Enhanced focus on unaccompanied youth, newly homeless families, and families experiencing language barriers • Increased outreach to and individualized support to families with medically fragile students, newcomers to the area, pregnant and parenting teens, and other students who are potentially vulnerable or marginalized • Distribution via social media and in print copies, online resource lists for families regarding contacts for shelter, food, medical, education, mental health organizations and agencies Mental health recovery planning emphasizes positive messaging, mental health first aid, kindness matters, controlling fear and anxiety, and the grieving process. WCPS is working with the Health Department and Local Management Board to maximize and reinforce the community resources available. Activities to Support Social and Emotional Well-being of Students: • Mental health staff at school and community sites providing copies of resources and information • Surveying students both formally and informally to determine what services they may need • Elementary counselors teaching the Second Step social-emotional curriculum for Prek to 5th Grade (topics include recognizing emotions, how to be a good friend, bullying prevention, and child protection/safe touch) • Secondary counselors teaching Naviance lessons including self-awareness, determining strengths, career and college counseling • Counselors working with teachers to support students in instruction • Counseling page on each school’s website with activities and resources for students, families, and staff including a referral form for students, parents, and staff to request individualized counseling or assistance
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