Track Three: Mental Health
Keynote Presentation
General Session Film: Real for Us
Introduction by Vicki Bayer and Ron Haese; discussion led by Lori Stern, education consultant for HIV Prevention and Safe and Supportive Schools, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
From the director of the award winning movie, Edge of Reality, comes this heartbreaking story of how bullying should no longer be considered just "kids being kids." Follow the stories of Holly and Stevie as they navigate their adolescent years, while at the same time dealing with the reality of being the target of bullies.
Sectional Presentations
Participants will attend two of the following presentation:
RETHINK: A High School Bullying Prevention Curriculum
Lori Stern, education consultant for HIV Prevention and Safe and Supportive Schools, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
In this session, Stern will give an overview on research related to bullying and effective bullying approaches that are specific to high schools. Participants will also experience some of the lessons from the RETHINK curriculum created by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Current Issues and Challenges facing LGBTQ youth in Wisconsin and across the United States
Abra Bankendorf Vigna, youth development specialist, Youth Services of Southern Wisconsin
An increasing amount of evidence collected in the state of Wisconsin and across the nation has documented that LGBTQ youth often possess multiple major identity markers (such as gender conformity, race, class and sexual orientation) that place them at an increased risk for health wellness disparities. In this session we will review the evidence, explore theories regarding these disparities and identify both protective factors and opportunities for adults in a variety of policy, administrative and direct service positions to support the youth that they serve.
Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training
Brenda Jennings, education consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
This workshop will help participants recognize the warning signs of suicide and offer ways to help students who exhibit those signs. Participants will leave with resources, updates and general information about suicide prevention.
Teaching a Skill-Based Mini-Unit on Alzheimer’s to High School Students
Jon Hisgen, consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
An estimated 10 percent of families live with a family member diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This three-lesson unit will focus on engaging the issue, presenting critical content on the issue and reviewing a skills-based lesson on communication and self-management. Each participant will receive a copy of the unit to use.
Suicide Prevention Curriculum
Brenda Jennings, education consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Did you know that covering suicide prevention with students is required by Wisconsin state law? This session will discuss the legal requirements for schools, DPI recommendations and best practices around suicide prevention curriculum. Participants will leave this session understanding evidence-based practices on a suicide prevention curriculum, have a grasp of the DPI unit of instruction on suicide prevention and will be more prepared to address suicide prevention with students.
