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Message from the president
Welcome back to the start of another school year. I hope that you returned refreshed and ready to take on the duties that we all must accomplish. It always amazes me how much work and time is required to get the nurse’s office up and functioning at the beginning of the school year. I know that it is the same for all our departments as you prepare to meet the needs of our students and staff.
If you attended our 19th PSEA Department of Pupil Services Annual Conference, you know that it was a fantastic conference. After 18 years, we welcomed a new venue, The Nittany Lion Inn, State College, Pa. This new location offered a welcoming atmosphere, attractive guest rooms, and suitable rooms for the conference. I know that all who have attended the conference in the past appreciated this venue change.
If you did not attend our conference, you should consider attending our 20th Annual Conference in 2020. The DPS committee works very hard to identify appropriate session topics for all DPS sections. We do our best to find great speakers who are knowledgeable on the issues. This year we had an exceptional slate of speakers. The cost is reasonable, and Act 48 hours are plentiful.
If you have not experienced this conference, you are missing a great experience, so please plan on attending next year.
-Louise Tharp, DPS president, Certified School Nurse in Warren County School District
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2019 conference highlights
The 2019 PSEA Department of Pupil Services Annual Conference was a tremendous success. Approximately 300 DPS professionals gathered in the Nittany Lion Inn, and they left with the tools and resources needed for the new school year. Attendees found inspiration by the commitment made by everyone around "educating the whole child."
Lisa Zoll, LCSW, an instructor from Temple University, and Lynn Shiner, former Director of PA Office of Victims' Services, enlightened attendees on a new approach in thinking through the grief process called "a grief trajectory." This process eliminates a time frame for grief, and allows grievers to focus on their journey.
Dr. Jonathan Foulds, a professor of Public Health Sciences and Psychiatry from Penn State University, presented some captivating evidence on the health risks of using e-cigarettes versus combustible tobacco cigarettes. Dr. Foulds stated that using e-cigarettes (i.e., vape pens, e-hookahs, mods, Blue, and Juul) may help adults who smoke combustible tobacco cigarettes quit smoking. However, he stated that e-cigarette use among youth increases the risk of starting to smoke combustible tobacco cigarettes. For more resources, please visit nationalacademies.org, www.tobaccofreekids.org and www.thetruth.com.
Deb McCoy, the Student Assistance Program Coordinator for Compass Mark, examined the current social media trends and digital connections of today's youth and the latest research addressing the rise in youth mental health issues. Attendees were given insight into helping youth develop person-to-person connections and relationships. For more resources, please visit smartsocial.com and commonsense.org.
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During the "Trauma-Informed" breakout session, school psychologists Meredith and Jolee Harclerode expanded the audience's perspective on children impacted by developmental trauma. Attendees were encouraged to love and support their students since students learn best when they feel safe and secure. They remarked that school staff should recognize and highlight student strengths using restorative practices that help create safe classroom environments.
Jennifer Statler, PSEA Assistant Director of Government Relations, trained DPS members to be advocates for children and public education. Members learned how to channel their passion for their profession and to share their unique stories with state legislators. She stated that elected representatives want and need our antidotes about how specific legislation is impacting our students and schools. For more information, visit www.psea.org.
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More conference highlights
Dr. Kathy Minnich, a school social worker from the Northeastern School District presented “The Role of Pupil Services in Multi-Tiered Systemic Support.”
Dr. Minnich’s presentation included an explanation of how she was able to increase the level of mental health services within her school district. This multifaceted approach included building community partnerships, leveraging grant money, and developing relationships with colleagues within the district to ensure that all students have multiple opportunities to access mental health services. Her efforts served to raise awareness about social work and other pupil services, giving colleagues a “place at the table.” Dr. Minnich also provided guidance as to how professional colleagues “can be certain that their voices are heard, and their expertise honored.”
Jennifer Frank, Ph.D., from Penn State University, gave a presentation to school psychologists, which exposed them to a whole new view on self-care. She noted that when we hear the term "self-care," our minds go to exercising, eating right, and better stress management. Dr. Frank explained that stress should not be avoided because it's part of living. She emphasized that we should put more of our focus on addressing the "daily hassles" that are the source of most toxic stress. For example, of two biggest daily hassles for school psychologists are work overload and insufficient support from administrators. Dr. Frank emphasized “not to suffer alone and that you should reach out to other school psychologists in your district, county, state, and across the country to problem-solve.”
In closing, Dr. Frank introduced the idea of the PERMA+ model. "The PERMA what?" you ask. Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment, and general wellness are ways to challenge toxic stress. Where is the pleasure and joy in your life? Are you involved in something in an energized way? Do you have a few good relationships? Where is the meaning in your life? Do you feel accomplished, and if not, what are your goals? Lastly, do you make some effort toward taking in healthy food, activity, and restful sleep? She provided attendees with diagnostic surveys, which were fun to take and use for reflection. However, you too, can benefit by asking these questions of yourself and nurturing the answers.
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Thank you, DPS members
DPS members generously donated books in conjunction with the conference. The books will go to the Capital Area Head Start. CAHS gives more than 1,100 children a head start in life, empowers parents, and strengthens families in Central PA. Thank you to all DPS members who helped make this book donation drive a success!
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Legislative alerts
Just as you’ve recently returned from your summer break, legislators are now coming back to Harrisburg: Below are bills that did not pass in the spring session and may be considered this fall.
$45K Minimum Salary – HB 1545 (Sen. Schwank, Rep. Toohil, Rep. Mullins) – referred to House Education Committee-SUPPORT – increases the minimum salary for educators from $18,500 to $45,000.
School Social Worker Certification - HB 390 (Rep. Miller) – referred to House Education Committee – SUPPORT – directs PDE to create a certification for school social workers.
Depression Screening - SB 199 (Sen. Regan) – referred to Senate Education Committee – SUPPORT – provides for depression screenings to be conducted in conjunction with the 6th- and 11th-grade physical; formerly SB 1181 and HB 2095 of 2017-2018.
Increasing Access to School Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers, & Nurses - SB 749 (Sen. Costa) – SUPPORT - provides for ratios for DPS professionals and certification for school social workers.
Delegation of Nursing Care Tasks – Co-sponsorship Memo (Rep. Cox) – OPPOSE – provides nurses the authority to delegate nursing care tasks to non-licensed personnel.
Dental Screenings by Dental Hygienists – HB 994 (Rep. Fee) – OPPOSE - allows PHDHPs to perform dental screenings to comply with the dental mandate.
PSEA is actively monitoring legislation that could impact members and our schools. Please watch your email for updates and be certain to contact your legislators on issues that impact your students and your schools. Remember – when it comes to school health – YOU are the expert!
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Changes to compulsory school age
As you may have read, as part of the recent state budget agreement, the compulsory school age in Pennsylvania has been changed. These changes will go into effect beginning in the 2020-21 school year and will require all students to attend school no later than age 6 until age 18 or graduation, whichever occurs sooner. Further details will be shared as they become available.
Currently (2019-20 school year), school attendance laws require that students enter school no later than age 8 (or age 6 for children living in Philadelphia). All students must attend school until they turn 17 or graduate, whichever comes first. A "school" can include a regular public school, a charter school, a cyber charter school, a licensed private or religious school, or an approved homeschooling program which has specific requirements under state law.
Once a child is enrolled in school, for Grade 1 or above, they must attend school even if they have not yet reached age 8 (or 6 in Philadelphia). Parents may withdraw their child from kindergarten before the formal age(s) if they later decide that the child is not ready for school.
The Education Law Center has a useful fact sheet for parents about the new law, along with other information including "working papers" exclusions from the attendance laws for older children, truancy and excused and unexcused absences. This document, entitled "Truancy and School Attendance in Pennsylvania: FAQs" will be a useful source for educators. Sept-2019-truancy-and-school-attendance-faqs.pdf
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School safety
Charlene Koretz, PSEA member and school nurse, from the Colonial School District has been appointed to Pennsylvania’s School and Security Committee, which is part of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Congratulations on your appointment, Charlene. We’re glad you’re able to share your expertise with this group!
Additionally, Act 18 of 2019 made modifications to Act 44 of 2018 as it relates to school safety and security grant program funding. Check out PSEA’s school safety page for a convenient summary of uses for grant funding and other key resources and talking points. Act 18 also requires the creation of a Model Trauma-Informed Approach Plan which school entities that apply for School Safety and Security Grants for trauma-informed approaches to education must use.
2019-20 Safety Grant Timeline:
Sept. 9, 2019 – Release of funding announcements:
- $18.72 million for Meritorious grant applications, ranging from $30,000-$45,000 per district depending upon average daily membership.
- $33.78 million for Competitive grant applications, capped at $450,000 per school entity.
Nov. 4, 2019 – Close both funding announcements.
Nov. 2019 to January 2020 – Review and scoring of applications.
Feb. 2020 –Formal consideration and approval for all grant awards.
Please note one change from last year. The School Safety and Security Commission may award in whole or in part a request made by a school entity in its grant application based upon the merit of a specific item requested.
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We need to hear from you!
Please reach out to your region representative today to share your concerns, questions, and success stories!
PSEA DPS and SNS committee’s welcome new region representatives, Drew Yingling, Patti Dempsey, Torrie Seward-Sparks, and Kelly Keegan, and returning member Maggie Beall as the representative from PSEA-Retired!
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Save the date
School Psychology Awareness Week
Nov. 11-15, 2019
National School Counseling Week
Feb. 2, 2020
National School Social Worker Week
March 1, 2020
National Dental Hygienists Week
April 5, 2020
National School Nurse Day
Wednesday May 6, 2020
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400 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
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This content is intended for PSEA members and their immediate families.
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