September 21, 2017

Dear Colleagues,

There are lots of updates to read through this week so I hope you’re able to spare a few minutes of your busy day to see all of the opportunities available!  A reminder that

NASN2018, NASN’s 50th Annual Conference this coming June will be NASN’s celebration of 50 years of advancing school nursing practice!  As you may know, NASN is now accepting abstract submissions and NASN2018 can benefit from your knowledge. The conference will be held June 30-July 3, 2018 (preconference June 29, 2018) at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland.   If you haven’t already submitted an abstract, please learn more or submit an abstract today.  We encourage school nurses from Massachusetts to share your knowledge and expertise in school nursing practice with colleagues from across the country at this event!  Abstract Deadlines are:
Oral Presentation Submissions: Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Poster Presentation Submissions: Wednesday, February 7, 2018

NASN seeks abstracts that support these learning outcomes:

  • Incorporate the principles of the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing PracticeTM into daily practice to advance student and population health.
  • Identify school nursing trends that have evolved over the last 50 years of NASN.
  • Apply evidence-based best practices that promote student health, academic success and healthy school communities.

Questions? Contact the NASN conference team at 866-627-6767 or abstracts@nasn.org.

And finally, a reminder that we are still looking to hire a temporary, part-time SBIRT Coordinator for our SBIRT in Schools Project.  The position description for this is attached.  Please have anyone interested contact me directly.

Thanks for all you do every day to make life healthier and happier for our students!
Mary Ann, Carol and Janet

“Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.” – Vern Law, baseball player


School Nurses in the News!
Kathy Riley BSN RN NCSN, a school nurse at the Federal Furnace Elementary School in Plymouth has achieved NCSN status!  Congratulations on this accomplishment, Kathy!

Two of our school nursing leaders ran (and finished!) the Run to the Rock race in Plymouth!  Jean Afzali, Regional Consultant for the Metrowest Region, andTracy Rose-Tynes, Clinical Manager of School Health Services for the Cambridge Public Schools…ran into each other at the finish line!  Congratulations to them both!


New School Immunization Requirements:

The 2017-2018 School Immunization Requirements Table included a small change in the requirements for polio vaccine.  Prior to this year, 4 doses of polio vaccine were required for school entry, and school nurses only needed to count the number of doses, without a need to take into consideration the minimum age or interval for each dose.  The School Immunization Requirements Table for this year, now states that the final dose in the polio series must be given on or after four years of age and at least six months after the previous dose, consistent with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations.  This is the case even if the child has already received 4 or more doses of polio vaccine prior to four years of age.

 

We did not anticipate that this change would impact a large number of students, but based on the comments and questions we have received from school nurses, it appears that a fair number of students are affected.  We encourage school nurses to work with these families so that children not compliant with the polio requirement due to minimum age and interval for the final dose receive the additional dose they need.  As long as it has been at least six months since their last dose of polio vaccine and the student is four years of age or older (which probably includes close to all or all affected students), they can receive one more dose of polio vaccine and be in compliance.  It is perfectly reasonable for students to remain in school while families work to get this done.

 

The 2017-2018 School Immunization Requirements Table is linked in this email and can be found by going to our website, www.mass.gov/dph/imm, clicking on “School Immunization” and scrolling down the page to the section “School Requirements and Other Resources.”  This table outlines all of the school immunization requirements.  Unless otherwise noted in the table, school nurses need to only count the number of doses for each vaccine received.  When a minimum age or interval applies, it has been noted in the table.  If you have further questions about polio vaccines, or any school immunization requirements, please call the Immunization Assessment Unit at 617-983-4330 or email immassessmentunit@state.ma.us.


MDPH Suicide Prevention:  The “S” Word:

Please be sure to check out the MDPH’s Suicide Prevention Unit’s program, The “S” Word: The Role of Schools in Preventing Suicide, and consider it as part of your school’s professional development programming.  The purpose of the training is to provide a practical, step-by-step resource for school staff to build a learning environment supporting the needs of students at risk of suicide and/or self-injury. Rather than presenting theories, The “S” Word provides a comprehensive summary of “what works” based on extensive real-life experiences from survivors and experts in the field of suicide prevention.  Here is the URL:  www.mass.gov/dph/suicide-prevention-school-training  (Please note: In order to access the course, you will need to create an account by clicking on the Login/Register tab from the menu).  The training includes a pre-and post-test assessment along with six modules featuring suicide loss survivors, attempt survivors, educators, school administrators, emergency responders, faith leaders, students, and local celebrities, as well as prominent experts in the field of self-injury, suicide prevention, postvention and trauma.


MDPH Immunization Program Newsletter:

See Immunization Newsletter 9.11.17.  If you have any questions about the contents of the newsletter, please contact the following numbers:

  • Vaccine availability, ordering or storage and handling: Vaccine Management Unit – 617-983-6828
  • MIIS related information: MIIS Help Desk – 617-983-4335
  • Immunization schedules and recommendations, VPD disease morbidity, or other immunization related information: Immunization Program Main Number- 617-983-6800

Rebecca Vanucci

Immunization Outreach Coordinator, Immunization Program

(617)983-6534


MDMH Crisis and Trauma: Understanding Psychiatric Emergencies from a Trauma Perspective

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (MDMH) Restraint/Seclusion Prevention Initiative is excited to announce that Janina Fisher, Ph.D (from the Center for Integrative Healing) is back by popular demand! Dr. Fisher will be presenting on Crisis and Trauma: Understanding Psychiatric Emergencies from a Trauma Perspective

When: Wednesday, November 1, 2017, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Where: Saxe Room, Worcester Public Library (Main Branch), 3 Salem Square, Worcester, MA 01608

Register: https://dmhrspigr.eventbrite.com

See the attached MDMH save-the-date flyer for more information.

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 24, 2017 (An email confirmation with additional details will be sent once you’ve registered.)

  • Note:
  • CEU applications will be submitted for: Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Psychologists, Nurses, OTs & Social Workers.
  • If you need accommodations, including ASL interpreters, please make your request to Joel Danforth (joel.danforth@state.ma.us) by Friday, October 6th, 2017

Please do not hesitate to contact (joel.danforth@state.ma.us or 617-626-8174) with any questions or concerns.


Upcoming programs from the BCH Community Education Initiative:

Seminars for Asthma Educators:

Educational programs for Health Care Providers provided by Partners Asthma Center are being held on Saturday, October 28th at Newton-Wellesley Hospital (Becoming an Asthma Educator) and on Saturday, December 9, 2107 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Asthma Management:  What’s New Since the 2007 Guidelines?).  For more information and to register, go to: www.asthmalearning.org

 

Mass PTA Wellness Summit Nov 16, 2017:

Please see attached brochure for the upcoming 2nd Annual Mass PTA Health Summit to be held at the Mass Medical Society Waltham Woods Conference Center. The keynote will be Jessica Minahan. Jessica is certified BCBA expert, international speaker, and author of “The Behavior Code” and “The Behavior Code Companion.” Her books will be available for purchase at the conference. Information about Jessica’s work can be found on her website. http://jessicaminahan.com/ All other presenters and workshops are detailed in the attached brochure. Registration is limited so I encourage you to sign up and secure your seat ASAP! The fee is very reasonable at $45 for non-PTA members and $35 for Mass PTA members. Spanish interpretation will be provided upon request. Registration can be completed on the back of the brochure and payment mailed or can be done electronically at the following link:

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eecfrh9036c6ee11&llr=ei75picab&showPage=true

Please share widely with your networks! Thank you!


Funding Opportunities:

Grants for Organizations and K-12 Schools  to Inspire Youth to BE FEARLESS BE KIND This Fall

 

The world needs the empathy, compassion, and kindness of youth now more than ever. YSA is partnering with Hasbro’s signature philanthropic initiative, BE FEARLESS BE KIND, to encourage young people to stand up for others, include everyone, and take action when they see a problem. 

To provide opportunities for young people across the country to #LeadASAP, YSA and Hasbro will award BE FEARLESS BE KIND Grants of $500, $1,000, or $2,000 to nonprofit organizations and K-12 schools (public, private, and independent) in the United States.

Grants will support high quality, youth-led community projects that take place between late September – December 15, 2017 where youth address meaningful local and global issues through Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy and acquire the skills they need to be successful in life – empathy, creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

Applications will be accepted and grants awarded on a rolling basis until October 31, 2017 at 5 PM Eastern time. Learn more and apply atwww.YSA.org/BFBKGrants

APPLY FOR A GRANT TO INSPIRE YOUTH TO BE FEARLESS BE KIND

 

Apply for a $500 Disney Be Inspired Grant by September 30 to Support Your Fall Service Activities  

Disney is committed to strengthening communities around the world through volunteerism and wants to know what you’re going to do to help make your community healthier, greener, and stronger – creating a brighter tomorrow. Starting this fall, Disney, through YSA, will offer $500 Disney Be Inspired grants to kids who plan to implement volunteer projects in their community. Click here for new resources, ideas and examples to help you get started. 

 

Once you’ve chosen a project for the fall, visit www.YSA.org/BeInspired to apply for a $500 Disney Be Inspired Grant. All youth in the United States, ages 5-18, are eligible to apply through September 30, 2017. Youth can also apply on behalf of a class, an afterschool program, or a group in a youth development or community-based organization. 4-H, After-School All-Stars, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, Camp Fire, FCCLA, Girls Inc., Girl Scouts, The Y (YMCA), and YWCA groups are especially encouraged to apply.

APPLY FOR A DISNEY BE INSPIRED GRANT BY SEPTEMBER 30
  Awards for Youth Who Stand Strong Against Disasters

As the nation responds to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma as well as the wildfires in the Western U.S., YSA willrecognize young people who are standing strong against disasters.

 

We’re looking for creative and innovative ideas from youth who are providing immediate relief to those affected by recent disasters, supporting long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts, and helping prepare their own communities for disasters. Awards of $250, $500, and $1,000 will be awarded in each of three categories:

?        Disaster Relief

?        Disaster Recovery & Rebuilding

?        Disaster Preparedness

Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, September 20 at 5 PM Eastern time. Apply atwww.YSA.org/standstrong

TELL US HOW YOU STAND STRONG AGAINST DISASTERS

UPCOMING SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
National Preparedness Prep Month

September is National Preparedness Month – a reminder that we must all take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for all the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, go to school, work, or visit. September 30 is National PrepareAthon! Day. https://community.fema.gov or https://www.ready.gov/september

Plan Ahead…

STORIES OF SERVICE
Everyday Young Heroes: The Carr Sisters

 

Bridget, Charlotte, and Lucy Carr (11, 9, and 8, Wyckoff, New Jersey) had been searching for a volunteer opportunity they could take part in together, but every time they had an idea it turned out they were too young. They then saw a tweet from one of their favorite soccer players, Raquel Rodriguez of Sky Blue FC and the Costa Rica national team about an incredible organization called Soccer Without Borders (SWB). With some help from their father, they decided to join the SWB’s Ambassador program and they started a Greater Goals fundraiser focused on SWB’s programs for girls in Granada, Nicaragua and Kampala, Uganda.

 

Bridget, Charlotte, and Lucy set up social media accounts to spread the word about SWB’s work and sent many emails and messages to local soccer clubs, media members, and professional soccer players. Their club, World Class FC, made a $500 donation to the campaign. Several other people from the club also made personal donations. They also teamed up with another non-profit, called Positive Tracks, whose motto is “Youth + Athletics + Philanthropy = The New Awesome.” Their hope is that kids like them across the country will be inspired to start their own Greater Goals campaign for SWB or give back in some other ways.

 

Do you know a young person, age 5-25 that is creating extraordinary change in your community? Nominate them for an Everyday Young Hero award.

RESOURCES & TRAININGS
XQ Super School Live Telecast

For the past 100 years, America’s high schools have remained virtually unchanged. Yet the world around us has transformed dramatically. It’s time to turn the American spirit of ingenuity towards our high schools and come together as a nation to give our students the education they deserve. Last week, some of the biggest names in entertainment joined students, parents, educators and more for a must-see television event. Watch it and find out how to get involved.

Webinar: Development is Relational… A Thought Leader Conversation with Search Institute CEO Kent Pekel

Wednesday, September 20 at 1:30 Eastern

We all know that young people are more successful when they not only have academic knowledge, but also the social and emotional skills and mindsets needed to navigate life, college and work. Join Karen Pittman as she spends an hour with Kent Pekel, President and CEO of the Search Institute, to learn more about the Developmental Relationships Framework, a powerful new tool the Search Institute is using to help all adults – teachers, youth workers and most importantly families – understand and focus their actions to contribute to youth success.

 

Webinar: 5 Effective Strategies to Increase Student Motivation

Thursday, September 21 at 11:30am Central

In this webinar, you’ll learn: why it’s important to focus on improving student motivation; the five factors Search Institute has identified that build student motivation; what makes a relationship transformative for a young person’s development and success; and the research behind relationships and motivation.

 

15 Questions to Spark a Sparks Conversation

Thirty-eight percent of kids don’t know what their spark is. They haven’t yet discovered what gets them excited, pushes them to learn and gives them purpose. We know that sparks are the first step to thriving-to creating a healthy, purposeful life. Adults are critical in kids’ sparks journeys because we can get kids thinking and talking about sparks. We can earn their trust, start conversations and name the sparks we see come alive.

SERVICE SONG OF THE WEEK
“Anything” – Thomas Kivi

It’s true that seeds can only grow”It’s true that no one lives forever

So to those who sulk and wallow
Don’t try and dress this in cliche
You can’t do everything

with all of your tomorrows
But you can do anything
You can do anything today.
You gotta’ do something today.”

 

The complete Service Songs of the Week playlist from 2012-2017 is on YouTube at http://bit.ly/servicesongsand Spotify at www.YSA.org/Spotify