Emily Torok is the Director at the Ohio School Safety Center. With a history in Ohio Homeland Security, Emily initially supervised multiple school safety efforts. Her career trajectory evolved with Governor DeWine's administration prioritizing school safety as a standalone focus, allowing her to dedicate her expertise solely to this area. Emily has effectively channeled her initial interest in counterterrorism into creating safer educational environments across Ohio.

Join host Amanda Hampton on "School Wellness," presented by the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence at Miami University, as she dives into the crucial topic of school safety with guest Emily Torok from the Ohio School Safety Center. Amanda and Emily discuss the inception, mission, and the expansive set of resources the Ohio School Safety Center offers to K-12 and higher education institutions across the state. This episode is rich with valuable insights into the pivotal role of safety planning and the Center's initiative to streamline communication and support for schools.

The Ohio School Safety Center, established under the direction of Governor DeWine, has created a centralized "one-stop shop" for school safety measures. By offering resources such as the Safer Ohio School Tip Line, behavioral threat assessments, and the annual School Safety Summit, the Center aims to prevent, prepare for, and respond to acts of violence and self-harm. Emily explains the importance of both physical and emotional safety in schools and illustrates how her team collaborates with various stakeholders to enhance student security.

• The Ohio School Safety Center was created to centralize safety initiatives, providing schools with streamlined access to resources such as threat assessments, grants, and training.
• Behavioral threat assessment teams play a crucial role in identifying potential threats and offering preventive solutions, encompassing both intent and capability evaluation of students.
• The Center actively involves students in safety discussions through initiatives like the State Student Safety Advisory Council, emphasizing the importance of student voices in decision-making.
• October is designated as School Safety Month, presenting an opportunity for schools to engage in various awareness activities and remind the community of available safety resources and measures.
• A strong emphasis is placed on building trusted relationships within schools, as they form the foundation of effective safety and violence prevention strategies.

1. "Just because you're not the school resource officer doesn't mean that you don't have a role to play—it's those relationships with your students."
2. "Our mission here is to help both schools and first responders prevent, prepare for, and respond to acts of violence through a holistic solutions-based approach."
3. "The Ohio School Safety Center is, in essence, a one-stop shop for all things school safety."
4. "When students report bullying, suspicious activity, or self-harm, it's important they feel their concerns will be acted upon without retaliation."
5. "Safety is everyone's priority… It's about having information that can be helpful."

• Ohio School Safety Center: safer school tip line
• Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
• Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
• Behavioral Threat Assessment Training: Available on the Ohio School Safety Center's website

Listen to the full episode for comprehensive insights into enhancing school safety and learn how these initiatives can benefit and safeguard educational communities across Ohio. Be sure to stay tuned for more episodes from "School Wellness" for in-depth discussions on crucial educational topics.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.

Evi Roberts is a dedicated youth program and policy manager at the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF). With a robust background in public administration and addiction counseling, she transitioned into preventative mental health work through mentorship with notable figures such as Dr. Holly Raffle. Since joining OSPF in 2021, Evi has been instrumental in managing youth suicide prevention efforts, coordinating grant proposals, and implementing impactful marketing initiatives. Her commitment to reducing the risk of suicide is evident through her leadership in developing comprehensive strategies that advocate for mental health awareness across various age groups and demographics in Ohio.

In this episode of School Wellness, host Amanda Hampton invites Evi Roberts from the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation to discuss the critical importance of suicide prevention efforts within Ohio's communities and schools. The conversation digs deep into the systemic challenges and innovations surrounding mental health support and suicide prevention, providing listeners with a detailed overview of contemporary practices and data trends.

Evi Roberts delivers an insightful exploration of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation's mission—bringing best practices in suicide prevention to local communities. As the conversation unfolds, Evi highlights alarming Ohio suicide statistics, focusing particularly on youth and young adults. Strategies like lethal means safety, the essential role of school counselors, and comprehensive educational programs such as Sources of Strength are examined. Evi emphasizes the significance of understanding protective and risk factors in suicide prevention, underscoring that community involvement and structured support systems are vital in saving lives.

• Ohio's youth and young adults are significantly affected by suicide, emphasizing the need for comprehensive prevention strategies.
• The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation offers critical resources and programs such as Sources of Strength to bolster community and school efforts in reducing suicide rates.
• Understanding the nuances of warning signs and protective factors is key; schools play a pivotal role in fostering environments that encourage mental health discussion.
• The implementation of House Bill 123 requires Ohio schools to incorporate structured suicide prevention and violence prevention programs, highlighting Sources of Strength as a compliant option.
• Postvention is as crucial as prevention, offering resources and support to communities impacted by suicide and informing future prevention practices.

• "We do everything we can to bring suicide prevention best practices programs and resources to Ohio communities." – Evi Roberts
• "If somebody makes an attempt of suicide with a firearm, there's about a 90% likelihood that person will die from that mechanism." – Evi Roberts
• "Whenever we work together to promote this sense of hope and provide these resources, we can create a difference within our communities and our families." – Evi Roberts
• "Sources of Strength is named for these eight protective factors that have been found in the research to reduce the likelihood of youth suicide." – Evi Roberts
• "It's important… to take into consideration the developmental differences that can impact some of these risk factors." – Evi Roberts

• Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Be Present Ohio
• Safe Students Act - House Bill 123 information at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce website

Explore further insights and in-depth discussions on mental health, suicide prevention, and more by tuning into the full episode. Stay engaged with School Wellness for continued explorations into essential topics that empower our communities.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.

In this episode of School Wellness with Amanda Hampton, the focus is on supporting the whole child within the Ohio educational system. Amanda Hampton, a certified prevention specialist, engages Sarah Music from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to discuss effective strategies and programs that target the holistic development and prevention needs of school-aged children. By emphasizing mental health, social inclusion, and substance abuse prevention, they underline the importance of comprehensive school wellness frameworks.

Key themes explored in the conversation include the legislative mandates in Ohio schools regarding prevention education, the benefits of having a multi-tiered system of support, and the advantages of a community-based approach to student wellness. Sarah explains how schools can utilize data to inform their prevention strategies and highlights the critical role of trusted adults. The discussion also touches on the value of youth-led prevention programs and active participation from school staff, parents, and communities to foster a supportive educational environment.

• The Ohio Department of Education emphasizes a multi-tiered system of support in schools to address diverse prevention needs.
• Legislative mandates require schools to offer prevention education on topics like suicide prevention, dating violence, and social inclusion.
• Youth-led prevention programs are invaluable as they empower students and often resonate more deeply with their peers.
• Data collection from various surveys helps Ohio schools tailor their prevention programming effectively.
• Community engagement and coalitions enhance the support structure for students outside the classroom environment.

1. "The whole child framework broadens our focus beyond academics to include students' emotional, physical, and safety needs."
2. "Prevention programs focus on helping students develop knowledge and skills to engage in healthy behaviors and decision-making."
3. "Even when students may have more intensive or individualized needs at a high tier, they should still be receiving those foundational supports."
4. "Our office is here to provide technical assistance and make implementing your prevention programming as easy and effective as possible."
5. "Having a community-based approach ensures our students are supported even beyond the school environment."

• Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
• Ohio Youth Surveys: Comprehensive data source for school-level evaluations and decision-making.
• Second Step, Signs of Suicide, Zones of Regulation: Curriculum often used in Ohio schools to meet the prevention mandates.

In conclusion, this enlightening conversation provides valuable insights into the implementation and importance of whole child support systems in schools. Listen to the full episode for a deeper understanding of how Ohio is pioneering comprehensive student wellness and how similar approaches can be applied in other educational contexts. Stay tuned for more episodes packed with expert information from School Wellness with Amanda Hampton.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.

In this episode of "School Wellness," host Amanda Hampton engages in an insightful discussion with Brice Frasure from Logan Hocking Schools. They delve into the pivotal role of Student Assistance Programming (SAP) in enhancing the well-being of students and staff. Brice shares how SAP, an evidence-based framework, aids in addressing non-academic barriers such as mental health, behavioral issues, and family concerns, creating a coordinated support system that complements existing educational initiatives.

Throughout the conversation, Amanda and Brice discuss the journey of implementing SAP at Logan Hocking Schools, emphasizing the challenges and successes of coordinating support structures in educational settings. They explore the importance of a systems approach, the necessity of stakeholder engagement, and the value of community partnerships. This episode shines a light on strategies for early identification, the power of referrals, and the critical role of staff wellness in maintaining robust educational programs. Keywords like "student assistance programs," "mental health support," and "community partnerships" are central themes woven throughout their dialogue.

• Coordinated Support Systems: Discover how SAP can align and enhance existing support frameworks within schools, tackling barriers to learning in a holistic manner.

• Role of Community Partnerships: Learn about the significance of engaging local agencies in creating a seamless support network for students and staff.

• Early Identification & Strengths-Based Referrals: Explore the value of screening tools and well-designed referral processes in identifying students' needs, while leveraging their strengths.

• Staff Wellness: Understand the importance of prioritizing staff wellness to ensure that educators can effectively support students.

• Continuous Improvement: Uncover the iterative nature of SAP implementation that allows schools to adapt and refine their strategies to meet evolving student requirements.

• "SAP provides a coordinated framework that looks at aligning services to meet whole child initiatives." - Brice Frasure

• "It’s important that the support processes include the family voice; it’s about working with them, not doing for them." - Brice Frasure

• "Schools can't fix everything, but we need to have systems in place to help coordinate support resources for removing barriers." - Brice Frasure

• "A lot of what we find successful are the things we adjust and adapt as needed; it’s about aligning our systems effectively." - Brice Frasure

• "Staff wellness is essential because, without it, we can't adequately support students or sustain programs." - Brice Frasure

• Signs of Suicide - Nationwide Children's Hospital

• PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) resources

• 317 Board - Athens, Hocking, and Vinton County ADAMH Board

• SAP Resources - Library of materials to boost the SAP Program in your community or district

Explore more about these themes and gain comprehensive insights by tuning into the full episode. Stay connected for more enlightening discussions from the School Wellness series, aimed at enhancing educational environments through expert dialogues.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.

In this episode of "School Wellness with Amanda Hampton," hosted by certified prevention specialist Amanda Hampton, the focus is on tackling chronic absenteeism in Ohio schools. Joined by Patrick Hickman from the Office of Whole Child Supports, the discussion delves into the pressing issue of student and staff attendance post-pandemic. The episode not only explores historical and current data trends but also examines the underlying causes contributing to absenteeism, providing a detailed overview that is both informative and thought-provoking.

Patrick Hickman shares valuable insights into the mission of the Office of Whole Child Supports, emphasizing non-academic barriers to learning and chronic absenteeism's impact on educational outcomes. Utilizing data from Ohio's schools, Patrick elaborates on how relationships and community engagement can be pivotal in combating absenteeism. The conversation touches on the differences between chronic absenteeism and truancy, while providing schools with strategies to enhance student attendance through relationship-building, early intervention, and comprehensive community support.

• Chronic absenteeism was high even before the pandemic: The episode highlights that absenteeism rates were already concerning pre-pandemic and have worsened post-pandemic.
• The importance of community engagement: Patrick Hickman emphasizes that schools with strong family and community relationships exhibit lower rates of absenteeism.
• Differences between truancy and chronic absenteeism: Understanding these distinctions helps schools target the root causes of absenteeism more effectively.
• Implementing attendance intervention strategies: Early intervention, relationship mapping, and leveraging community resources are essential strategies for improving attendance.
• Adaptability of interventions: Schools are encouraged to incorporate attendance strategies into existing structures like PBIS and MTSS to mitigate capacity issues.

• "I help with folks who need help with attendance law, like understanding the state statutes and what schools should and shouldn't be doing." – Patrick Hickman
• "Relationships matter a lot. Schools saw about a 6% improvement in chronic absence post-remote learning simply because they had strong family engagement." – Patrick Hickman
• "Attendance is not like that most other educational problems; relationships are key, and there's no quick fix." – Patrick Hickman
• "Regular attendance is linked to overall academic performance, and we have the data to connect those things." – Patrick Hickman
• "We have to make sure that school is a place that students want to be, and it has to be a place that parents want to send their kids." – Patrick Hickman

• Ohio Department of Education Attendance Support
• Ohio's Official Attendance Guide

Tune into the full episode for an in-depth understanding of how schools can combat attendance issues effectively.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.

In this engaging episode of School Wellness, Amanda Hampton delves into the intricacies of creating a trauma-informed classroom with educator Katie Ostendorf. Katie shares her journey into teaching, fueled by a passion sparked during a high school mentoring experience. She describes her continued dedication to foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment. With a primary focus on ELA and the integration of social studies, Katie's approach emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the emotional needs of students through trauma-informed practices and goal setting.

Listeners will gain valuable insight into how behavior communication can be harnessed to enhance teaching practices and support student growth. Katie discusses various strategies, including utilizing PAX GBG and creating calm spaces, to help students manage their emotions and behaviors effectively. These strategies not only create a positive school climate but also enable students to develop self-regulation skills critical in their academic and personal lives. The conversation underscores the necessity of a compassionate approach in education and the impact of continued professional development in areas such as mental health and trauma-informed teaching.

• Goal Setting for Growth: Katie emphasizes the importance of empowering students through goal setting, facilitating ownership over both academic and personal achievements.

• Behavior as Communication: Understanding student behavior as a form of communication and addressing underlying needs rather than just the symptoms is crucial in a trauma-informed classroom.

• Importance of SEL and Morning Meetings: Implementing morning meetings and social-emotional learning programs helps students develop the necessary skills for self-regulation and emotional expression.

• Effective Use of Calming Spaces: Creating dedicated spaces for students to decompress can significantly affect students' ability to manage stress and regain focus.

• Avoiding Power Struggles: Building a trauma-informed classroom involves avoiding personalizing student behavior, avoiding power struggles, and focusing on proactive support.

• "Behavior is communication...we can't take the behavior personally."

• "Start the school year with goal writing... give themselves ownership."

• "If that 15 minutes of morning meetings gets us that time back in the classroom, it's worth it."

• "Focus on those students who are engaging appropriately."

• "Don't take away their recess...recess is a time for them to navigate those behaviors."

• PAX Good Behavior Game (GBG): A behavioral intervention Katie finds effective in her classroom.

• Book: "Self-Regulation in the Classroom: Helping Students Learn How to Learn" by Richard M. Cash.

• Website: Centervention offers free resources for social-emotional learning and student reflection.

For a deep dive into these strategies and insights on enhancing educational practices through a trauma-informed lens, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more impactful content from School Wellness that connects you with foundational resources and support in education.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.org.

Join Amanda Hampton and guest Karen Eads as they discuss creating trauma-informed classrooms. Karen, a veteran first-grade teacher with 35 years of experience at Norwood Elementary, shares her journey and strategies for fostering a safe, empathetic, and regulated learning environment. Learn about her use of PAX tools, creating emotional safety, and the importance of modeling self-regulation. Discover how addressing emotional and behavioral needs can significantly enhance academic performance and overall well-being in young students.

Karen Eads is a seasoned educator with over 35 years of experience, currently teaching first grade at Norwood Elementary School. As a volleyball coach for Norwood City Schools and a devoted advocate for trauma-informed education, Karen brings a rich background of personal and professional experience to her role. Her journey in education, inspired by her own childhood challenges and positive influences from teachers and coaches, fuels her passion for impacting young lives positively.

• Understanding Trauma-Informed Education: Recognizing and addressing the impacts of adverse childhood experiences on students' learning and behavior.
• Importance of Emotional and Physical Safety: Prioritizing safety and emotional well-being over academics to create a conducive learning environment.
• Implementing PAX Good Behavior Game: Tools and strategies for promoting positive behavior and self-regulation, demonstrating the effectiveness of the PAX system.
• Growth Mindset Approach: Continuous self-improvement as a teacher, being reflective, adaptable, and instilling the same principles in students.
• Teacher and Community Collaboration: The significance of engaging colleagues, parents, and school staff in supporting students' mental health and well-being.

1. "My goals are to help my students feel safe and loved. I show them that they matter as I strive to not only listen to their words but also watch their actions." – Karen Eads
2. "We need to all remember that children's brains grow at a phenomenal rate, but their experiences help shape this growth, whether they're positive or negative." – Karen Eads
3. "A teacher needs to know that students thrive on predictability and routine." – Karen Eads
4. "My students need to know me as a person, as a mom, as a learner, just like they are, as a pet owner, but also as a person who makes mistakes." – Karen Eads
5. "You belong, you matter, and you are loved. And if you work hard to have children truly believe those things, then really you can tackle anything." – Karen Eads

• PAX Good Behavior Game: Official PAX website
• Books Mentioned: "You Matter" (used during the first weeks of school)

To delve deeper into the transformative power of trauma-informed education and learn actionable strategies for your classroom, listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more insightful discussions on School Wellness.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.org.

Amanda Hampton of the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence is joined by Ali Masters from Kinder Elementary to discuss the role of a Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordinator (BHWC). Ali shares insights on educational neuroscience, collective care, and the positive impacts on school culture, including significant decreases in suspensions and behavioral referrals. Discover how initiatives like the SPA room, TAP IN TAP OUT system, and student assistance programs are fostering a supportive environment for students and staff alike. Highlights include boosts in family engagement and actionable data-driven strategies for well-being.

Ali Masters serves as the Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordinator at Kinder Elementary, a position she has held for the past two years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s degree in Special Education. After spending several years in different fields including social work, banking, and insurance, Allie found her calling in education as a paraprofessional and later as an intervention specialist.

• Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordination: Understanding the role and its transformative impact on school culture and student behavior.

• Educational Neuroscience: Strategies for teaching students and staff about brain function and behavior regulation.

• Staff and Collective Care: The importance of creating a supportive and interconnected environment for staff wellness.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Importance of regularly analyzing various forms of data to inform strategies and measure the effectiveness of interventions.

• Family Engagement: Strategies to increase parental involvement and reduce barriers for non-English speaking families.

1. "In order to learn, our nervous systems have to be regulated before we can access our cortex, which is where all the magic happens." - Ali Masters

2. "Trauma-informed care is not just for those who have experienced trauma. I mean, it is for everyone." - Ali Masters

3. "If our staff isn't well, then our kids aren't going to be well." - Ali Masters

4. "The biggest difference is no matter if it's a teacher who's having a problem or a family, everyone feels really, really safe and supported and connected." - Ali Masters

5. "We have to constantly be looking at data and checking all of our referrals and following up with them." - Ali Masters

• Doctor Laurie Desautels: Expert in educational neuroscience.

• Doctor Bruce Perry: Renowned for trauma-informed care research.

• Bessel van der Kolk: Prominent in the trauma research field.

• Stephen Porges: Known for polyvagal theory.

• Dean Burke Harris: Surgeon General of California and advocate for trauma-informed approaches.

Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to listen to the full discussion to explore the transformative work at Kinder Elementary and stay tuned for more insightful conversations in upcoming episodes of "School Wellness".

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.org.