WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT
OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
School
Nurse
#8 MARCH 21, 2024
PRACTICE POINTS –RN
Action Agendas Support
School Nurses’ Data Sharing
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
(p.4-5)
Endometriosis Resources
(p.7)
Poison Prevention (p.12)
Greetings!
Thank you to all the school nurses and others who have sent me wishes of
congratulations after NASN’s announcement that I have been selected to
become a Fellow in the National Academy of School Nursing. This is a
great honor! To be recognized by peers as having expertise in the area I
am so passionate about is indeed rewarding yet humbling. I hope there are
many Wisconsin school nurses attending the NASN conference this year
so we can celebrate together. Besides offering free registration to this
year’s state conference, the Wisconsin Association of School Nurses will
be providing several free NASN conference registrations.
There are multiple attachments to this Update to support your work.
Make sure you look at them. One is a reminder of the Health Care
Transition Echo that started this month. Another, shares updates from
my Student Services/ Prevention and Wellness (SSPW) Team.
During the February Diabetes in School Health (DiSH) session information
was shared regarding summer camp nurse opportunities. Attached to
this newsletter are several flyers related to Camp Nurse positions .
Several resources were added to the DPI school nursing webpages the
past few weeks (DPI News). I will be hosting a webinar May 7
th
to provide
information to WI school nurses on professional risk management. The
webinar will be conducted by a nurse risk management specialist from
Nursing Services Organization. Watch for more information via email.
An additional attachment is a flyer describing the School Health Services
Day hosted by CESA 9. This one-day conference is free of charge and is
open to school nurses, health aides, and anyone else in schools
(secretaries, paras, etc.) that provide any type of health support to
students.
Louise
1
SAVE THE DATES
UPDATE
FEATURED STORIES
DPI supports best practices/evidence-based resources but does not vet or endorse
products/services. User is responsible to evaluate the resource and how it meets local needs.
DPI Consultant Office hours
4/9/24 2-2:45 PM
4/19/24 9-9:45 AM
School Health Services
Survey Q&A Zoom Meeting
4/5/24
WASN Annual Conference
April 29- May 1, 2024.
Registration now open.
Professional Risk
Management- Licensure and
Malpractice Issues Webinar
5/7/2024 4-5 PM
School Nurse
Summer
Institute 8/5/2024
New School Nurse
Orientation October 10-11,
2024 Stevens Point
https://ajnoffthecharts.com/tag/lillian-
wald/
DPI News
Measles Webpage Updated
Two new resources were added to the
DPI’s Measles webpage
. The letter describing
school district responsibilities if an outbreak were
to be declared by DHS at their school was updated from the 2019 version. The sample letter home to
parents shared during 2019’s national measles outbreak is posted for reference and use.
Additional Forms Added Under Sample Health Plans
A sample IHP form
that is fillable has been posted on the Forms webpage under Sample Health Plans.
This Individualize Health Care Plan provides space to document the nursing process. It also includes links
to Nursing Diagnoses and space to document the existence of other student health plans, educational
plans, and accommodation plans. The purpose was to provide a fillable form that also meets the
requirements of an IHP used for Medicaid billing.
Additionally, sample Parent Authorization forms for Specialized Health Care
and for Attendant Care
Services a
re now available. School districts are not required to use DPI sample forms. They are provided
as reference or use to save school nurses time in creating their own forms.
Dates for Fall 2024 New School Nurse Orientation
See save the date flyer for more information regarding DPI’s New School Nurse Orientation to be held
October 10-11, 2024, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
DPI Seeking Session Proposals for Building the Heart of Successful Schools Conference
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Student Services / Prevention and Wellness team
and the Wisconsin Safe & Healthy Schools Center are inviting Wisconsin educators, students and school
districts, Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), community-based organizations, and other partners to
submit proposals to present pre-conference or sectional sessions.
See attached flyer for more information. School nurses have not traditionally attended or presented at
this conference in large numbers. It would be an excellent way to reach your pupil services colleagues
and share what you have been doing to successfully provide school health services to your students.
Coordinated School Health Consultant Position Announced
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is hiring a Coordinated School Health Consultant
position on the Student Services/Prevention and Wellness Team. Areas of responsibilities include:
provide management and coordination for the Coordinated School Health project; plan and facilitate
professional development and technical assistance on coordinated school health topics; maintain and
build on existing partnerships and collaborations; and assume responsibility for special assignments in
concert with the mission and goals of the agency, division, and team.
Applications are due 3/22/24. To find this posting, go to https://wj.wi.gov/13465
. For questions, please
contact Maria Butters at maria.butters@dpi.wi.gov
or (608) 266-2690.
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
2
DPI News
Celebrating School Breakfast Week and School Nutrition Month 2024
How the fork-to-table movement is changing school meals, and the
benefits of school breakfast! View Nutrition Story
.
Communicable Disease Webpage Updated
DPI’s Communicable Disease webpage
supports the basics of infection
control as outlined in the revised CDC
communicable diseases spread by
respiratory secretions
guidance.
DPI Webinar Series- Roadmap for School Mental Health
Improvement.
Join DPI for a webinar series introducing the Roadmap for School Mental
Health Improvement. The Roadmap breaks down five steps for
improving the quality of a school’s current mental health system and
provides a flexible approach to promoting student and staff well-being
and more equitable outcomes for Wisconsin students. If interested in
attending, please register for each webinar separately. All webinars will
be recorded. See flyer attached to this newsletter for registration
information.
Building Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems with Get Kids
Ahead Funding
The Get Kids Ahead (GKA) Initiative provides funding to Wisconsin
schools to help build and sustain Comprehensive School Mental Health
Systems (CSMHS). A CSMHS provides a continuum of services and
supports to promote student and staff mental health and wellbeing. In
2022 and 2023, a total of $30 million in GKA funds was allocated to 450
Wisconsin school districts, independent charter schools, and tribal
schools. Please see this handout
for an overview of how schools across
Wisconsin are using their GKA funding to support their school mental
health work. Key strategies include increasing student and family access
to therapy services, school mental health professional staffing, social
emotional learning, staff training and professional development, mental
health screening, family engagement and support, and programming
related to suicide prevention, bullying prevention, and school safety.
Please feel free to reach out to DPI school mental health consultants at
for questions or consultation about spending GKA
funding or building a CSMHS.
Proposed DPI Rule Provides Districts Additional Flexibility,
Autonomy on School Start Date
The hearing to accept public testimony on the proposed rule will be held
Monday, March 25, 2024.
View Start Date Story
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
3
The Get Kids Ahead
(GKA) Initiative
provides funding to
Wisconsin schools to
help build and
sustain
Comprehensive
School Mental
Health Systems
(CSMHS).
DPI News
Information from DPI on Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
By now you may all have heard about the death of Nex Benedict (they/them), the day after they were
beaten by other students in an Oklahoma school bathroom. Nex was a nonbinary, Two Spirit, and
Indigenous student.
Here is an article from an Indigenous source.
We know from our own Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey that LGBTQ+ youth face more bullying at
school and experience less belonging at school. Based on national data we know that the presence of an
accepting adult can reduce by 40 PERCENT the chances that an LGBTQ+ youth will attempt suicide. An
Out for Safe Schools badge is a symbol that a young person can talk to the adult who wears it, or even just
know they are there. If you are interested in badges for you or your colleagues, please email
dpisspw@dpi.wi.gov
Here are resources to learn more about how to support LGBTQ+ youth.
Two New DPI Modules
Basic Concepts
This module will focus on big concepts and some vocabulary, but mostly concepts. These are basic
building blocks to understanding LGBTQ+ students and their identities. This module will also cover how
to ask questions when you don’t understand the terms and concepts being shared or discussed.
Best Practices
This module will focus on simple proven ways to support LGBTQ+ students. These best practices are
based on their presence aligning with better outcomes for students. This module will also include a few
approaches to avoid.
LGBTQ+ Youth in Crisis Best Practices Webinar Recording
Statewide - Basic concepts, state-level data, best practices
LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other/questioning) students, and Black, Indigenous, and
People of Color (BIPOC) students, and especially those students who live at the intersection of those
identities, experience significant disparities compared to their peers. The latest national and state data
show a mental health crisis as a result of a lack of support for these students. This session includes basic
LGBTQ+ concepts, data, and best practices.
GSAFE
Statewide - Professional development for educators, GSA support, youth leadership
GSAFE increases the capacity of LGBTQ youth and students, educational staff, and families to create
school environments. GSAFE provides educator professional development, youth leadership, support
with policy and procedure development, and assistance starting and maintaining gender and sexuality
alliances (GSAs).
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
4
DPI News
Information from DPI on Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth (Cont.)
Welcoming Schools
Nationwide - Books and other materials for caregivers, educators, and students by grade
HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools is the most comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention
program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive professional development training,
lesson plans, booklists and resources specifically designed for educators and youth-serving
professionals. Our program uses an intersectional, anti-racist lens dedicated to actionable policies and
practices. We uplift school communities with critical tools to embrace family diversity, create LGBTQ+
and gender inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying, and support transgender and non-binary
students.
YRBS 2021
Report
Statewide - State-level LGBT student data
The Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is conducted as part of a national effort by the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor health-risk behaviors of the nation's high
school students. These behaviors, in turn, result in the most significant causes of both mortality and
morbidity during youth and adulthood. The behaviors monitored by the Wisconsin YRBS include
traffic safety; weapons and violence; suicide; tobacco use; alcohol and other drug use; sexual behavior;
and diet, nutrition, and exercise.
Wisconsin data includes questions about sexual orientation and gender identity. Check out the most
recent data as well as the data of past years using the link above and scrolling to the data by year.
U
.S. Department of Education Toolkit: Creating Inclusive and Nondiscriminatory School
Environments for LGBTQI+ Students
Nationwide - Best practices and supportive materials to improve school environments
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) is committed to helping schools and districts provide
welcoming, safe, and supportive educational environments for all students, including students who are
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+), and students with LGBTQI+ parents
and family members. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show
that LGBTQ+ and transgender youth experience more bullying and violence, and as a result of
stigmatization and discrimination, are more likely to experience depression and other mental health
challenges than their peers.
This resource includes examples of policies and practices that schools and districts can consider
developing to support LGBTQI+ students and families. It also highlights Federal resources that
schools, students, and parents may find helpful in working to ensure that all students are free to learn
in an educational environment without harassment or other discrimination.
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
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DHS News
Respiratory Report
The Weekly Respiratory Report
is available and updated bi-weekly
Wisconsin State Health Officer Paula Tran Statement on CDC
Respiratory Virus Guidance
“The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is pleased to see
updated respiratory virus recommendations
from the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
These updates reflect what the latest data and science are telling us.
Today we know that far fewer people are being hospitalized and dying in
Wisconsin due to COVID-19 compared to prior years. We know that we
have more tools than ever to fight the virus. And we know what we can
do individually and as entire communities to protect ourselves and each
other.
This does not mean that seasonal respiratory viruses are not a threat.
COVID-19, flu, and RSV can have serious impacts on our health, and can
be deadly. Respiratory viruses and patterns of illness can change. DHS
works with experts across the country to understand these changes and
updates recommended actions. This means that our actions may change
in the future, too.
Today’s updated recommendations emphasize the most important
things we can all do to protect ourselves and our communities, and to
reduce the impact that these viruses can have at home, work, school, and
in our communities. The guidelines also leave in place distinct
recommendations for health care settings.
This guidance makes clear how important vaccination, treatment, and
staying home when sick are to protecting yourself and those around you
from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.
Over the next days and weeks, DHS will be updating our written and
online guidance to align with the CDC recommendations, and to ensure
we help every Wisconsinite understand how to best protect themselves
and those around them.”
Please see email sent by DPI on March 5, 2024 for more information.
DHS Supports the CDC Recommendation for Spring 2024 COVID-19
Vaccine for Adults Ages 65 and Older
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supports the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC)
recommendation
that adults 65 and older should receive an additional dose of the 2023-
2024 COVID-19 vaccine this spring.
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
6
Updated
recommendations
emphasize the most
important things
we can all do to
protect ourselves
and our
communities, and
to reduce the
impact that these
viruses can have at
home, work, school,
and in our
communities.
Adolescence and
young adulthood are
periods of intense
developmental
change that present
unique health and
social needs while
also periods of
remarkable resilience,
growth, and
opportunity.
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
7
NASN News
National Academy of School Nursing Fellows Named for 2024
Eight remarkable professionals have been inducted into the National
Academy of School Nursing. Let's celebrate the outstanding
achievements and impact of these Fellows of NASN:
• Jane Carol Boyd, Delaware
• Sharon Guthrie, Iowa
• Kathleen A. Hassey, Massachusetts
• Lisa Kern, Florida
• Lynnette Ondeck, Washington
• Cynthia E. Samuel, New Jersey
• Louise F. Wilson, Wisconsin
• Catherine Yonkaitis, Illinois
The Honorary Fellow award is a mark of distinction for non-nurses
who support the NASN Vision. We recognize and honor valued
partners:
• Gloria Durgin, Maine
• Susan Rogers, Illinois
• Rob Rogers, Illinois
• Pat Roberts, Maine
Join us for the induction ceremony at the NASN2024 Conference
in
Chicago, Illinois. - Kate King, NASN President
Promoting Adolescent and Young Adult Health and Well-Being
Adolescence and young adulthood are periods of intense
developmental change that present unique health and social needs
while also periods of remarkable resilience, growth, and opportunity.
NASN, as a proud partner organization of the National Coordinating
Committee of the National Center for Adolescent and Young Adult
Health and Well-Being, is pleased to share that the Center’s website
is
now live to support adolescents, their families, and professionals like
you who care for them.
Endometriosis Resources
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 girls, yet it takes an average of eight
doctors and 10 years to diagnose. Early diagnosis would be
revolutionary. School nurses can help recognize symptoms. You can
listen to the NASN School Nurse Chat episode
Endometriosis
Awareness and Education
, which discusses endometriosis, its impact
on adolescents, and the school nurse role.
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
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Immunization Action Coalition
Immunize.org posts new Spanish translations of four resources on improving the vaccination
experience
Immunize.org created and posted new Spanish translations of four patient resources on improving the
vaccination experience. Use these to support anxious patients of all ages and increase their confidence in
accepting vaccination. The resources include:
• Addressing Vaccination Anxiety for Children: Strategies for Vaccine Recipients and Caregivers
(view in Spanish
)
•
Addressing Vaccination Anxiety for Infants and Toddlers: Strategies for Parents and
Caregivers
(view in Spanish)
•
Addressing Vaccination Anxiety in Adolescents and Adults: Strategies for Vaccine Recipients and
Caregivers
(view in Spanish)
• Fainting Related to Vaccination: What You Need to Know
(view in Spanish)
CDC
CDC Has New Infographic on Respiratory Virus Guidance
The new infographic can be downloaded here
. It is
also attached to this newsletter.
WASN News
Conference Registration Now Open
WASN leadership has secured funding through the DHS Nurse Workforce Grant for 400 school nurses
to attend the conference for FREE!! Registration is still required. Register here
. Deadline to register is
Monday, April 15, 2024.
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
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MMWR
Notes from the Field:
Measles Outbreak
March 14, 2024
The Cook County Department
of Public Health in Illinois launched
an investigation after five measles
cases were reported in October
and November of 2023. More than
400 people were exposed to measles,
including 13 children younger than 12 months. Read more.
“Interim Estimates of 2023–24 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness—United States”
published in
MMWR
CDC published Interim Estimates of 2023–24 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness—United
States
on February 29 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.
In the United States, annual influenza vaccination is currently recommended for all persons aged ≥6 months. .
. .
Analysis of data from four vaccine effectiveness (VE) networks estimated interim pediatric influenza VE was
59%–67% in outpatient settings and 52%–61% against influenza-associated hospitalization. Interim adult
influenza VE was 33%–49% in outpatient settings and 41%–44% against influenza-associated
hospitalization. . . .
These findings indicate that the 2023–24 seasonal influenza vaccine is effective at reducing the risk of
influenza-associated outpatient visits and hospitalization. Access the MMWR article in
HTML or PDF.
Medscape Nurses
FDA Approves First OTC Continuous Glucose Monitor
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Dexcom's Stelo Glucose Biosensor System
as the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system.
Unlike Dexcom's G6 and
G7 CGM systems, the Stelo is intended for adults with or without diabetes who don't use insulin
.
"Importantly, this system is not for individuals with problematic hypoglycemia
as the system it not
designed to alert the user to this potentially dangerous condition," The FDA said on March 5, 2024
in a
statement
. Read more.
Sulfites Selected as ACDS Allergen of the Year
Sulfites, present in foods, drinks, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products, have been named the
"Allergen of the Year" for 2024 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS). Read more
.
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
10
School Nurse Blog
The Relentless School Nurse: Vermont’s Kelly McGovern Landwehr,
MSN, RN is Advocacy in Action
Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN, FNASN, FAAN
March 11
Nurse Practitioner Kelly McGovern Landwehr, MSN, RN, is president of the
Vermont State School Nurses’ Association, and a school nurse at
Middlebury Union High School. She is also a courageous advocate
spotlighting the epidemic of vaping at school, but also at home. Sometimes
our advocacy is born out of personal experiences. I applaud you, Kelly, for
sharing the compelling story of your daughter's experience with vaping, in
her own words. Read blog
.
Wisconsin Asthma
Coalition
American Lung Association Announces New Resources
The American Lung Association is excited to announce the National launch
of our “Creating Lung Friendly Environments for Youth” webpage
. On the
Healthy Air Tools for Schools and Districts webpage
. Read press release.
Your Local Epidemiologist
Blog
Why did we lose trust during the pandemic?
My conversation with Kelley Krohnert
KATELYN JETELINA
March 14
Read blog.
To develop a
guidance that
speaks to
contexts in
different regions
and countries,
WHO is seeking
users'
perspective on
key needs,
challenges and
facilitating
factors in
implementing
SHS in their
respective
countries.
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
11
Miscellaneous
School Nurse Job Posting
The Sparta Area School District is looking for a dedicated School Nurse to join
our team for the 2024-2025 school year! We are located in the
beautiful Coulee Region of Southwest Wisconsin. We offer a competitive
salary and benefits package and a supportive work environment. Apply via this
WECAN link
.
March Is Women’s History Month
Prioritizing women's health and their physical, psychological, emotional, and
social well-being has never been more important. During Women’s History
Month, take the time to learn more about women's health issues and related
resources. Learn more
…
WHO Guidance for School Health Services
The World Health Organization in collaboration with partners is planning to
develop an implementation guidance for School Health Services (SHS). We are
happy to inform you that the online consultation for informing the
development of the guidance is now opened.
Deadline for comments: 27 March 2024
To develop a guidance that speaks to contexts in different regions and
countries, WHO is seeking users' perspective on key needs, challenges and
facilitating factors in implementing SHS in their respective countries. We need
your expertise to capture key implementation aspects that the guidance needs
to cover. Please complete the survey yourself, as relevant, and share with
partners.
The survey is aimed at professionals involved in SHS, including school nurses,
doctors, psychologists, counselors, dental care workers, and policymakers
within the health and education sectors in charge of school health programs
and/or school health services.
The survey web pages, and the online surveys are available in Arabic, Chinese,
English, French, Russian and Spanish. Please go on the top of the page to select
the language, as shown in the snapshot
English:
Public Consultation for the scoping of the implementation guidance of
School Health Services (who.int)
Reducing the Impact of Eating Disorders on Adolescent Girls
Eating disorders are behavioral health conditions that affect physical and
mental health through altered ideas about food, eating habits, weight,
exercise, body image, and related factors. There are many different types of
eating disorders, the most common including anorexia nervosa, bulimia
nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. They are among the deadliest mental
illnesses, second only to opioid misuse, and co-occur often with anxiety,
depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use, and post-traumatic
stress disorder. Read more
.
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
12
Frontline Sheroes…
Miscellaneous
March is Women's History Month, making it the
perfect time to shine a light on the remarkable
women who have sculpted our healthcare
landscape, yet remain shadows in our historical
consciousness. While figures like Florence
Nightingale and Clara Barton are rightfully
celebrated for their foundational contributions to
nursing, countless unsung heroines have also paved
the way for modern nursing, embodying courage,
innovation, and unwavering compassion. Because
your time is precious, here are just a few examples
of these remarkable women.
For school nurses, who daily navigate the challenges
of caring for our students, drawing inspiration from
these trailblazing figures can offer a profound sense
of connection and purpose. Their stories, rich with
dedication and spirited pluck, underscore the
fundamental role that nurses have always played—
not just in healing and comforting, but in
transforming healthcare practices, advocating for
public health, and championing social reforms.
Continued on next page…
For school nurses,
who daily navigate
the challenges of
caring for our
students, drawing
inspiration from these
trailblazing figures
can offer a profound
sense of connection
and purpose.
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
13
Picture Copied From the Blog Entitled Frontline Sheroes…
Miscellaneous
According to the
Centers for Disease
Control and
Prevention, in
2021, 74 children
ages 9 and younger
and 1,628
adolescents ages
10-19 died from
unintentional
poisoning in the
United States.
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
14
Children’s Safety
Network
Poison Prevention
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
, in
2021, 74 children ages 9 and younger and 1,628 adolescents
ages 10-19 died from unintentional poisoning in the United
States. The numbers seem to be going up: as noted in the
CSN
fact sheet
below, among those ages 0-9, the numbers were 49
per year in 2016-2019 (
CDC WISQARS 2016-2019) and 63 in
2020 (CDC WISQARS 2020
). Among those ages 10-19, they
were 725 per year in 2016-2019 (
CDC WISQARS 2016-2019)
and 1,448 in 2020 (CDC WISQARS 2020
).
National Poison Prevention Week
, which takes place from
March 17 to March 23, is an opportunity to raise awareness of
child and adolescent poisoning as an important public health
issue and support the implementation of effective prevention
practices. CSN and partner resources that can guide and inform
poisoning prevention efforts include:
•
Poison Help Videos | Health Resources and Services
Administration (HRSA)
• National Poison Prevention Week Partner Toolkit |
America's Poison Centers
• Poison Help | America's Poison Centers
• 2022 Annual Report of the National Poison Data
System® (NPDS) from America’s Poison Centers®: 40th
Annual Report | America's Poison Centers
• Behind the Headlines: Safety Tips for Kids and Cannabis |
Children's Safety Network (CSN)
• Unintentional Poisoning Deaths in U.S. Infants, Children,
and Adolescents | CSN
• Safe Use and Administration of Medication to Young
Children | CSN
• Poisoning Prevention: New Challenges and a Novel Tool |
CSN
CSN will be hosting a poisoning prevention webinar on March
25 from 1:00PM-2:00PM ET. Please see below for more details.
Practice Points
By Louise Wilson
RN Action Agendas
Support School Nurses’ Data Sharing
Those of you who are NASN members would have received notice of the online
NASN School Nurse publication of the article “State School Nurse Consultants
Issue RN Action Agendas.” The article will appear in the May printed issue but
was first published online March 14, 2024. It only seems fitting that this month I
promote these Action Agendas from one of the organization for which I provide
leadership. It is also fitting that the article will be printed during May, which is
the month National School Nurse Day is celebrated.
As I prepared my comments for the traditional DPI State School Nurse
Consultant update at the WASN conference, it occurred to me how these RN
Action Agendas could be used to support school nurses sharing their health
services data among district stakeholders. I’ll mention these RN Action Agendas
again in that address, so bear with me.
The first
RN Action Agenda provides rationale for using the title and designation
“RN” to demonstrate being a qualified professional nurse. Using the professional
credentials of RN distinguishes school nurses from unlicensed staff such as
paraprofessionals who may serve in an assistive role in the health office. The
second RN Action Agenda
encourages school nurses to inform school
administrators of their preparation, license, and authority to practice because of
the significant legal issues, implications for staffing, and potential impacts on the
safety of students.
The National Association of State School Nurse Consultants (NASSNC)
is a
professional organization for school nurses employed at the state level by state
agencies. State school nurse consultants provide guidance to school districts,
school nurses, parents, organizations, and agencies on school health services.
NASSNC developed these RN Action Agendas to support school nurses. These RN
Action Agendas call for:
• Increased awareness that school nursing is anchored in preparation as
an RN;
• Recognition of school nurses as experts at the intersection of health
and learning; and
• Utilization of school nurses’ wide range of knowledge and skills to
address health-related barriers to learning of individual students, as
well as anticipating population health needs of the school community as
a whole.
(Luehr, Shultz, and Riley 2024, 2)
These RN Action
Agendas call for:
• Increased
awareness that
school nursing is
anchored in
preparation as an
RN;
• Recognition of
school nurses as
experts at the
intersection of
health and
learning; and
• Utilization of
school nurses’ wide
range of knowledge
and skills to
address health-
related barriers to
learning of
individual
students, as well as
anticipating
population health
needs of the school
community as a
whole.
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
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SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
16
In Wisconsin, the title “School Nurse” is reserved for those registered
nurses meeting the legal definition of School Nurse
. Registered
nurses working in schools are encouraged to distinguish themselves
from the unlicensed staff or licensed practical nurses working in
health offices. Using the RN credential documents the registered
nurse’s legal authority to practice professional nursing
. Those nurses
who meet criteria to be called School Nurses in Wisconsin should also
use that title. By default, nurses who do not meet the definition
should refrain from using the legal title School Nurse, but are
encouraged to use the title and credentials of Registered Nurse.
These RN Action Agendas support data reporting. It is critical in such
reports to demonstrate the depth and breath of school nurses’
expertise.. School administrators may not be aware that school
nurses provide school-aged children and adolescents with important
prevention services, early detection, and mental health services plus
facilitate access to clinics and other community services. The second
RN Action Agenda provides school nurses with suggestions for starting
a conversation that would lead to administrators having a better
understanding of school nursing’s specialty practice (Luehr, Shultz,
and Riley 2024, 3).
How this data is reported is important to capture the attention of
decision makers. To provide a more accurate description of school
nursing the RN Action Agendas provide tools for school nurses to
describe the difference between health aids, Licensed Practical
Nurses, and Registered Nurses by comparing nursing and teacher
licensure and preparation.
RN Action Agenda #2
provides a concise summary of nursing
preparation and licensure. It also provides suggestions for aligning
school nursing with teaching to increase education administrators’
understanding of school nursing activities and impact on students’
learning.
Not only do the services and staff need to be described, but both the
benefits and risks to students’ health and successful learning. By
collecting and reporting data school nurses document barriers to
education.
The RN Action Agendas remind school nurses that the focus needs to
be on the impact on students. Data collection and reporting should
not focus on nursing jobs, but on the benefits of student health
services for students -better health and educational success. If school
nurses are looking for statements to describe these benefits, they
will find them in RN Action Agenda #2
.
Registered nurses
working in schools are
encouraged to
distinguish themselves
from the unlicensed
staff or licensed
practical nurses
working in health
offices. Using the RN
credential documents
the registered nurse’s
legal authority to
practice professional
nursing.
This publication is available from:
Learning and Support
Student Services Prevention and Wellness Team
(608) 266-8857
https://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/pupil-services/school-nurse
March 2024 Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
The Department of Public Instruction does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race,
color, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, marital status or parental
status, sexual orientation, or ability and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of
America and other designated youth groups.
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATE #8
17
To make decisions about student health services school nurses,
administrators, and other stakeholders need accurate data. School
nurses’ collection of accurate school health services data will be
further discussed at the WASN conference and in the Health Service
Survey Q&A meetings starting April 5, 2024.
I encourage school nurses to look up these RN Action Agendas and use
them to improve their data reports.
Reference
Luehr, Ruth Ellen, Colleen Schultz, and Andrea Riley. 2024. State
School Nurse Consultants Issue RN Action Agendas. NASN School
Nurse. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/1942602X231223167
To make decisions
about student health
services school
nurses,
administrators, and
other stakeholders
need accurate data.
Hiring RNs and LVNs/LPNs for Summer Camp
Positions Throughout the US
Apply Here: WhizResources.com | Medical Staff Application
The Rewards of Working as a Camp Nurse
• Impact the lives of children and adults
• Salary of $1300-1800/week and free tuition for children (worth
appx. $1200-1500/week for each child)
• Round-trip airfare or ground transportation provided
• Lodging and meals furnished
• Build on your pediatric nursing experience
For over 20 years hundreds of NPs, RNs and LPNs have worked at
camps through WhizResources. They have made a difference at camps
while fully utilizing their nurse experience. Many are school nurses
who have the summer available, and others are nurses who travel or
are retired or are new graduates. Some even have a full-time job but
carve out a few weeks to work at a camp.
More Information: www.whizresources.com
rick@whizresources.com
214-709-5559
Finding the Right Fit for Your Needs
• Many top-notch camps in locations across the United States:
Here’s our link to current list of openings
• Assignments from two weeks (sometimes shorter) up to ten weeks
• Primarily traditional “healthy kids” camps
• Some camps accommodate children younger than camp age
through childcare or day camp
• Friends and family members can work at a camp together
• Assistance with licensing in another state if needed (including
payment of license fees)
Ready for an amazing summer?
Apply Here: WhizResources.com | Medical Staff Application
Or send your resume to rick@whizresources.com
• We will contact you to set up a phone interview
• There are no fees to you
More Information: www.whizresources.com
rick@whizresources.com
214-709-5559
Hiring RNs and LVNs/LPNs for Summer Camp
Positions Throughout the US
Apply Here: WhizResources.com | Medical Staff Application
The Rewards of Working as a Camp Nurse
• Impact the lives of children and adults
• Salary of $1300-1800/week and free tuition for children (worth
appx. $1200-1500/week for each child)
• Round-trip airfare or ground transportation provided
• Lodging and meals furnished
• Build on your pediatric nursing experience
For over 20 years hundreds of NPs, RNs and LPNs have worked at
camps through WhizResources. They have made a difference at camps
while fully utilizing their nurse experience. Many are school nurses
who have the summer available, and others are nurses who travel or
are retired or are new graduates. Some even have a full-time job but
carve out a few weeks to work at a camp.
More Information: www.whizresources.com
rick@whizresources.com
214-709-5559
Finding the Right Fit for Your Needs
• Many top-notch camps in locations across the United States:
Here’s our link to current list of openings
• Assignments from two weeks (sometimes shorter) up to ten weeks
• Primarily traditional “healthy kids” camps
• Some camps accommodate children younger than camp age
through childcare or day camp
• Friends and family members can work at a camp together
• Assistance with licensing in another state if needed (including
payment of license fees)
Ready for an amazing summer?
Apply Here: WhizResources.com | Medical Staff Application
Or send your resume to ri[email protected]
• We will contact you to set up a phone interview
• There are no fees to you
More Information: www.whizresources.com
rick@whizresources.com
214-709-5559
DPI School Nurse
Summer Institute
Understanding the Current Landscape and
Prevention Strategies for Vaping, Opioid
Overdose, and Fentanyl Exposure
August 5, 2024
8:30 am – 4:00 pm Hilton Double Tree Downtown-
Madison, Wisconsin
This School Nurse Summer Institute will identify opportunities for
school nurses to incorporate e-cigarette and vaping preventions
strategies into their practices.
School nurses will gain knowledge about the current landscape of
opioid use /abuse and the risk to students.
Registration is limited to 70 participants.
Registration:
Will open in May 2024
Cost: $50. 00
Nursing Professional Continuing Education Credits will be applied for this activity
Location:
Hilton Double Tree Downtown-
525 West Johnson Street,
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
DPI New School
Nurse Orientation
October 10-11, 2024
Holiday Inn - Sevens Point Wisconsin
Purpose:
Training is for those
registered nurses who are
new to the specialty of
school nursing or are
working in a Wisconsin
school district for the first
time.
Who Should
Attend:
It appropriate for
school and registered
nurses who have
worked in a school-
setting zero to three
years.
Registration:
Cost $175.00
Registration will open in
August 2024.
Featured Topics:
• WI School Health
laws
• Delegation in
schools
• IEPs, 504 Plans
• Health Records
• Writing Health Plans
Save the Date!
SCHOOL
HEALTH
SERVICES
DAY
Audience: School Nurses and
Health Aides/Assistants
Tuesday
June 11, 2024
8:15 am - 3:15 pm
Central WI
Convention & Expo
Center, Rothschild
Cost:
Free
Topics will be selected by your peers and will not duplicate the April
WASN conference topics.
Questions?
Contact
Teri Phalin, tphalin@cesa9.org
715-453-2141
Registration
&
Schedule
At-A-Glance
www.cesa9.org
Tests
Stay Home and
Prevent Spread*
Respiratory Virus Guidance Snapshot
Masks
Distancing
Additional prevention strategies
Core prevention strategies
Immunizations
Steps for
Cleaner Air
Hygiene Treatment
Layering prevention strategies can be especially helpful when:
Respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in your community
You or those around you have risk factors for severe illness
You or those around you were recently exposed, are sick, or are recovering
*Stay home and away from others until,
for 24 hours BOTH:
Your symptoms
are getting better
You are fever-free
(without meds)
Then take added precaution for
the next 5 days
Join DPI for a webinar series introducing
the Roadmap for School Mental Health
Improvement. The Roadmap breaks down
five steps for improving the quality of a
school’s current mental health system and
provides a flexible approach to promoting
student and staff well-being and more
equitable outcomes for Wisconsin students.
*If interested in attending, please register for each webinar
separately. All webinars will be recorded.
School Mental Health Improvement
Webinar Series
Intro to the Roadmap for School
Mental Health Improvement for
State and Regional Partners
March 20th, 2024 10:00-10:45 AM
Register here!
Intro to the Roadmap for School
Mental Health Improvement for
School and District Staff
March 21th, 2024 10:00-10:45 AM
Register here!
Intro to the Fishbone Tool
April 4th, 2024 10:00-10:30 AM
Register here!
Intro to the Driver Diagram Tool
April 11th, 2024 10:00-10:30 AM
Register here!
Intro to the Measurement for
Improvement Tool
April 18th, 2024 10:00-10:30 AM
Register here!
Intro to the Empathy Interview Tool
April 25th, 2024 10:00-10:30 AM
Register here!
Intro to the Rapid Cycle Testing Tool
May 2nd, 2024 10:00-10:30 AM
Register here!
NEW!
Student Services/Prevention and Wellness Team
Spring 2024 Updates
Staffing
The following staff joined the Student Services/Prevention and Wellness (SSPW) team or
changed positions:
● Christine Anderson - Assistant Director
● Erick Blasing- Education Consultant, Stronger Connections Grant
● Andrea Gugel- Policy Initiatives Advisor- Executive, Division for Learning Support
Funding Opportunities
Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Competitive Grant Inventory
All current and future competitive grant opportunities available through the Department
of Public Instruction are listed on DPI’s Competitive Grant Inventory website.
Training and Resources
2024 Building the Heart of Successful Schools Conference
The 2024 Building the Heart of Successful Schools (BHSS) Conference will be held on
December 5, 2024, with a pre conference on December 4, 2024. Stay up to date on the
2024 Conference details by visiting the Wisconsin Safe & Healthy Schools Center (WISH)
website.
Watch the 2023 Building the Heart of Successful Schools Conference recap video.
NEW! DPI’s Roadmap for School Mental Health Improvement
The Wisconsin School Mental Health Framework provides a vision for building more
equitable systems for promoting mental health in schools. Regardless of a school’s current
school mental health infrastructure, leaders can utilize the Roadmap for School Mental
Health Improvement to strengthen their mental health supports. The Roadmap outlines
five steps, based on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Community Change
Process, including: commitment, assessment, planning, implementation, and reflection.
The Roadmap provides a menu of corresponding best practices in each step of the
improvement journey. This offers a flexible approach to improvement; how a team moves
through the process is dependent upon resources, existing structures, supports, and
priorities. The Roadmap is meant to guide ongoing improvement work, focusing on the
small steps that lead to big impacts. For a quick reference on how the Roadmap
compliments the Wisconsin School Mental Health Framework, check out Comprehensive
School Mental Health from Theory to Action.
DPI Suicide Prevention Curriculum
The newly developed curriculum will be available on the DPI Youth Suicide Prevention
Student Programs website in late spring. Voluntary implementation trainings will be
available in multiple locations to explore the suicide prevention curriculum. The training
includes an overview of the entire series of units (3rd - 5th, 6th - 8th, and 9th - 12th),
breakouts for in-depth learning about the elementary or middle/high school format and
content, best practices for implementation, resources for suicide prevention initiatives,
and learning with and from peers and trainers. See the flyer for additional information.
School-Based Peer-Led Wellness Programs in Wisconsin
Students are actively helping their peers and addressing youth mental health in school
districts throughout the state. School-based peer-led wellness programs are in place in
300 schools or districts, reaching the majority of Wisconsin’s 421 school districts. Youth
leading these groups, along with their adult advisors, help to improve mental health and
wellness in their school communities, which often radiates out to their broader
community. A variety of programs are in place, including Hope Squad, NAMI Raise Your
Voice Club , REDgen School , and Sources of Strength . Each dot of the map represents a
school or district participating in one of these peer-led wellness programs.
Peer to Peer Suicide Prevention Example Programs and Funding Opportunities Video
This video provides an overview of Peer to Peer Suicide Prevention programs most often
used in Wisconsin, along with information on funding sources.
2018-2023 WI School Social Work Trend Data
This one page summary with graphs highlights the number of licensed and employed
school social workers, percentage of public school districts with at least one school social
worker, and the ratio of Wisconsin students to school social worker full-time equivalent
(FTE) over the last five years. Some possible reasons for the improvements include
impacts of the state Aid for Mental Health Programs, impacts of the Federal School-Based
Mental Health Professionals Grant Program, and increased attention on the need for and
importance of comprehensive school mental health systems. Questions about the roles of
mental health professionals may be answered in the publication, School Based Mental
Health Professionals in Wisconsin Document. Questions and answers about school social
work licensing are found in this Social Work Licensure Bulletin. Need additional
information about supporting a school social worker on a Tier 1 License with Stipulations?
Do not forget our publication, Best Practice Considerations for Emerging Professionals:
School Social Worker - One Year License with Stipulations (Tier I).
Bullying Prevention Online Training Program
The Student Services/Prevention and Wellness Team (SSPW), in collaboration with Dr.
Chad Rose at the University of Missouri, is once again offering a free, online bullying
prevention training course for Wisconsin educators! This course is designed for all
educators including regular and special education teachers, student services
professionals, administrators, out-of-school time program staff, and any other school
personnel. This five-module course can be completed by an individual in approximately
two hours.
The five modules provide foundational knowledge of bullying prevention:
Module 1: What is Bullying?
Module 2: Predictive and Protective Factors Associated with School Bullying
Module 3: Intervention for Bullying in the Schools
Module 4: Group and Individual Interventions and Federal Law Related to Bullying
Module 5: Resources
Please visit DPI’s Comprehensive Approach to Bullying Prevention website to register for
access to this training program. Please contact bullyingprevention@dpi.wi.gov with any
questions!
Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
The YRBS is part of a national effort by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) to monitor health-risk behaviors. The survey is available to all
schools throughout the state and is administered to students in sixth to twelfth grades
and helps the state and local communities monitor trends in youth health and risk
behaviors. Knowing which healthy behaviors and which risk behaviors are on the rise
helps schools and communities create more effective policies and programs to
promote health enhancing behaviors.
If you have not had the opportunity to review the 2021 YRBS statewide data and
summary report, please visit the YRBS website. These figures highlight the need for us
to continue collecting YRBS data so we can identify how these challenges change over
time and devote more attention to our most at-risk students.
Administration for the 2023 YRBS concluded in June, and Wisconsin’s YRBS data was
submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shortly after
survey administration concluded. Approximately seven hundred and sixty five (765)
middle and high schools administered the YRBS in Wisconsin in 2023.
WDPI is currently awaiting their analysis and hoping to receive and share the results
from the CDC soon. The statewide data as well as remaining school* and all district
reports will be made available as soon as possible. As soon as the data is available, we
will send an email via the YRBS email distribution list. *Public and some private high school
reports have already been shared with the schools. The remaining schools are currently in process.
If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the YRBS e-mail list by sending an email to
For any questions related to the YRBS, please visit the YRBS website or contact Casie
School Health Profiles
Data collection for the 2024 School Health Profiles began in January. Approximately 400
schools within Wisconsin were selected to participate in this national survey. School
Health Profiles contains two surveys: 1) a survey for principals and 2) a survey for lead
health teachers. Both surveys are aimed at collecting data regarding current health and
wellness programs and policies to inform future policies and to assist with funding
allocations. If your school was selected and you are a principal or lead health teacher,
please complete the survey right away. If you are unsure if your school was selected for
the survey or you have any questions, please contact Casie Sulzle at
casie.sulzle@dpi.wi.gov or Denise Kohout at denise.kohout@dpi.wi.gov.
Additional information regarding School Health Profiles including the 2022 School Health
Profiles results can be found at the School Health Profiles website.
Wisconsin Educators, Please Tell Us What Training and Support You Need!
To help the Wisconsin Safe & Healthy Schools Training Center & Wisconsin Department of
Public Instruction-SSPW Team better meet the professional learning needs of schools and
communities, please complete the following survey by March 22, 2024.
The survey is completely voluntary and takes less than 10 minutes.
State Grants/Funding in Progress
Alcohol and Drug Abuse (AODA) Student Mini-Grant
Comprehensive school health programs require youth involvement to create
environments conducive to healthy, resilient, and successful learners. As part of the
Department of Public Instruction (DPI) efforts to encourage youth initiatives, we offered
the AODA Student Mini-Grant Program for the 35th year, in the 2023-2024 school year.
Funds were made available to 68 programs throughout the state to support education,
prevention, and intervention programs designed by the students, targeting alcohol and
other drug abuse (AODA) and other youth risk behaviors such as tobacco use, alcohol
traffic safety (ATS), violence, suicide, etc. In addition, a major funding priority of the
mini-grant program is the involvement of youth in the planning and implementation of the
project. Consideration was given based on the educational value of the project and
statewide geographic distribution of funds. Additional information is available on the
Student AODA Mini-Grant Program website.
Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention Grant
The Student Services/Prevention and Wellness Team awarded 61 grants in round one of
the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Suicide Prevention Grant in the 2023-24 school year. A second
round of grants is currently undergoing review. The P2P grants have a focus on training
public, private, tribal and charter Wisconsin high school students, to recognize the signs of
suicide shown by fellow students. Peer-to-peer programs use messages of hope, health,
and strength to develop peer leaders and resources for students who may be experiencing
challenges. Recipients of a grant under this program may use the grant funds to support an
existing peer-to-peer suicide prevention program or implement a new peer-to-peer
suicide prevention program. The amount of each individual grant award may not exceed
$1,000. Additional information is available on the Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention Grant
website.
2023-25 Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Program Grant
This two-year grant will be used by public school districts in Wisconsin to provide a myriad
of supports and interventions in order to develop and deliver a comprehensive K-12
AODA program. Programming that may be supported by the grant includes: curriculum
delivery, staff training, peer-to-peer program support and parent and community
activities. Areas which may be addressed by the grant include: AODA, bullying/violence
prevention, commercial tobacco/vaping prevention, and Alcohol Traffic Safety. A total of
$907,978 was allocated to 46 projects representing 63 school districts, including five
consortium projects. This is a funding rate of 74 percent of the districts seeking funds,
totaling 75 percent of the dollars requested by all applicants. Grantees receive first and
second year funding of equal amounts for 2023-2025. Supporting documents, forms and
resources can be found on the AODA Program website.
Opioid Prevention Grant
Twenty-three school districts and private schools throughout Wisconsin competed for
and received $250,000 in Opioid Prevention Grant funds. The Opioid Prevention Grant
funds were awarded by WDPI, in partnership with the WDHS, and represent a one-time,
single-year opportunity for Wisconsin schools.
Federal Grants/Funding in Progress
School-based Interventions to Promote Equity and Improve Health, Academic
Achievement, and Well-being of Students
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction was awarded a five-year cooperative
agreement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The purpose of
this grant is to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of school-age children and
adolescents in underserved and disproportionately affected communities. The DPI will
use the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model to: establish key
partnerships to support school health programs; promote dissemination and
implementation of CDC school health guidelines, tools, and resources through
Professional Development (PD) and Technical Assistance (TA); and use action planning to
implement physical activity, school nutrition, and school health policies, practices,
programs, and services within state and local education agencies (LEAs), schools, and
out-of-school time (OST) settings. More information will be coming soon about how to join
the Healthy Schools Academy.
Project AWARE 2023 (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) Grant
DPI was awarded its third Project AWARE grant by the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for $9 million for five years through 2028. The
purpose of this program is to develop a sustainable infrastructure for school-based mental
health programs and services by leveraging state, regional, and local level partnerships to
implement mental health-related promotion, awareness, prevention, intervention, and
resilience activities to ensure that school-aged youth have access and are connected to
appropriate and effective behavioral health services. This project will focus on building
comprehensive school mental health systems in the Wabeno and Crandon communities,
with an emphasis on bringing added services and support for students who identify as
LGBTQ+. The other focus of this project will be on enhancing regional partnerships to
increase accessibility of school mental health technical assistance statewide, with a focus
on rural and under-resourced communities. For more information on AWARE 2023,
contact the Project Director, Jess Frain at jessica.frain@dpi.wi.gov.
Stronger Connections Grant Competition
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) was signed into law by President Biden on
June 25, 2022. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) was allocated
$12.5 million to administer a BSCA Stronger Connections competitive grant to high-need
Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to support safe and healthy students under section 4108
of the ESEA.
The Stronger Connections Grant was open for applications from September
25-November 15, 2023. Following the application submissions, an external and internal
review process was conducted. DPI received a total of 121 applications out of 302 eligible
high-needs LEAs which equated to 40 percent of eligible applicants. Our 121 applications
were made up of 117 Public School Districts and four Independent Charter Schools
requesting a total of $34.7 million.
On Friday, February 23, 40 LEAs were awarded the Stronger Connections Grant funds.
The performance period of the grant runs from February 1, 2024-September 30, 2026.
STOP School Violence Grant
The STOP School Violence Grant was funded by the US Department of Justice for $2
million over three years. The Department of Public Instruction is partnering with CESA 10
in order to implement the Trauma Research Awareness for Isolated and New Educators in
Rural Wisconsin (TRAIN-WI) Project across the southern part of Wisconsin. CESA 10 has
already been highly successful in implementing the TRAIN-WI Project in the northern part
of the state. The TRAIN-WI Project helps educators to gain a comprehensive
understanding of trauma through providing training in the Neurosequential Model in
Education (NME), developed by Bruce Perry and the Neurosequential Network. Thus far,
161 people in southern Wisconsin have completed the Introduction to NME training
through the TRAIN-WI Project. In addition, 32 people have begun the 11-month NME
Trainer training. In spring and summer of 2024, an additional 19 cohorts of Introduction to
NME training will be offered in southern Wisconsin. The project’s goal is that trainers and
advanced trainers are located at CESAs, as well as in large districts, to ensure long-term
sustainability and to exponentially increase the number of adults and students benefiting
from the program. The TRAIN-WI Project has also hosts virtual implementation calls to
provide ongoing professional learning and collaboration opportunities to those who have
completed the training. A newly launched website (https://trainwi.cesa10.org/home)
provides additional trauma sensitive schools resources. For more information, please
Title IV, Part B, Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant
Grantees receive a five-year award to provide academic enrichment. More information on
the program can be found on the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning
Center Grant Program website.
School-Based Mental Health Professionals Grant
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education for five years through September, 2025. The
purpose of this project is to increase the number of school-based mental health service
professionals recruited and retained through a multi-faceted approach. The Federal
School-Based Mental Health Professionals (SBMHP) Grant Project is using federal funds
to expand pathways with contracted University of Wisconsin (UW) programs for aspiring
school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers to become licensed
school-based mental health professionals with the goal of reducing pupil to pupil service
professional ratios. The SBMHP Grant Project is partnering with ten UW pupil services
programs: four school social work programs, three school social work programs, and three
school counseling programs. This expansion includes using funds to recruit, expand online
programming, remove barriers for potential students and assist in placing and retaining
licensed professionals in Local Education Agencies (LEAs) with demonstrated need.
Project activities will prioritize attracting individuals who reflect the racial and ethnic
diversity of the local population of the LEA’s community. During the 2023-2024 academic
year, the SBMHP Grant Project will be partnering with UW partners to create free virtual
field supervision and mentoring modules for pupil services staff to expand school based
support for early and new professionals. For more information on the School-Based
Mental Health Professionals Grant Project, reference the Federal School-Based Mental
Health Professionals Grant Program website.
Title IV, Part-A
Districts with a Title I allocation in the previous fiscal year receive a formula allocation to
support enhancements in well-rounded education, safe and healthy school environments
and effective use of technology. For more information, visit the Title IV-A website. For the
Safe and Healthy Students component of this Title, professional development
opportunities can be found on the WISH Center website.
