September 12, 2022
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to share resources in an effort to shed light on this serious and often stigmatized topic. We use this month to raise awareness and connect individuals with resources and support. Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please get help now.
Access mental health resources by clicking the “Need to Talk?” Button on the APS district webpage. In addition, all APS schools have a comprehensive mental health team, including counselors, school psychologists and social workers to support students and families in need.
Arlington County’s Department of Human Services is hosting A Virtual Conversation on Hope, Healing, and Recovery with Kevin Hines on Wednesday, September 28th from 6:00pm – 7:30pm, and NAMI Arlington offers support groups for families on Sunday evenings . Please see our Events section below for additional information.
Finally, the Arlington Youth Mental Health and Wellness Committee has started an awareness campaign to put information in the hands of our youth using a simple QR code. With this, teens can use their cell phones to learn about what’s available for their own mental health needs or those of their friends or family.
VDOE and VTSS Surveys
If you haven’t already, you should soon be receiving a welcome letter via US Mail for our Co-Directors of Special Education, Dr. Kelly Krug and Ms. Heather Rothenbuescher. Along with the letter, there is a contact card for the Parent Resource Center, as well as a paper copy of the Virginia Department of Education’s parent involvement annual survey. Please note, this survey is intended to gather your feedback on for the previous academic year (2021-22). The survey will remain open through December 16, 2022. If you have questions concerning this survey, please contact Chiquita Seaborne, Family Engagement Specialist/Special Projects Coordinator, via telephone at (804) 225-3898 or via email, at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov.
You can also respond to the survey online in English or Spanish at:
Parent Involvement (Indicator 8) Survey-Frequently Asked Questions
Additionally, the Virginia Tiered Systems of Support (VTSS) is asking for families to review its website and complete this brief survey. They are hoping to make the website easier for families to navigate and locate resources. The survey will closes soon, so please respond as soon as possible.
The Virginia Family Special Education Connection’s September Family Flyer is now available at: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Family-Flyer–September-2022—Virtual-AT-Lab–Webinar–Turning-18-in-VA—Advocating-for-Myself—-Special-Education-Workshop-S.html?soid=1120412605452&aid=vRhbiFvdvc0 and features resources including a virtual Assistive Technology Lab, and upcoming webinars, resources and events.
Upcoming Events: Please visit aps2016.apsva.us/prc-events
