AWSP Blog

These emails are sent out weekly to leaders in special education and Section 504.. Each email contains tips and resources on a variety of topics that are meant to keep you informed and up-to-date.. Please consult your district attorney if you are looking for legal advice, as that is out of my realm.

From conversations with fellow educators at all levels and all parts of the state – and even colleagues around the country, it feels like that same flip has been occurring in schools just about everywhere. Calls, emails, texts, and other communications have been filled with stories of bullying, mental health concerns, threats – real and virtual. Coming back to school, while still dealing with our traumatic, disruptive COVID experience, has been challenging for students, staff, and families.

The U.S. Department of Education recently released this new resource on supporting child and student social, emotional, behavioral and mental health during the ongoing COVID-19 era.  This resource highlights seven key challenges to providing school- or program-based mental health support across early childhood, K–12 schools, and higher education settings, and presents seven corresponding recommendations. It also includes many real-world examples of how the recommendations are being put into action by schools, communities, and states across the country.

Tim Garchow, Executive Director of the Washington State School Directors'  Association, thanks principals for the enormous amount of work and dedication displayed while navigating the challenges of this year. "Our children are lucky to have you, and so are the rest of us."

These emails are sent out weekly to leaders in special education and Section 504.. Each email contains tips and resources on a variety of topics that are meant to keep you informed and up-to-date.. Please consult your district attorney if you are looking for legal advice, as that is out of my realm.