Welcome Back! The HUB: February Issue Part 2

The HUB: February Issue Part 2 features important dates in February such as Black History Month, National School Counseling Week, Random Acts of Kindness Week, and National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. ICYMI - Part 1 can be found here.
UPCOMING: FEBRUARY HUB HAPPENINGS
Black History Month
February is Black History Month (BHM) - the celebration of African American history, contributions, and achievements. Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) unveils a new theme for BHM. The 2022 Black History Month theme is “Black Health and Wellness.” Learn more about ASALH and this year’s theme here.
 
For schools, February is a great opportunity to teach students about the importance of Black history, tradition, and culture. To help schools prepare and celebrate BHM, here is a list of 10 inspiring activities for students. Some activities include:
 
  • Quote or fact of the day that is relevant to Black history
  • Highlight a different Black influencer each day
  • Black history trivia
  • Timeline activity
National School Counseling Week: 2/7 – 2/11
In honor of National School Counseling Week, we had the opportunity to catch up with Dr. Luz M. Arellano, Coordinator for K-12 School Counseling Services at the Orange County Department of Education. Dr. Arellano is passionate about equity and access, parent engagement, and elevating the role of “School Counselor,” as well as strengthening leadership opportunities for school counselors. Check out what Dr. Arellano told us:
HUB: How do school counseling programs create a more peaceful, safe environment for students?
Dr. Arellano: “Through a comprehensive school counseling program, school counselors ensure all students have access to an inclusive education and comprehensive levels of support in the areas of academic achievement, college and career planning, and social and emotional development. School counselors advocate for equitable education for all students and work to remove systemic barriers.”
 
HUB: What kind of support do you believe students need more of this year?
Dr. Arellano: “School counselors have always known that supporting the ‘whole child’ is imperative to maximize student potential. Now more than ever, we are reminded as educators that focusing on the social and emotional well-being of our students is a priority to maximize student potential.”
 
HUB: What is one thing counselors want students to know?
Dr. Arellano: “School counselors can help with more than just a schedule change, we are here to advocate for and support students! We understand that school and learning can be a challenge when personal concerns are ruminating in our minds. We are here to support our students through school and personal matters. We want to be there for you!”

For ways to celebrate or promote National School Counseling Week, check out these resources from the American School Counselor Association.
Randoms Acts of Kindness Week: 2/14 – 2/20
Random acts of kindness make the world a happier place. People may feel inspired to repeat the good deeds they have experienced, which contributes to a more peaceful, positive community. An act of kindness can also boost feelings of confidence, happiness, gratitude, and optimism. The best part? Both the person who performs the act of kindness and the recipient can reap these benefits!
 
We challenge you to spread some kindness during Random Acts of Kindness Week -- and beyond. Here are some easy-to-apply ideas:
 
  • Call a friend you have not spoken to in a while
  • Buy flowers for someone in your family
  • Send someone a handwritten letter
  • Thank an essential worker
 
More acts of kindness ideas can be found here.
National Eating Disorders Week: 2/21 – 2/27
National Eating Disorders Awareness (NEDA) Week is intended to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope, support, and visibility to individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
 
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) OC hosts a mental wellness podcast to provide insight and support for all ages called “It’s Okay to Feel.” Today, we are featuring Episode 7 from Season 1 – “Eating Disorders 101.” On this episode, guests talk about their own journeys dealing with eating disorders, where they are in their recovery journey, and why eating disorders are so prevalent.
We Want to Hear From You! Want to share an event that advances student mental health? Let The Hub help. Whether an event, training, webinar, grant, or a “Zoom” gathering, we can help spread the word! We encourage you to submit items for future issues.

Share The HUB! Please forward it on to educators, staff, administrators, parents, families and students in the school community, and community organizations serving youth and families. 
The HUB is brought to you by The Reilly Group as part of the OC Health Care Agency Community Networking Project, and humble editors: Gabriela Rodriguez, Colleen Reilly, and Angela Castellanos. The HUB is specially designed to serve our community and connect you to the rich array of K-12 school-based mental health events, activities, services, resources, webinars, trainings, policy and funding opportunities, and more, happening here in OC and beyond. 
 Contact the Community Networking Project at [email protected]
Funded by OC Health Care Agency (OCHCA), Mental Health and Recovery Services, Prevention & Intervention, Mental Health Services Act/Prop. 63
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