Prevention in School Works!

December 2025 Newsletter

Welcome to our monthly newsletter with a new look

and your school mental health needs in mind!

pictured: Mountain Movers Youth-Led Prevention Group (see article below about youth-led prevention)

Coordinator Corner

by Sara Henneman, BHWC

Christian Life Academy began a Youth-Led prevention (YLP) group last year, with 2 students. These two students were the first YLP group in Jackson County. This year the group, Mountain Movers, has grown to almost 30 6-12 grade students. Mountain Movers recently participated and helped plan the first ever tri-county (Gallia, Jackson, and Meigs Counties) Youth Led Prevention Summit. The summit was held at the University of Rio Grande on October 17, 2025 with the theme of We have the Power! Two of the Mountain Movers helped plan and lead sessions (unity and time management) during the summit. Mountain Movers took 14 students to the summit to join in with the 106 students who participated.

The Mountain Movers recently received a grant to help them plan a summit for the students in grades 3-5 at Christian Life Academy. This summit will be a day-long event, planned and organized by the students in Mountain Movers. Topics for the day will include kindness, stress relief, inclusion and team work all of which will be inclusive of the overall theme of suicide prevention.

Micro-Credential Training for School Personnel

What is the Student Assistance Program (SAP)?

SAP is a comprehensive, school-based approach designed to identify and support students experiencing academic, behavioral, emotional, or social challenges. This credential helps build a strong foundation for whole-student wellness and success!

What You'll Learn

Spot early signs of mental health challenges and substance use
Understand the SAP framework, definitions, and processes
Learn how SAP aligns with MTSS, PBIS, and SEL initiatives
Use evidence-based practices to support student success
Plan and adapt supports that reflect diversity and student voice
Analyze data to improve SAP effectiveness
Facilitate SAP Team meetings with confidence
Build collaboration across school and community systems

Who Should Attend?

Teachers and School Counselors
Social Workers and Mental Health Coordinators
School Administrators & Deans
Paraprofessionals and Support Staff
Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordinators

Why Earn This Credential?

Empower your school to provide early, effective support for students. Be the bridge between struggle and success in your learning community!

💻 Format: Self-paced, online, and asynchronous

🎉 New School Year Special: Get 50% off the regular price!

💵 Total Cost with special rate: $100

Link: REGISTER

Contact: Kenyetta Lee with questions leekl@miamioh.edu

Grief Around the Holidays

by Jessica Muhlenkamp OCPS

The holidays are synonymous with joy and gathering together. But what happens when grief overshadows what is usually a time for togetherness and laughter?

Grief can be isolating and a need for support can feel even larger during a holiday where you expect a missing loved one to be there. While it is common to experience an intense period of sadness immediately after a loss, it also takes time for those grieving to find their “new normal.” Certain protective factors have shown to assist with this difficult time:

Supportive Counseling
Social Supports
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Spiritual or Religious Connection

Grief is our internal feelings and mourning is our external expressions. The holidays may amplify grief and mourning. Understand that someone's “new normal” may include viewing holiday traditions in a new way.

Allowing space for the griever to externalize their loss gives them time to process loss even during the bustle of the holiday season. Ways to do this include:

Saying a prayer or a few words about a loved one at family dinner
Lighting a candle for the deceased
Creating a tribute display
Share stories together about the deceased

Remember that holidays can be some of the toughest days for those dealing with grief, and mourning is very individual. Listen and help those grieving find meaning in their own way, not necessarily in the way we think they should find it.

Resources:

Grief & the Holidays

Grief, Loss, and Bereavement MHTTC

Season 3 of the

School Wellness Podcast

is Here!

Listen now to guest Honey Bell-Bey (pictured above) talk about youth-led prevention and the PARTS initiative, which effectively combines Prevention, Academics, Resiliency, and Training to foster success among young people in schools.

Click here for a link to the complete Season 3 Episode Schedule.

Search the No Wrong Door resource library by topic to support your work with students, families, and the community.

My Ohio Wellness

Find short videos on MyOhioWellness.com that cover topics from all Eight Dimensions of Wellness (Swarbrick, 1996. SAMHSA, 2006).

Please stay in touch!

We post news you can use throughout each week.

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