In order for our students to reach their full potential, we must ensure they feel safe, welcome and present in our schools. Addressing our students' mental health and social-emotional needs is critical to ensuring their well-being and healthy development, access to safe and welcoming schools and the ability to engage with grade-level texts and tasks.

Universal mental health screening is a proactive and systematic way to determine appropriate support for each student. This districtwide initiative allows all DPS schools to intervene early and appropriately to meet student mental health and social-emotional needs. To inform our actions, we know how critical it is to gauge how students are faring in these key areas, enabling timely support and fostering an environment where they can truly thrive.

For the 2023-24 school year, our goal is for all eligible DPS students to be screened for mental health risk using two forms (parent/caregiver, teacher and/or student self-report form) of the BESS during three screening windows: Beginning, middle and end of the year. BESS screenings should be taking place now if not already completed. The BESS screening window closes Oct. 13.

For all information on the BESS, including guidance documents, training opportunities and Mental Health Coordinators' contact information, please explore the BESS tab of the Department of Mental Health site.

As we take proactive measures to ensure our students' well-being, we are reminded that one cannot pour from an empty cup. October can be an especially challenging month, especially for new teachers. Balancing all that is asked of you, deciphering what you learn and how you are putting those methods into practice always has a tremendous learning curve. Here are some wise words from school leaders about how to navigate this time of year:

"You're not alone. Lean in on trusted peers in and out of the building. Don't go at it by yourself." --Jennifer Shoemaker, Traylor Academy

"I decided to integrate myself more into the school community as a tutor during lunch and also as an athletic coach (basketball and football). It gave me the opportunity to decompress after school and engage with scholar-athletes; it also helped me to meet more adults outside of my teacher sphere." --Antonio Esquibel, Abraham Lincoln High School

"Reading Dylan William's books and watching his video about formative assessments transformed my lessons and as students were more engaged, I had a lot more fun teaching." --Fernanda Dillon, Hamilton Middle School

Continue to seek resources and lean on leaders who have been in your shoes for wisdom. Thank you for your dedication to our students.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Discovery Education! Check out our Hispanic Heritage Resources for the classroom and celebrate the Hispanic cultural experiences and traditions. The celebration goes until Sunday, Oct. 15, but resources can be used all year! To access resources, please log in via Clever Portal or your Schoology homepage. Check out this nine-minute video to help with logging in. If you have questions about Discovery Education, contact Dr. Deanna Goodrich.

As a reminder, Multilingual Learners (MLLs) who have been enrolled in U.S. schools for six or fewer years can demonstrate Literacy and Math proficiency via a score of two or higher on approved Literacy and/or Math Capstone Tasks (to be applied in their senior year). Additional information can be found here. Lists of eligible students will be sent to schools in mid-September.

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