In-Service Workshops

We think of alcohol as a beverage, but we know that it’s also a drug. Teens discuss “drinking” beer, “drinking” games and “drinking” as an activity unto itself, but what if we were to replace the word “drinking” with “drugging” in those contexts? If alcohol use creates changes in decision-making or mental status, we’re drugging with alcohol, and it’s important to understand alcohol in that context. This presentation examines alcohol as a drug, considering alcohol’s actions, side effects, dosing and overdosing, addiction and dependence risks, legal and health consequences and more.

The general acceptance of recreational intoxication in young people has never been as high as it is today, and as the country moves toward the decriminalization/legalization of marijuana, this popularity will continue to grow. The New Drug Education looks at current trends in use and attitudes about intoxication, considers best practices for educating and raising adolescents, and examines the legal and health risk factors young people are facing.

Research shows that there is real power in play. Through play, children develop the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills they need to thrive both now and into their futures. Play is both fun and a vital way that children learn about themselves and the world around them. This workshop is recommended for Preschool through Grade 2 staff.

Designed for school psychologists, social workers, guidance counselors, nurses, and special education staff, this workshop will discuss identifying a student's strengths and challenges using neuropsychological testing. Participants will learn how to examine neuropsychological tests, how they are used, and how to develop instructional and behavioral strategies for students based on these assessments.

School nurses provide support and advocacy to students with mental health issues daily and are often the first school professional to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health disorder. This workshop will provide school nurses with an update on the most commonly encountered mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, and PTSD and strengthen their skills for managing students’ symptoms of these disorders in the health office. Participants will build on their collaborative and communication skills with school-based student support personnel, including in the context of 504 plans, IEPs, and IHPs, as well as caregivers, and community-based providers.

A yes brain is flexible, curious, willing to try new things, and even make mistakes. A Yes Brain is open to the world and relationships, helping us relate to others and understand ourselves. A “no brain” is reactive and fearful, rigid and shut down, worrying that it might make a mistake. Based on the work of Dr Dan Siegel and the book, The Yes Brain, a key component of this workshop will be how sharing basic neuroscience with students helps them understand their brains and how to choose to be in the balanced state of the “Yes Brain.”

This presentation, taught by Howard Moody, Play Specialist, is engaging and experiential. Howard has also taught improv theater for years, where the fundamental principle is to say “Yes And” so together we will enter our own Yes Brain state of optimism. flexibility, insight and empathy and have fun too.

Anyone looking for tools on behavior management or aligning with trauma-informed practices will benefit from this engaging presentation.

This presentation educates students on the risks, consequences, and realities of sexting in today’s digital world. Students will learn about the emotional, legal, and social impacts of sharing explicit images, even among peers. Through real-life scenarios, interactive discussions, and current data, the session empowers students to make responsible choices, understand consent, protect their digital reputation, and seek help when needed. The goal is to build awareness, promote healthy communication, and reinforce the importance of respecting boundaries—both online and offline.

In today’s world, 24/7 connectivity contributes to digital distraction and phone dependence, which may hinder students' physical, mental, and emotional health. Social media platforms can foster a culture of peer comparison. How do we all shift from digital overload to more tech/life balance? Students will learn the data and be introduced to the LookUp Challenge: a student-led initiative to take a break from phones, social media and technology for a week as a school community on each students' own terms.

This eye-opening presentation explores the evolving landscape of underage substance use, highlighting the cultural, social, and media-driven influences that shape youth behaviors and attitudes. “Culture Shock” delves into how music, social media, peer pressure, and shifting societal norms contribute to the normalization of alcohol, vaping, marijuana, and other substances among teens. Participants will learn about current trends, the risks associated with early substance use, and the disconnect between perception and reality. The session also equips students and staff with strategies to promote healthy decision-making, foster resilience, and create a school culture that challenges harmful norms and supports prevention.

Every day, young people are deceived, manipulated, coerced, and forced into the commercial sex trade. This multibillion-dollar industry targets vulnerable individuals in our communities. The Understanding and Responding to Victims Training gives service providers, law enforcement, and community members the tools needed to better serve this marginalized population.