We recently visited San Luis Obispo High School to observe a groundbreaking and impactful approach students are taking to better utilize the school’s Wellness Center. At the heart of SLO High’s new approach is a peer support program led not by adults, but by students themselves. They call themselves Wellness Center Aides, seniors nominated by
The holiday season is often seen as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness—but for many families, this time of year also brings a mix of complex emotions. Loneliness, worry, grief, and stress can surface unexpectedly, and it’s important to remember: it’s okay not to be okay. In recognition of SAMHSA’s National Grief Awareness Week,
SLOCOE is partnering with the National Council on Mental Wellbeing to bring Youth Mental Health First Aid to our teachers, administrators, parents, coaches, and support staff. This early intervention public education program teaches adults how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how to listen non judgmentally and give
We’re excited to spotlight CenCal Health, one of SLOCOE’s key partners in supporting the health and well-being of our students and families. CenCal Health is the local nonprofit, community-based health plan that administers Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) for all eligible residents in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Everyone who qualifies for Medi-Cal in
Supporting adult social-emotional learning (SEL) is essential to creating healthy, connected school communities. To help leaders and educators strengthen this work, CASEL offers practical, easy-to-use resources that guide professional learning, collaboration, and everyday SEL modeling. Here are three worth exploring. #1 LEARN: Create a Professional Learning Plan – A simple tool to organize a plan
We’re excited to share some great news about our expanding efforts to support student well-being. This year marks our second year of implementing Bounce Back and CBITS (Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools) with an increasing number of practitioners joining to bring these evidence-based programs to more students across the county. We’re also thrilled
Looking to deepen understanding of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and strengthen your school or district’s impact in the classroom? Through a unique multi-sector partnership, UC Berkeley is offering the SEL Foundations Course, a FREE, 12-week, 3-credit, online graduate-level course designed specifically for California classroom teachers, early and expanded learning professionals, and pupil services personnel
Restorative Practices (RP) are often associated with student discipline, but their principles are equally transformative when applied to teachers and staff. At its core, RP focuses on building strong relationships, fostering open communication, and creating a culture of care. In observance of Restorative Practices Month, we share tips and resources to help foster an environment
Educators, counselors, administrators, and community partners can now stream our virtual webinar. This special session, Empowering Families, Supporting Students: Free Mental Health Tools for Every Age, highlights two powerful programs now available to families in San Luis Obispo County at no cost. Bright Life Kids (Ages 0–12) Offers parents and caregivers 1:1 coaching and resources
