In the wake of the tragic events that occurred in Orlando, many people are dealing with grief. You do not have to be directly involved with this incident, as seeing it on the news and hearing about it can bring up a person’s own life experiences, and with it, a sense of grief and despair. To help, Dr. Scott Poland,

A PSI Expert Partner and a professor in Nova Southeastern University ‘s Psychology Department, has put together some “tips” to help people deal with their grief as well as how parents should help their children understand these senseless acts.

You can read Dr. Poland’s advice online HERE .

Dr. Poland is also a nationally recognized expert on school crisis, youth violence, suicide intervention, self-injury, school safety, threat assessment, parenting and the delivery of psychological services in schools. Poland is a founding member of the National Emergency Assistance Team for the National Association of School Psychologists and serves as the Prevention Director for the American Association of Suicidology. He has led multiple national crisis teams following numerous school shootings and suicides and served as the team leader of the crisis response team sent to Jefferson County Public Schools during the aftermath of the Columbine High School shootings.

PSI’s Hui-ying Lee proudly presented her students at the National Chinese Honor Society induction ceremony at Walsh Jesuit High School in April. There were eight inductees this year and they are all Chinese 3 juniors.
The National Chinese Honor Society (NCHS) was established in November 1993 to recognize those accomplished high school students who study Chinese as a world language.
The National Chinese Honor Society is a scholastic organization that promotes and recognizes students with good citizenship, leadership, and deeds of community service.

The National Chinese Honor Society’s goal is to encourage its members to become life-long learners to gain a better understanding of Chinese language and culture, and to play an active role as constructive peace-makers in the twenty-first century. The applicant must be a full time high school student who has studied Chinese fo four semesters in high school with an average of A- or higher. A qualified candidate is someone who is willing to work with the sponsor/advisor as well as with other students as a role model to play a positive role in Chinese studies. Hui-ying has continued to develop the Mandarin Language program at Walsh over several years and her efforts are producing some exemplary students. Congratulations to all!

Our own Karen Heichel, MA  presented a free webinar entitled “Practicing Mindfulness in your School”.  This is a new and very exciting topic.  This free webinar was held on December 2nd from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST. but you can watch it now in our webinar library.

Mindfulness is being used for reducing stress, increasing attention, building attitudes of compassion and kindness that lead to more productive learning environment for students and a more collaborative working place for teachers.

Karen will be talking about how studies have shown significance improvement in self-awareness and acceptance by practicing mindfulness for 15 minutes three to four times per week. These activities can be integrated into your existing curriculum.  If this topic sounds interesting to you, click here for a link to the pre-recorded webinar.

Dr. Colleen Lorber, PSI’s Executive Director, will be presenting this Oct. 23 at the Annual Buckeye Charter School Boards Conference. On the program is also Ron Packard, Founder and CEO of Pansophic Learning. Dr Lorber will address the dos and don’ts of special education as it pertains to Charter School operations. Special Education management is a critical component that effective charter schools manage appropriately and professionally. 

The Buckeye Charter School Boards Association helps boards learn to function efficiently and effectively while maximizing student academic and social performance. Learn more about the Buckeye Charter School Board Association at http://www.buckeyecharterboards.org.