UTLA WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS—Research shows that Wellness and Mental Health are integral and important parts of a person’s wellbeing, stability, and overall success. The UTLA Student Health and Human Services professionals of which include Psychiatric Social Workers (PSW), Pupil Services & Attedance Counselors (PSA), School Psychologist, School Nurses, and other socio-emotional professionals have put together thoughtful resources and helpful tips to support our daily challenges and current environment. UTLA WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS–Social Wellness, Emotional Wellness, Spiritual Wellness, Environmental Wellness, Occupational Wellness, Intellectual Wellness, and Physical Wellness are dimensions of wellness that help us in the workplace.
If you need immediate emergency assistance, please call 911. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you may call our LAUSD Student Health and Human Services Hotline at (213) 241.3840 Monday through Friday from 6:00am-6:00pm or any of the following agencies (24/7): LA County Department of Mental Health (800) 854- 7771 | National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)
As District leaders, we recognize the important role all educators play every day to support our students by developing caring relationships to foster their learning and overall wellbeing. A sense of community in the school and classroom (in-person and virtual) helps stakeholders feel valued and included. Establishing procedures and routines that cultivate connectedness and trust set the stage for increased academic engagement, social success and authentic relationships. Strategic activities that are asset based and leverage stakeholders’ strengths and identities provide opportunities for individuals to learn more about each other, resulting in deeper levels of connection and a sense of belonging in a manner that is culturally and linguistically responsive.
This summer, a cross disciplinary team from the Divisions of Instruction, Special Education, Human Resources, and Student Health and Human Services came together to make this work foundational for all district employees. The following resources and tools to support this work are available for your use, please visit:
Dr. Nadine Burke, California’s first Surgeon General stated it best, “Educators can deliver the daily doses of healing interactions that truly are the antidote to toxic stress…just as science shows that it’s the cumulative dose of early adversity that’s most harmful, it also shows that the cumulative dose of healing nurturing interactions is most healing.”
Asian Americans-a powerful five part series on the history of Asian Americans in the US. The series examines what the 2010 U.S. Census identifies as the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the United States. Told through individual lives and personal histories, ASIAN AMERICANS explores the impact of this group on the country’s past, present, and future.
“We’ve tried to do an Asian American history series for years and years,” said Academy Award-nominated filmmaker and UCLA professor Renee Tajima-Peña (“Who Killed Vincent Chin?”), the producer of “Asian Americans.” Airing during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the series has taken on even greater urgency amid rising anti-Asian sentiment in America because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many may know that February is Black History Month or that March is Women’s History Month, but way fewer people celebrate the other heritage months that happen throughout the year, including AAPI Heritage month.
L.A. museums exhibit world-class Asian art collections and Asian American cultural artifacts
This is the Behavioral Health Directory for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in California. For Los Angeles County, refer to pages 17-29 and for Los Angeles County Department Mental Health Resources, refer to Appendix A page 35-50.
Wellness and Self-Care for Educators – “During this unprecedented time, it is imperative that school counselors and other student support professionals prioritize self care. Self care is a topic that has been discussed widely; however, with unique challenges arising, taking care of ourselves mentally/emotionally, physically and socially so that we can be available to support our students.”
Slowdown Shuffle: 50 Evidence-based, Immune-Boosting Activities to do During the Global Slowdown to Go From Wired and Tired to Chilled and Fulfilled. Article
Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools developed this special webinar series focused on caring for the education community during COVID-19. Each webinar will offer insights and ideas for educators, family caregivers, and school staff to care for themselves and others during this time.
Emily Dillion PSW, YouTube Channel with Mindfulness/Breathing videos
Action for Happiness calendars
