"Building Bridges"

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Dr. Ross Greene, Ph.D Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School “Collaborative Problem Solving: Teaching, Parenting, and Treating Challenging Kids” Dr. Ross Greene is the originator of a model of psychosocial treatment called Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS). Based on research in the neurosciences over the past 30 years, the CPS model posits that challenging behavior is a form of developmental delay and the byproduct of lagging cognitive skills in the global domains of lexibility/adaptability, frustration tolerance, and problem-solving. CPS helps adults teach these lagging cognitive skills and help kids solve the problems precipitating their challenging behavior while reducing the frequency and intensity of challenging behaviors. The model, which represents a dramatic departure from conventional wisdom and practice, has been found to be highly effective in an array of settings, including families, general and special education schools, therapeutic group homes, and inpatient, residential, and juvenile detention facilities. Participants in this workshop will leave with an understanding of the underpinnings of the CPS model and practical assessment and intervention tools that can be brought back to and used in these diverse settings.

Rep. Terry Brown Representative Terry Brown (D), Michigan House of Representatives: 84th District, LMSW: Michigan State University, MASSW 2008 Legislator of the Year, NASW 2008 Stabenow Political Leadership Award, Michigan Association of Counties 2008 Legislator of the Year “Building Bridges: How School Social Workers Can Bridge the Gap Between Legislators and Schools” In this time of crippling economic crisis and budget constraints, School Social Workers are in a position of strength to inform and inluence Legislators about the signiicant needs of students and the best practice methods to help insure that students are academically ready to learn. Interventions at the Macro level are more essential than ever to insure that the needs of the Whole Child are met. As a School Social Worker turned Legislator, Representative Brown is uniquely qualiied to provide insight and knowledge to School Social Workers concerning ways to positively impact the Legislative process in order to beneit students and services. Representative Brown will discuss the process by which a Legislative Bill is formulated, the effect constituents have upon the formulation and successful passage of a Bill and the most effective strategies for having your voice heard in Lansing. He will address ethical issues and how School Social Workers can “Bridge the Gap” between Legislators and schools in order to enhance the lives of students.

Amy K. Bolton, Psychologist, MA, LLP, Private Practitioner Masters in Psychology from WSU with a specialization in Marriage and Family therapy, Certiied Elementary & Middle School teacher, Private Practice Counselor “Maxed Out? Get in line.” Stressed? Anxious? Finding yourself overwhelmed? Join the club. Social workers and other mental health professionals in school environments today have to juggle many balls in the air between administrators, teachers, parents, students, and that’s just at work! Through emphasizing the importance of self-care, this session will provide tools to help manage the unique challenges associated with school social work for optimum mental health. By looking at positive ways to set healthy boundaries, reduce stress, and manage various responsibilities, we will explore effective ways to nurture ourselves so we can help others in our work and personal lives.

Session A // 8:30 - 10:00 AM

A-1 Introduction to the Enneagram: A Theory of Personality and Motivation: (Part 1)
*Double Session: participants must register for B-1 as well.
Jo Ann Weber, LMSW: School Social Worker: Huron Valley Schools
Ronda Pretzlaff Diegel, Ph.D.,LP : School Psychologist: Bloomield Hills Schools
The Enneagram is a powerful and dynamic system that describes 9 distinct personality types. The system beautifully articulates the attentional styles, thought, feeling and behavior patterns of each distinct type. Participants will be introduced to the focus of attention, 3 centers of intelligence, driving energy, the strengths, challenges and world perspectives of each personality type.
Target audience: K-12

A-2 Violence Prevention and Risk Assessment: Roles for School Social Workers
Beverly Van Dyke, LMSW: Special Education Coordinator: Forest Hills Public SchoolsDonna Secor Pennington, LMSW: School Social Worker: Forest Hills Public Schools; Vice President: School Social Work Association of America This workshop outlines a comprehensive approach to addressing school violence prevention and intervention. The latest research from the US Department of Education, the FBI and others will be reviewed; with their emphasis on positive school climate, the importance of relationships and the need for schools to have a process for risk assessment. School Social Workers have many of the skills needed to implement these recommendations and can take the leadership role in this area. Strategies to address bullying and the role of Positive Behavior Support model will also be covered.
Target audience: K-12

A-3 Data Bases Decision-Making for RTI using Excel
Dr. Jim Raines. PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Illinois State University
Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops to this workshop for hands on training to create forms, data and analyze data using Microsoft Excel. This workshop will provide examples of data based decision making in RTI for Tiers 1, 2, & 3. (Please bring your own laptop and charge your computer before the session).
Target audience: K-1

2A-4 Bright Minds, Poor Grades: (Part 1)
*Double Session: participants must register for B-4 as well.
Mary Hayek, LMSW: Social Worker: Pinckney Community Schools
Director: Kith and Kin Educational Services
Increasingly, educators are frustrated by bright, yet underachieving students. Bright Minds, Poor Grades, by Dr. Michael D. Whitley, provides educators with a unique, no excuses approach that motivates kids to take responsibility for their own actions, inspiring them to want to do better. Participants will become familiar with the 10 Step Approach deined by Dr. Whitley, identify characteristics and problems associated with underachievers, identify types of underachievers and how we inadvertently can create and maintain underachieving behavior, understand ways in which educators can support students and parents differently.
Target audience: K-1

Session B // 10:15 - 11:45 AM

B-1 Introduction to the Enneagram: A Theory of Personality and Motivation: (Part 2)
*Double Session: participants must register for A-1 as well.
Jo Ann Weber, LMSW: School Social Worker: Huron Valley Schools
Ronda Pretzlaff Diegel, Ph.D.,LP : School Psychologist: Bloomield Hills Schools
This is a continuation of session A-1.
Target audience: K-12

B-2 Stop the Meanness, Spread the Kindness
Kimber Bishop-Yanke, MA: President: Girls Empowered/Boys Empowered
Participants will learn the ABCs of relational aggression, bullying and mean-spirited behavior. They will learn to teach kids to stand up for themselves and decrease the risk of becoming a target. Additionally, participants will learn the dynamics of bystanders and how to empower them. Differentiation between tattling and reporting will be discussed and strategies for helping kids discern when to enlist the assistance of an adult.
Target audience: K-12

B-3 Innovative Behavioral Treatment of Selective Mutism
Ruth Anan Ph.D.: Director, Early Childhood Program: Beaumont Children’s Hospital -Center for Human Development
Selective Mutism is a form of social anxiety that is often challenging to treat. This presentation describes an innovative behavioral treatment using a hierarchical shaping protocol. Video clips will be used to illustrate successful implementation with a kindergarten girl. Participants will understand the risk factors for selective mutism, the diagnostic criteria and behavioral and adjunctive therapeutic techniques.
Target Audience: PreK-5

B-4: Bright Minds, Poor Grades: (Part 2)
*Double Session: participants must register for A-4 as well.
Mary Hayek, LMSW: Social Worker: Pinckney Community Schools
Director: Kith and Kin Educational Services
This is a continuation of session A-4.
Target audience: K-12

Session C // 3:30 - 5:00 PM

C-1 Successful Classroom Strategies for Deiant Students
Joe Zima, LMSW: Behavior Specialist: St. Clair County RESA
Participants will leave this workshop with two skill sets; 1) An improved knowledge base in Oppositional Deiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder, including the most current research base related to etiology and treatment and 2) Practical, evidenced based, classroom/school-wide strategies that can be utilized immediately to improve successful outcomes for students who have been diagnosed with O.D.D. or Conduct Disorder.
Target audience: K-12

C-2 Emotional Intelligence in the Schools
Johanne Edwards, BA : President: Excellence Training, L.L.C., Grand Blanc, Michigan
The Industrial Age is fast becoming obsolete and those institutions that continue to hang onto this outdated paradigm will become obsolete as well. Many new approaches are needed in order to prepare students to compete in the global market. More emphasis is being placed upon new learning tools which include integrated learning through BREAKOUT SESSION DESCRIPTIONS CONT.project teams, speed learning, emotional intelligence training, problem solving and new ways of thinking. The focus of Emotional Intelligence Training is teaching all seven (7) intelligences (currently our schools only focuses upon two(2). Learn irsthand, through this experiential workshop, what emotional intelligence training looks like and feels like. What role could the SSW play in the future school regarding emotional intelligence?
Target audience: K-12

C-3 Where Politics and Practice Meet: Children, Families, and the School System
Leslie A. Adadow, ACSW, LMSW School Social Worker, Dearborn Public Schools
Mary Lane, MSW “Accredited Representative”, Archdiocese of Detroit handling Immigration cases; Dearborn Public School’s Board Member.
Dr. Najwa Al-Jawad, Author of books: Woman and Islam & Religion, Politics and Iraq.
Joan Mandell, MFA, producer of Tales from Arab Detroit and other ilms on Arab American identity and immigration rights, widely used in schools and community venues.
School Social Work may be considered the intersection and interaction of social, cultural, mental health, local and foreign policy practices. Effective School Social Work practice demands a recognition that students and families relect a full range of local, national, and international policy and practice issues. The populations that we serve relect the multi ethnic, multi cultural U.S. population. This presentation asks that you relect consciously on your position, views, awareness of people, ethnic, cultural, citizenship or lack thereof, of students and their families. In this panel presentation, we will relect on Arab (Palestinian & Iraqi) ethnic – cultural groups and their immigration status, cause and effect.
Target audience: K-12

C-4 Health Professional Recovery Program: Protecting the Public...Saving Lives... Saving Careers
Susan M. Bushong, LBSW
Michigan Department of Community Health/Bureau of Health Professionals
Health Professional Recovery Program: Outreach Coordinator
The Health Professional Recovery Program is a valuable resource for providing health professionals with resources to address conditions which may impair one’s ability to safely practice their profession. The HPRP is the monitoring program for any licensed healthcare professional struggling with a substance abuse or mental health disorder. The Public Health Code allows for the conidential participation in this program and can prevent the need for Board involvement and licensing action. Reporting requirements will also be discussed.
Target audience: K-12

C-5 Cristo Rey Network-Changing Urban America, One Student at a Time
Nicole Stacy, MSW, LISW, ACSW
Director of Counseling Services, St. Martin de Porres High School: Cleveland, Ohio
Cristo Rey Network is a network of urban schools where educating the “whole” child is emphasizes. The role of the School Social Worker is essential to the success of the program. This workshop will showcase the Cleveland school as a model for other social work programs in urban America. St. Martin de Porres High School is part of the Cristo Rey Network is dedicated to transforming urban Cleveland, one student at a time. The innovative college preparatory curriculum rooted in the development of habits of the mind and spirit, a unique partnership with the business community relected in the Corporate Work Study Program and a supportive, Catholic community are the foundation of this program.
Target audience: 9-12

C-6 Social Workers Teaching Respect Through Literature
Susan Bogart, LMSW: ENABLE Consulting, LLC, State Trainer: MiBLSi
This workshop will actively engage School Social workers in learning speciic proven techniques that intentionally and explicitly teach students respectful behavior while simultaneously, helping children improve their reading skills. Participants will enjoy children’s books that educate students about respect and learn techniques that support active student participation. When students are actively engaged in a reading activity their luency, comprehension and vocabulary improve.
Target audience: 1-4

Session D // 8:30 - 10:00 AM

D-1 Special Education Law: Basics & Hot Topics
Steven C. Camron, JD Assistant Professor, Eastern Michigan University
Special Education Law is a dynamic field of study and School Social Workers play a pivotal role in the implementation of the law. Participants will gain a better understanding of the basic requirements of the Special Education Law and improved ways to implement these laws. Additionally, participants will increase knowledge of current issues and developments in Special Education Law and local implementation and will be better able to predict outcomes of selected types of Special education legal disputes.
Target audience: K-12

D-2 Assessment as a Component of the RTI Process.
Dee Kempson, LSW, ACSW School Social Work Consultant: Indiana Department of Education
When the concern is social/emotional/behavioral in the RTI process, School Social Workers are called upon to assess students and develop goals and interventions based on the resulting identiied needs. Participants will become familiar with a variety of assessment tools that may be administered by School Social workers, and be able to interpret behavioral data, analyze data from individual/ group assessments, develop goals and interventions and monitor and assess progress.
Target audience: K-12

D-3 Emerging Identities: Transgender Youth in Schools
Michael McGrath, MA, MSW, LSW, LSSW Clinical Social Worker,
ViaQuest Behavioral Health, Columbus, Ohio Co-Director for the Ohio School Social Work Association (OSSWA)
Individuals with atypical gender identities face considerable resistance in their lives. This workshop seeks to explore what it means to be a trans youth today and offers a best-practice model for School Social Workers and Community Advocates. Participants will increase understanding of transgender identity formation, development and expression and the barriers facing trans youth.
Target Audience: 6-12

D-4 50 Ways to Use the Internet in Your SSW Practice
Steven P. Whitmore, LMSW, School Social Worker Utica Schools, Utica, Michigan
Webmaster for the Oficial MASSW Website & MASSW: Region M’s “Meeting Place”
How well do you incorporate technology into your practice? This practical workshop will provide a sampling of how the Internet can improve your practice to help you assess, plan, intervene and support your client’s and their families. You will also be able to tour the new MASSW website. Time will be allotted for sharing web resources, so, please bring your favorites to share!
Target audience: K-12

D-5 Language and Social Skills: Interventions for Social Success
Christine Samida, LMSW, School Social Worker, Holly Area Schools
Lynne Golden, M.A. CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist, Holly Area Schools
This workshop will focus on the use of activities to create real life social skills and pragmatic lessons for CI and LD students. Students learn such skills as communicating with others, problem solving, and understanding body language and facial expressions. These lessons have resulted in measurable improvement in the relationship between student and school. Developing measurable goals and objectives will also be included.
Target audience: K-8

D-6 Don’t Tell What Goes On Behind Closed Doors!
Glynis Dale, LMSW, School Social Worker, Van Dyke Public Schools
Cynthia Jefferson Lane, School Social Worker, American Heritage Academies
Historically, African American families have long held a distrust of mainstream America. This distrust is grounded in many factors including historical bias, insensitivity and a lack of understanding/respect for the cultural values important to African American families. Participants will gain an understanding of cultural/class norms and methods for increasing the trust factor and communication. Workshop participants will be given a toolkit of practical solutions to improve their practice and empower families.
Target audience: K-12

D-7 The Power of One: Adventure Activities in Individual Counseling Sessions
Antonio G. Alvarez, LMSW
Gary Stauffer, LMSW
Co-Authors Tony Alvarez and Gary Stauffer of the critically acclaimed book The Power of One: Adventure and Experiential Activities Within One to One Counseling will team up to provide an experiential workshop on the use of Adventure techniques /activities in individual counseling settings. Participants will have the opportunity to practice sample activities and discuss and collaborate with others.
Target Population: K-12

Session E // 1:30 - 3:00 PM

E-1 Introduction to Pain and Stress Management
Rebecca Ducham, LMSW ,School Social Worker, Tuscola ISD
Gloria Gainforth, Technical Support and Deb Thomas, Supportive Crisis Intervention Aide
Managing stress and pain are essential “survival” skills for clinicians. Self care is imperative in order to maximize effectiveness as a social worker. This workshop offers a menu of management skills for self care and improved life quality.
Target Audience: K-12

E-2 Supporting School Social Workers
Sue Welcome, SSW in Oakland County, MASSW Region F President
Sid Kardon, SSW Royal Oak Schools, MEA Representative
Mike MacGregor, LMSW, MEA Representative for Huron Valley Schools
This workshop provides guidance for SSW’s to demonstrate effectiveness and uniqueness of our profession in the educational community. The presentation will include a historical perspective of school social work, awareness strategies (presenting who we are and what we do), protecting school social work positions and legislative empowerment.
Target Audience: K-12

E-3 Families with Children with Disabilities: Challenging the Grief Cycle Framework
Sandee Koski, MA, SLP: Arc Michigan: Michigan Alliance for Families
Kelly Orginski, BS: Arc Michigan: Michigan Alliance for Families
Participants will be presented with an alternative to the Kubler-Ross Five Stages of Grief Framework often used when referring to a family’s acceptance of having a child with a disability. “Levels of Awareness: A closer Look at Communication Between Parents and Professionals” by Ulrich and Bauer presents a framework that looks at the role of transformational experiences that lead parents through levels of awareness. The presenters, both parents of children with disabilities, will provide examples that support the use of “Levels of Awareness” framework as a tool to improve relationships between parents and providers.
Target audience: K-12

E-4 R Time: Good Manners Lead to Less Bullying
Bill Voors, LCSW: Director: Bully Safe Schools, LLC, Fort Wayne, Indiana
R Time is an innovative, new program from England that is based upon the expectation of good manners and respect for others. Research shows R Time is effective in improving various aspects of school climate, including bullying prevention, Teachers and students alike love this program. Come prepared to have fun and learn!
Target audience: K-6

E-5 Life Skills: Placing Due Emphasis on Social, Emotional and Character Development
Tim Schwaller, MSSW: School Social Worker, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
School Social Workers understand that success in school, as in life, requires a balance of Life Skills and academic achievement. Life Skills refers to a broad category of competencies and knowledge that lays the foundation for academic success. This workshop will provide practical and proven strategies to help students identify personal goals and measure progress toward achieving these goals in six life skill domains.
Target Audience: K-12

E-6 Steps to Success: Moving Out of the Red Zone
Cherrisse Benwell, LMSW: Behavior Specialist/Social Worker: Shiawassee RESD
Ellen Adams, Autism Consultant: Shiawassee RESD
Sue Kinnanon, LMSW: Social Worker, Shiawassee RESD
During this active participation workshop, the presenters will discuss a variety of methods for developing proactive positive behavior support plans for students. Utilizing concepts from START and MIBLSI including Positive Behavior Supports, Collaborative Team Model, Meeting Mechanics, DAT, ABC Process and Behavior Intervention Models will give participants an array of tools in the formulation of behavior support plans.
Target audience: K-12

E-7 Military Children in Your Classrooms: Why You Should Care! (Session 1: Deployment)
Joan Barrett, MA: Military Child Education Council: Kansas City, Missouri
Multiple thousands of service members have been deployed in the Global War on Terror. Even if your school district is nowhere near a military installation, it is likely that you have children who have been affected. Who are they? Why does it matter? What does it mean to you? This workshop will increase understanding of the effects of mobilization and deployment separation on military connected children and increase knowledge and skills in order to support children as they develop courage and resilience.
Target audience: K-12

Session F // 3:30 - 5:00 PM

F-1 Provision of Effective Consultation to Professional Colleagues Facing Ethical Dilemmas
Nic Dibble, MSW : Educational Consultant, School Social Work Services: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
One of the most effective and recommended practices for mental health professionals facing an ethical dilemma is to consult with knowledgeable professional colleagues. It is a sign of professional respect to be sought out for consultation, but it is a professional responsibility to provide constructive feedback to a colleague in a competent manner. This workshop will provide helpful guidelines for school social workers who are asked to help colleagues deal with challenging ethical situations. It will utilize information from a book currently being written by the presenter and James Raines, Ph.D.
Target audience: PreK-12

F-2 Empowering Teens to Make Pro-Social Choices
Leslie Auld, LMSW, ACSW: Clinical Therapist: Psychological and Behavioral Consultants: Lansing, Michigan
Self-destructive behavior can take many forms including but not limited to aggressive behavior, drug abuse, under- performing in school, self-mutilation, suicide threats or attempts, oppositional behavior, shoplifting and promiscuous sexual behavior. Teens want to do well. When they don’t achieve their potential it is because they do not have the skills to do so. Often they have learned dysfunctional coping skills and are doing the best they can. What is wanted and needed is a comprehensive set of easy-to-understand skills to help teens manage emotions, behavior and relationships effectively. Participants will learn these skills and receive a workbook and handouts to use with teens.
Target audience: 6-12

F-3 Reactive Attachment Disorder: Effective Interventions for Use in Schools
Amy Tuley, LMSW: School Social Worker: Otsego Public Schools
Prior to her work with Otsego Public Schools, the presenter was a private practice clinician specializing in the treatment of Reactive Attachment Disorder. Participants will learn the basic DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for Reactive Attachment Disorder as well as effective school- based interventions for working with students with RAD. The presenter will also discuss differing family dynamics with regard to biological and adoptive families, differentiation between home-based and school-based intervention strategies, and why certain interventions are effective with RAD children.
Target audience: K-12

F-4 School Social Workers-Essential to Facilitating Parent Involvement
Sharon Dietrich: Project Consultant: Michigan Integrated Improvement Initiatives (MI3)
Cheryl Levine: Program Coordinator: Michigan Special Education Mediation Program
Participants are invited to attend a robust, engaging presentation focusing on the evidence-based improvement practices that are occurring within the State of Michigan to increase the level of parent involvement, on behalf of children/ students with disabilities. Application of the practices to daily work will be explored. The strategies provided in this session can be used by social workers of all experience levels.
Target audience: K-12

F-5 Identiication and Intervention of Peer Relationship Dificulties: Evidenced Based Practices
Dr. Karen Rolf, Assistant Professor: School of Social Work: University of Nebraska
This workshop explores ways to effectively identify and intervene with children who are experiencing peer relationship dificulties. Differentiated interventions based on the type of peer relationship dificulties are explored as well as system- wide interventions.
Target audience: PreK-5

F-6 So, How am I Supposed to Teach Them That?
Bianka von Kulajta, LMSW, School Social Worker: Lincoln Consolidated Schools, Ypsilanti, Michigan
Play is the natural language of children and can convey much more than something limited by language. Demonstrating both directive play and adventure therapy techniques, this hands-on workshop will give participants the chance to expand their ever-changing tool box of interventions while having fun.
Target audience: K-12

F-7 Military Children in Your Classrooms: Why You Should Care! (Session 2: Reintegration - Coming Home)
Joan Barrett, MA: Military Child Education Council: Kansas City, Missouri
Mom or Dad has returned from a military deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. So, all is well!!!! Or, is it? What are some of the issues that face families as they reunite after a military deployment? How are the children in your schools potentially affected? What can you do?
Target audience: K-12

F-8 Songs & Stories for Kids, Teachers and Parents
Mark Nester, LMSW: School Social Worker: Waverly Community Schools, Lansing, Michigan
The use of story, lyrics and music can be therapeutic tools for School Social Workers. Behavior, social and emotional goals and objectives can be achieved using a variety of sensory input techniques. Participant will be invited to sing, write a short story and share experiences in the areas of grief and loss, social skills, family changes, ADHD and impulse control, manners, problem solving and more.
Target audience: PreK-12

Session G // 8:30 - 10:30 AM

G-1 Critical Thinking, An Ethical/Practical Skill for School Social Workers
Pamela Manela, LMSW: School Social Worker: Southield Public Schools
Roger Manela, Ph.D., LMSW: School Social Worker: Detroit Public Schools
This workshop is based on the work and materials of the Foundation for Critical Thinking. Critical thinking is a mode of thinking about any subject, including ethical issues in school social work practice, in which the thinker skillfully takes charge of the thinking process and imposes intellectual and ethical standards on it. The result is a clear formulation of questions; effective assessment of relevant information; open minded consideration alternative assumptions; well- reasoned conclusions-tested against relevant standards, and effective communication of solutions to complex problems.
Target audience: K-12

G-2 Hope & Healing for Children & Families
Betty Conger ACSW LMSW CPC-R and CAAC
Kathy Walton, BS Special Education
Participants will gain an understanding of the rationale for addressing the needs of children and adults living in families facing alcohol and other drug addiction as well as other types of major family stress. One of every four children has lived in a family with addiction. The workshop will include kinesthetic activities which can provide education and support for these families. The workshop is based on the Maplegrove Children’s Program and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Curriculum: Support and Education for Children of the Addicted.
Target audience: K-12

G-3 Developing and Implementing Educational Support Groups for At Risk Teens
Kendra Payette-Linn, LMSW: School Social worker: Allen Park Schools
At Risk teens are acting out at home, at school and in their community. These behaviors seem to be connected to unmet needs, issues and conlict. Teens need to learn how to set limits, manage stress and communicate feelings and needs. Groups provide a setting in which teens can practice healthier, more adaptive life skills. Groups which incorporate multimodal learning, small group breakouts for discussion and role -playing seem to be the most effective. This workshop will provide participants with methods for developing and enhancing educational support groups, ways to utilize multimodal strategies and hands on group experience activities.
Target audience: 6-12

G-4 Self-Injury and School Impact
Amy Bolton, MA,LLP: Private Practitioner: Wyandotte, Michigan
Self injury among teens has risen signiicantly over the past decade. This workshop will focus upon and demystify the practice of self-injury including identiication of triggers. Options for treatment will be explored with special emphasis on school involvement from initial discovery to addressing recovery. Strategies for minimizing “copy cat” behavior will also be discussed.
Target Audience: 6-12

G-5 Project Connection
Heather Alden Pope, MSW: School Social Worker: St. Paul Public schools, St. Paul, Minnesota
Project Connection is a mentor program that addresses attendance, behavior and feelings of disconnectedness in at-risk students. Research shows a strong positive adult connection increases student willingness to accept academic and social risks that lead to positive life changes. Participants will learn about the design and implementation of Project Connect and the life-changing importance of adult Mentors.
Target audience: K-6

G-6 School Boards: How to reach Them & How to Teach Them
Nic Dibble, MSW: Education Consultant: Department of Public Instruction: Wisconsin
Local School Boards cannot make informed decisions about School Social Work practice without being educated about how these services beneit students and families. Local School Boards depend upon local school administrators to inform them prior to making decisions. However administrators differ in their ability and willingness to do this. Using his background as a School Social Worker and a school Board President, the presenter will 1) share speciic strategies Social Workers can use to reach School Boards and 2) outline a process through which School Social Workers can use data readily available within their school districts to demonstrate the impact of School Social Work services in ways that School Board Members will value.
Target audience: PreK-12

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