PREPaRE Workshop 1 and 2 equip schools for Comprehensive Safety Planning and Intervention

The Public School System Mental Health recently hosted two workshops from Feb. 22 to 23 and March 7 and 8 titled PREPaRE, which stands for Prevent, Reaffirm, Evaluate, Provide, Respond, and Examine, aligned with High Quality School Emergency Operations Plans.

Workshop 1 of the PREPaRE program centered on Crisis Prevention, Preparedness and Comprehensive School Safety Planning, emphasizing prevention through recovery, while Workshop 2 centered on Crisis Intervention and Recovery and School-Based Mental Health Crisis Interventions, specifically addressing responses to acute and long-term traumatic stressors in school settings. Both two-day workshops gathered educators, administrators, and mental health professionals to enhance preparedness strategies and integrate cohesive safety plans for schools.

Throughout PREPaRE Workshop 1, attendees engaged in critical conversations and scenario-based exercises, highlighting the importance of proactive crisis management. Emphasizing crisis prevention and intervention, participants learned to anticipate, plan, and intervene effectively, thereby mitigating traumatic impact and facilitating a return to normalcy post-crisis.

Mental Health Community Council vice chair Christine Cabrera remarked, “This workshop provides structure in an otherwise, possibly, chaotic response to any crisis. By promoting and fostering the importance of mental health support, all stakeholders are able and adept at providing the immediate needs of affected individuals in a timely manner.”

Special considerations were a focal point of the workshop, particularly in reducing the impact of trauma and the diverse needs of students. This included intentional planning with teachers, administrators, special education aids, school counselors, and support staff. Additionally, the workshop emphasized the importance of prioritizing medical and basic needs as well ensuring physical health, perceptions of security safety, and attention to minimizing psychological trauma in responses are aligned.

Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood Middle School vice principal Dr. Ben Seman shared, “As a school administrator, I felt that it was my duty to my students and their parents/guardians, staff members and colleagues, as well as the community to attend and participate in the PREaRE workshop to enhance my knowledge and skills on how to prevent and intervene with crises if and when it may occur. The workshop was a valuable experience and learning opportunity for my team and me.”

The workshop provided insights into parent preparedness and psychological security annexes, empowering schools to identify and support at-risk students and staff while creating safe environments conducive to learning. “The workshop provides not just information but empowerment. By equipping you with a comprehensive framework, it empowers you to gather the necessary stakeholders and take decisive action in executing the response during an emergency,” said Dr. Bobby Cruz, a leading expert in comprehensive school safety.

PREPaRE Workshop 2, held over two days, delved into Mental Health Crisis Interventions, providing invaluable knowledge and skills to address acute traumatic stressors in school environments. By providing immediate mental health crisis interventions and fostering a culture of psychological safety, the workshop empowered participants to better support students and staff in times of acute trauma, ultimately enhancing the overall safety and well-being of the school community.

Tinian Elementary vice principal April Manglona shared, “First, I’m grateful that we have a proactive and progressive mental health program, that serves as a vital advocate and shares awareness about the importance of balanced and healthy mental health conditions for our students, school, and community, especially during and after crisis situations. Secondly, understanding the unique needs of students in our school will allow me to be PREPaRE to provide the right interventions, like coping skills, in order to minimize any short-term or long-term traumatic stressors.

Effective communication and warning strategies were also emphasized, highlighting the necessity of clear and timely communication before, during, and after a crisis event. The importance of student accountability and data protection, ensuring comprehensive tracking and response mechanisms during emergencies, was also a big factor in empowering schools to swiftly and effectively manage any unforeseen circumstances.

Overall, the PREPaRE workshop equipped participants with invaluable tools and strategies to enhance school safety planning, fostering resilience and preparedness within educational communities, with more opportunities in the upcoming months ahead. One of our six strategic priorities is providing safe and caring schools, and these workshops are truly aligned with that objective, ensuring that schools are equipped to handle crises effectively and promote the well-being of students and staff.

For more information about future workshops and resources, stay updated on our social media @haligi.aware on Instagram and PSS Mental Health on Facebook and YouTube. (PR)