October 13th | Columbus Day In Service
Willow Tree Therapy Services, Ed Blevins, Sparta, NJ
-Ages 4-college age, out of network practice and bill insurance. Sliding scale. Work with many school professionals, offers weekend and evening appoint
PerformCare, System of Care, Kristen Turtur, Community & Youth Services, Sussex County
Alba Corney, Center for Family Services
-Therapeutic Services, Intensive In Community (IIC) or Behavioral Assistances (BA)
-Case Management, Weekly Follow Ups, Connect with providers, resources, Mid and termination visits, transition planning
Drug Trend Update & Prevention Resources, Tina Aue, Executive Director of Center for Prevention & Counseling
Adolescent Drug Trends
Adult Drug Trends
Resources: See folder for more information!
Project Self Sufficiency, Haley McKracken
Early Childhood Services, provide families with specialists and related resources
Legal Obligations and Evidence Based Strategies to Improve School Attendance
David Nash, Dr. Wayne Yankus & Geta Vogel
New Jersey Principals & Supervisors, LEGAL ONE
David Nash
NJDOE Guidance
View the most recent broadcast from May 2025
Key Health Considerations
Is it a “real” health issue?
Triggers for Anxiety at School
-A plan is created for all students that are absent 10 percent or more
-Establish a Chronic Absenteeism early Warning System (CA EWS)
Response to Unexcused Absence
-Up to 4 cumulative unexcused absences- school district must notify student’s parents, identify needed action to encourage attendance
-Between 5-9 unexcused absences, school district must notify student’s family. Conduct an action plan
-Truancy occurs when a student has 10 or more cumulative unexcused absences (between the ages of 6 and 16)
-Parent can be charged with a disorderly persons offense
-Student may be referred to Family Court
-Review case by case situations to determine if a referral is necessary
Excused Absences
Legal Obligations related to Addressing Peer to Peer Racism with School Districts
David Nash, Dr. Wayne Yankus & Geta Vogel, New Jersey Princials & Supervisors, LEGAL ONE
Racism in Schools -Key Definitions:
Racism- a belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and thtat racial differences produce an inherent superiority
Types of Racism- Structural, Institutional, Interpersonal, and Internalized
Bias-Related Act- an act directed at a person, group of persons, property that is motivated by race, color, origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, etc
-Requires intent to discriminate
HIB defined- includes gestures, written, verbal and physical acts & electronic communication
Can be isolated and a series of incidents
Harm- Physical, emotional, self or property, fer,
Universal Technical Institute
Dr. Steven Coyle
Gen Z Unfiltered: Understanding the definition of success
What can UTI do for your students?
Justin Soccol, High School Admissions Representative
Pursue a Road to Success
June 5, 2025 | SCSCA Luncheon
NJ4S
Energy Protection Mediation
Center for Prevention Updates, Tina Aue
Congratulations, Donna Picciuto- Counselor of the County!
Caring Awards: Thank you to Danielle Manisa and Caitlin Ferrari for hosting our Middle School
and High School Caring Awards this year!
Columbus Day Inservice - October 13th, @ Sussex Tech (McNeice Auditorium)
March 7, 2025
Fortis Institute, Leslie Germer
Donna Piccuto, Treasurer
Willow Tree Therapy Services, Ed Blevins, Sparta, NJ
-Ages 4-college age, out of network practice and bill insurance. Sliding scale. Work with many school professionals, offers weekend and evening appoint
PerformCare, System of Care, Kristen Turtur, Community & Youth Services, Sussex County
Alba Corney, Center for Family Services
- Free of charge to all families. Personal information is required to continue services (DOB, social security numbers, employment/income information
- PerformCare = Triage, If parents are calling for services, there can be a 72 hour wait
- Family Crisis Intervention Unit & Mobile Response works as the same agency
- How to get services, A legal guardian has to call (1-877-652-7624) Connect with Mobile, complete intake and schedule initial dispatch. The initial triage will take at least 40 minutes
- CMRSS is an 8 week program for youth ad families up to age 21 for those experiencing behavioral or mental health crisis
-Therapeutic Services, Intensive In Community (IIC) or Behavioral Assistances (BA)
-Case Management, Weekly Follow Ups, Connect with providers, resources, Mid and termination visits, transition planning
- Crisis Intervention Specialities are bachelors level, not licensed. Cannot restrain or transport youth, cannot provide school clearance. Program lasts 8 weeks.
Drug Trend Update & Prevention Resources, Tina Aue, Executive Director of Center for Prevention & Counseling
Adolescent Drug Trends
- Increase use of Buzz Balls that can be found at liquor stores
- Increase in use of Pink Whitney (Barstool Sports) alcohol
- Higher potency Cannabis, Vape Products. Kids can use these devices for THC and nicotine.
- Increase in edible use in adolescents
- Vapes - Percentage of students that are being caught by Vape detectors has decreased, if your school has any data on this, please share with Tina!
Adult Drug Trends
- Fentanyl mixed with animal tranquilizer (xylozene) also mixed into cocaine. Can cause open wounds in users.
- Increase in cocaine and crack cocaine use, also laced with fentanyl
- Increase in methamphetamine, primarily in the form of pills but also powder form, also laced with fentanyl
Resources: See folder for more information!
Project Self Sufficiency, Haley McKracken
- Comprehensive Wrap-Around Services Model located across from SCCC, services Sussex and Warren county
- Provides comprehensive case management/Family Support, Employment and Training Services, Legal services, On-Site Childcare, Parenting Support. Free of charge for all families.
- Emergency basic Needs that can be provided: Responding to Food Insecurity, Utility Assistance, Housing Assistance, Emergency Mental Health and Resource Support (Clothing, Furniture, Prom Gowns, Holiday Toys, Back to School Supplies)
- Refer parents to call for emergency Assistance, Food, Utility Assistance, Emergency Housing, etc. From there refer out to appropriate services.
Early Childhood Services, provide families with specialists and related resources
Legal Obligations and Evidence Based Strategies to Improve School Attendance
David Nash, Dr. Wayne Yankus & Geta Vogel
New Jersey Principals & Supervisors, LEGAL ONE
David Nash
- What percent of students in your school are chronically absent? The overwhelming majority said between 10%-30%
- What strategies are counselors currently using? Communication and Collaboration, Individualized Support/Counseling, Incentives and Positive Reinforcement, Behavioral/academic Interventions and Truancy/Legal Measures
- The Re-Entry Process: Plan a meeting with necessary parties. Discuss Case-byCase situations for the student. Focus on attendance contracts, handling school refusal, lack of a formal process or awareness.
- Questions regarding Absenteeism: Strategies & Interventions, Parent Engagement & Collaboration, Legal Roles & Boundaries, Specific Situations & Contexts, Systemic & Historical Issues.
NJDOE Guidance
View the most recent broadcast from May 2025
- View the Conditions for Learning webpage to address chronic absenteeism. The page offers a range of resources designed to assist schools and districts in promoting attendance and engaging families.
Key Health Considerations
Is it a “real” health issue?
- How do we best serve the student?
- Who are the caretakers?
- What are the biggest threats/obstacles to return to school?
- What accommodations are requested and reasonable?
- Munchausen by Proxy syndrome?
- How frequent are the doctor's notes coming in?
- Who is writing the note?
- When does it become truancy or educational neglect?
Triggers for Anxiety at School
- Academics Pressure/Grades
- Social Anxiety - talking to peers (or teachers)
- Bullying/being teased
- Separation Anxiety from Parents
- Using a public restroom
- Talking/Presentation in class
- Fears of getting sick
- Eating in public
- Overstimulation from loud hallways
- Participating in PE/Swimming
- Develop Action Plan
-A plan is created for all students that are absent 10 percent or more
-Establish a Chronic Absenteeism early Warning System (CA EWS)
Response to Unexcused Absence
-Up to 4 cumulative unexcused absences- school district must notify student’s parents, identify needed action to encourage attendance
-Between 5-9 unexcused absences, school district must notify student’s family. Conduct an action plan
-Truancy occurs when a student has 10 or more cumulative unexcused absences (between the ages of 6 and 16)
-Parent can be charged with a disorderly persons offense
-Student may be referred to Family Court
-Review case by case situations to determine if a referral is necessary
Excused Absences
- Religious observance
- College visit (up to 3 per year (11/12)
- Take your child to work day
- Note required by the physician with length of time
- Instruction for general education students must be no less than 10 hours
- Instruction for special education students must be no less than 10 hours per week in no fewer than 3 school days.
- Does not adequately replace in person schooling
- Remind the physician that the school’s goals is to return the student to school as safely as possible
Legal Obligations related to Addressing Peer to Peer Racism with School Districts
David Nash, Dr. Wayne Yankus & Geta Vogel, New Jersey Princials & Supervisors, LEGAL ONE
Racism in Schools -Key Definitions:
Racism- a belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and thtat racial differences produce an inherent superiority
Types of Racism- Structural, Institutional, Interpersonal, and Internalized
Bias-Related Act- an act directed at a person, group of persons, property that is motivated by race, color, origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, etc
-Requires intent to discriminate
HIB defined- includes gestures, written, verbal and physical acts & electronic communication
Can be isolated and a series of incidents
Harm- Physical, emotional, self or property, fer,
- Demeaning to a student or group
- Hostile educational environment
- Use of racial slurs requires notice to the Affirmative Action Officer. If there was discriminatory intent, requires notice to local law enforcement and county prosecutor.
- Racial discrimination on the rise, impacted by recent events
Universal Technical Institute
Dr. Steven Coyle
Gen Z Unfiltered: Understanding the definition of success
- Looking for flexibility, purpose-driven work, fast ROI and skills over degrees
What can UTI do for your students?
- On campus workshops, interactive career readiness, guest speakers, field trips, career fair support, and student competitions/events
- ASCA Alliance Partnership, Professional Development, Meeting sponsorships, tools & resources
- Available anytime, anywhere!
Justin Soccol, High School Admissions Representative
Pursue a Road to Success
- -What’s in Demand?
- -Focus-Driven Education
- -Career Planning
June 5, 2025 | SCSCA Luncheon
NJ4S
- Education and counseling services for Middle and High Schools. Services are completely free!
- Professional development opportunities offered for parents along with prevention workshops for students.
- Currently booking into next year, reach out for availability!
- When planning counseling for students, the recommendation is 12 sessions/visits.
- Counselors will assist students to bridge the connection between school services and outside therapy. These services are short term and do not take the place of therapy.
- Not crisis response!
- If a student has trouble attending school, telehealth is a possibility.
- Great option for students that are on a wait list for counseling services.
- Available during the summer! Parent permission required, counselors and students would meet at school. No in home option.
- Look out for a flyer for the summer picnic in August! Families are welcome!
- Utilize these three questions when reflecting on your self-care habits
- What in your life brings you peace?
- What helps you feel inspired? Rested? Strong?
- Who or what can bolster or support you in your life?
Energy Protection Mediation
Center for Prevention Updates, Tina Aue
- David Nash will be the keynote speaker for the Columbus Day PD!
- All contracts from this year will be moving forward to the next school year. Please reach out if you are interested in setting up programming for your students!
- The annual Summit will take place on 10/15, further details to come!
Congratulations, Donna Picciuto- Counselor of the County!
Caring Awards: Thank you to Danielle Manisa and Caitlin Ferrari for hosting our Middle School
and High School Caring Awards this year!
Columbus Day Inservice - October 13th, @ Sussex Tech (McNeice Auditorium)
- 8AM - 3PM, flyer to come!
- Thank you to Willow Tree Therapy for sponsoring our breakfast!
- Looking for lunch sponsor
- 5 students were selected for our two scholarships! Schools have been notified of the winners! Thank you to all who participated in the dress down day to provide our seniors with this opportunity!
- Dues will be $25 for next school year. Please try to submit your dues by the October 13th PD day. We would like to increase our scholarship offers for students as well as provide the HS Caring Awards students with a small gift along with their certificate at the awards ceremony.
- Date, Location and Time TBD! Thank you to Monmouth University for sponsoring.
- Glen Meadow Middle School offered an event to parents with the help of NJ4S. The event was a success! Reach out to NJ4S for parent night topics and opportunities!
- Wingman Movement - Dylan’s Wings of Change: Offers leadership building opportunities for upperclassmen to help underclassmen as they navigate the transition to high school. Additional staff training is offered, all supplies provided. Check out their website!
- Looking for staff PD ideas? Reach out to the Center for Prevention to host a Drug Updates and Trends workshop. Very informational for all staff, not just support staff.
- Congratulations Kim Knabb on your retirement! Thank you for 18 years of service at Sparta High School!
- Dues due October 13th! $25 cash or check payable to SCSCA
March 7, 2025
Fortis Institute, Leslie Germer
- Located in Wayne
- 13 month programs or less
- Allied Health Programs: Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Lab Technician & Medical Billing and Coding
- Skilled Trades Programs - HVAC and Electrical Systems
- Programs Presentation
- Career Services Presentation
- Offers opportunities to meet employers and make connections through job fairs
- Program specific employer events on location to provide students with job opportunities and interview practice
- Externship programs – 40% students get job offers from their externship sites.
- Placement rate 86% for class of 2022
- 70% of students are hired in their field of study
- Employer and graduate satisfaction!
- Passion and dedication for servicing students by pairing each student with an individual advisor.
- The TAG (Think Act Grow) Program is up and running. Please do not refer for substance use. Those that need substance use treatment must contact the center. There is a short waitlist at the time but call for more information
- Scholarship opportunity!
- Details: This $500.00 scholarship not only provides financial support but also strengthens our connection with future leaders who are passionate about prevention, public health, and community well-being. The Coalition’s mission is to support youth, families, and communities in fostering safe and healthy environments by providing education, resources, and prevention initiatives that reduce substance use and encourage overall well-being.
- Eligibility: Open to Sussex County high school graduating seniors pursuing further education in prevention, public health, social work, psychology, counseling, or related fields.
- Requirements:
- Demonstrated leadership qualities
- A minimum of 20 community service hours (24-25 school year)
- Two letters of recommendation (one from a community member, one from a teacher/advisor)
- Deadline: April 18, 2025 at 5:00pm
- Application Link: https://form.jotform.com/242555548242055
- The Body Safety program for students in K-3 is up and running! Contact Belle if you are interested in a presentation. Online safety presentations for grades 4-6 are also available.
- Each program is free!
- 1 hour training for districts available
- Email [email protected]
- https://ginnieshouse.org/
- Tech acceptances were sent out end of day on 3/7!
Donna Piccuto, Treasurer
- We are adding additional scholarship opportunities! We will offer 2 $500 and 2 $300 scholarship opportunities.
- May 1st - Decision Day, ask your district for a jeans day to raise money for scholarships!
- End of year luncheon, June 5th @ Farmstead
- October Professional Development (Columbus Day) is looking for speakers! If you have recommended topics to be discussed, please reach out!
- Scholarship opportunities – 1 graduating senior - $500- must be involved in prevention work within an agency or school district
- 3 scholarships through vaping program (April 18th deadline)
- SMS Caring Awards- April 10th
- Nomination information will be sent out
- Email Danielle at [email protected] with any questions
- SHS Caring Awards - May 22nd
- Nomination information will be sent out
- If any contact information changed since last year, please email Caitlin
- Email Caitlin at [email protected] with any questions
- Risk/Threat assessment uptick
- Multiple districts are noting an increase in student crises including vocalizing suicidal statements
- What types of programs have been implemented and if so, have any been helpful?
- Slideshow including what you can't say/do and present it to students
- Support staff went to homerooms to explain risk assessments/HIB/threat assessments. Impulsivity is at an all time high. Reminders to students of what the message is
- Reminder every few months of what they can say and can’t from support staff
- Dues: $25 to Donna Piccuito if you haven’t paid yet! Make checks payable to SCSCA.
- Email Lisa Osbun [email protected] if your district has any retirees! Retirees will be acknowledged at the June meeting
