Kansas School Mental Health Awareness Day

On Wednesday, January 17, 2018, the Kansas School Counselor Association joined the Kansas Association of School Psychologists and the Kansas School Social Workers Association to host the second annual School Mental Health Awareness Day at the State Capitol. Dr. Jeff Colyer, lieutenant governor of Kansas, spoke to the benefits of hiring school counselors and school psychologists as outlined in the Governor’s state of the state address. Myron Melton, Colleen Riley and Kent Reed of KSDE hosted a Q&A panel on school mental health initiatives. The organization leaders were invited to provide testimony to both the Senate and House Education Committees. Members of the School Mental Health Advisory Council led by the Kansas Association of School Boards attended our networking lunch at the Celtic Fox. It was an outstanding day for leadership, advocacy and collaboration. We thank all who attended in show of support for school mental wellness!
 

Dr. Jeff Colyer, lieutenant governor of Kansas, addresses the audience of school mental health professionals attending School Mental Health Awareness Day on January 17, 2018.	Susana Ortiz Prochaska, KSCA president, provides testimony to the House and Senate Education Committees on the vital role of school counselors.
KCA president Kristen Wright met with Representative Susie Swanson to share details about how she supports the needs of all students.	Catered lunch at the Celtic Fox was a perfect opportunity to network with other school mental health professionals and members of the School Mental Health Advisory Council.
KSCA Members Mallory Jacobs and Laura Douglas attended School Mental Health Awareness Day to advocate for the mental wellness of all students.

Upcoming Events

Opportunities to make an impact in our profession:

• Stay tuned on our website and Facebook page for upcoming webinars on school counselor critical issues offered by Counseling Education and Supervision Ph.D. candidates from Kansas State University.
• Submit an Application of Interest to serve on the KSCA Executive Board or with one of our committees. Elections are held every March during the KCA Conference.
• Leadership Development at ASCA National Conference: This year, KSCA will offer six reduced ASCA conference registrations for only $289 to members interested in developing leadership and advocacy capacity through attending Leadership Development Institute and Delegate Assembly in Los Angeles prior to the ASCA National Conference. This opportunity is especially designed for those interested in organization leadership. Transportation, lodging, and registration is paid by participants.