May 2, 2023
Dear RCISD Parents, Guardians, and Employees:
We are deeply saddened by recent events. These events have affected our entire school community, and we understand that it may be difficult for you and your child to process.
RCISD is committed to supporting our students and their families during this difficult time. We want to ensure that you have access to resources and support systems that can help you and your family navigate this tragedy.
Here are some resources that we are providing:
- COUNSELING SERVICES FOR STUDENT SUPPORT. Our school has counselors available to provide support to students. If you or your child would like to speak with a counselor, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
- PARENT/CAREGIVER/FAMILY SUPPORT. We have partnered with the Cook Center for Human Connection to provide direct support to you as parents. Through their www.ParentGuidance.org platform and services you will have access to:
- Group Virtual Support Sessions for Adults who are concerned about a child or children, this includes Parents, Caregivers and staff. These sessions will be led by Dr. Kevin Skinner, the clinical director of ParentGuidance.org. He will discuss how to talk with your child about traumatic events and recognize signs of stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD that your child may be experiencing. These sessions will be available:
· QPR Training. QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) training and certification is a suicide prevention program that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to identify and intervene in a suicidal crisis. QPR training emphasizes the importance of asking direct questions, listening non-judgmentally, and persuading individuals to seek professional help. The certification process involves completing an online training program in a 90-minute virtual seminar. QPR Certification is recognized nationwide and can help save lives by empowering individuals to intervene effectively when/if faced with a suicidal crisis. These sessions will be available this spring at these times and in again in the fall:
· Date and Time TBA
· Parent Coaching. We will also be providing parents, caregivers, and staff the opportunity to engage in Parent Coaching. These are individual sessions for parents that need help in knowing how to support their children. You will sign up for Parent Coaching by visiting https://parentguidance.org/school-coaching/ You will be notified by a coach within 48 hours and they will work with you virtually on your schedule for up to 30 minutes per week.
· Parent Courses. The www.parentguidance.org platform provides over 100 courses by licensed therapists, psychologist, and psychiatrists on difficult topics in parenting that are directly tied to helping you (parents and caregivers) help your children with things like anxiety, bullying, grief, depression, suicide ideation, and other mental health needs. In addition, there are self-help courses for you on things like calming your anxious mind, rewriting self-beliefs, and finding everyday happiness.
- On-Going Support. As we continue through the summer and into next school year, we will continue to provide parents, caregivers, and staff these services. Be on the lookout for bi-weekly and month sessions to support you and your needs.
We understand that this is a sensitive issue, and we want to assure you that we are committed to the safety, security and mental health of all affected. Please know that we are here to support you and your child in any way we can. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Sincerely,
Guillermo Mancha, Jr., Ed. D.
Roscoe Collegiate ISD Superintendent of Schools
NOTE: If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. Go to your nearest emergency room, call 911 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. This hotline provides confidential support resources to both individuals in crisis and those trying to help those individuals. Trained counselors are available to listen and provide support, as well as connect you to local resources for ongoing care. Remember help is available and reaching out can make a difference in saving a life.