Belmont Wellness Coalition (BWC)
Meeting Minutes (Virtual)
Monday: Dec. 2, 2024 at 12:30
- Welcome [Introductions, Check-Ins]
Lisa Gibalerio (BWC Program Director), Danielle Topaz (BWC Program Assistant), Wendy Conroy (BWC Chair, Sexuality Educator), Police Chief Jamie MacIsaac, Sara Lafkas (parent, social worker/faculty), Beth Rumley (Head of Nursing, BPS), Julie Crockett (parent), Kim Raubenheimer (nutrition/fitness, parent), Evan Nichols (BHS School Resource Officer), Maya Escobar (Youth Librarian), Lucia Sullivian (Assistant Superintendent), Cheyenna Eagle (Music Therapist, Powers Music School)
- A Check-In with Police Chief MacIsaac
Chief MacIsaac provided an overview of the kinds of things the Department is seeing across town with regard to youth.
- Concerns used to be surrounding alcohol and drugs
- Youth communication is done via cell phones
- Not receiving many police calls around big parties
- Biggest issue is “anonymous bullying” - cyberbullying on the various apps
- Kids on apps are getting bullied and are taken advantage of - sexting, misrepresentation, etc.
- Vaping is happening and nicotine pouches are being used:
- Chief MacIsaac noted that kids wear cologne or perfume to match the scent of the vape - makes it harder for adults to detect
- Wendy reminded us that there used to be a diversion program at BHS for kids caught vaping; Evan said that some diversionary education is happening during detention
- Lucia said that there was a meeting with a vape detecting company to determine how vape detectors function - if this occurs it would be a pilot program
- The BWC explored having a workshop on internet safety for youth and adults.
- at-risk youth are the more vulnerable
Concerning the BPS Health Director position that has been vacant for several years, Lucia said it is under discussion, but on a laundry list of positions needed.
- Social Work Intern Concept (Sara Lafkas)
Sara summarized her conversation with Lucia regarding having MSW second year grad student Interns provide counseling at BMS/BHS:
- Interns will need supervisors with an MSW
- Need time for supervisors to meet with interns (takes away from counseling time)
- 4 out of the 5 current BPS social workers are on ARPA funding and might not be able to continue their positions when the money runs out - this will pose a problems for Intern supervision (as well as for counseling of youth)
- Student Mental Health Advocate (SMHA) Updates
Dani provided an update on her work with the BHS student group - SMHA.
- Meetings: There have been two meetings this fall and two more are scheduled for December. We had 5 teens at our last meeting.
- Focus areas: The students would like to focus on Stress and Relationships. We pick the topic of the next meeting beforehand. We want to create a space where teens can talk freely about their stressors.
- Upcoming Goals: We are doing a reband in January. A large social media push and advertising to 5 different clubs. We have gotten mixed feedback about times for meetings so we are working on creating a steady meeting date and time. We are looking to find a more secluded place to have meetings (other than the cafeteria area, which is noisy)
- BWC Updates - Brief Summary of Fall work. Lisa provided an overview of initiatives that BWC has been engaged in this fall.
- Romeo and Juliet cast workshop on mental health (suicidal ideation)
- Twice Monthly BWC Videos - posted on our website and online
- Monthly Belmont Voice Column (Ask Lisa) - last Friday of the month
- Meeting with Morgan’s Message youth and BHS Athletic Director - the goal is to provide mental health training to the athletic coaches
- BWC Representation at School Dept’s Wellness Committee - the Wellness Committee is focusing on nutrition/food service and physical fitness - but Lisa and Kim are on standby in the event that the focus becomes more comprehensive
- Evan will contact Emily (Police Dept’s Social Worker) to connect her with Lisa and Dani
- Upcoming:
- 2025 YRBS (April) Lisa in touch with JSI - the editing of the survey begins in January. Wendy suggested we look carefully at the Sexual Assault questions and report out on that area when we do the community presentations.
- Parent Group meets next on Wed., Dec. 18 at 7:00 PM (Topic is Sexual Assault)
- Future Workshop Topics - Internet Safety is a possible topic area.
- Other Items?
- Julie mentioned that the Belmont Health Dept’s opioid settlement survey is still open. Please do take a moment to fill out the survey and note that primary prevention can be mentioned as a goal for spending some of the funding: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-SVbWMftU9PFjhfZGk_0f-_ueFfJSsG8I57SiQxTOPqoc2g/viewform
- PTOs at the schools across town could advertise for BWC’s Parenting Group
- Wendy: Results of BWC’s survey on how to meet: Zoom, switch to in-person, or alternate. Wendy noted that she received several responses and that staying remote seemed to be preferred.
- Upcoming BWC meetings, please mark your calendars:
- Mon., Feb. 3 at 12:30 over zoom
- Mon., Apr. 7 at 12:30 over zoom
- Mon., June 2 at 12:30 over zoom