School Counseling Leadership May Meeting

Welcome!

Please put your name and where you work in the chat.

And tell us: What’s one small win (personal or professional) you’ve had this week?

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Listening Tour Feedback & Reports

The 2,282 distinct Listening Tour participants from around the Commonwealth provided rich feedback on a wide range of topics. The following documents attempt to capture that feedback in a summary, comprehensive report and associated appendices.

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• Summary of all Executive Order 4 Accomplishments
• Listening Tour Executive Summary
• Listening Tour Comprehensive Report

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Meeting Agenda

• 9:00 | Welcome, Joe Wharff
• 9:05 | Partner Updates
• Erin McGrath, SCHEV
• Betsy Bell, DCJS
• Tiffany Eustice, VDH
• 9:30-10| VDOE Updates
• 10-10:30 | Legislative Updates
• 10:30-11 | Open Mic

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https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCDL_2526SY

Erin McGrath

erinmcgrath@schev.edu

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My Virginia Pathway (MVP) Early Pilot Site

Participation Requirements

To ensure strong implementation and meaningful feedback, participating counselors agree to:

• Pre-Pilot Meeting, June 15, 2026 at 10 am
• Active Student Implementation
• Support initial login and guided use
• Integrate portal into advising or program sessions
• Post-Pilot Feedback Session: August 24, 2026 at 10 am

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Counselor and Advisor Benefits

Participating counselors will receive:

• Complimentary Virginia School Counselor Association (VSCA) Membership and registration for the 2026 VSCA Conference in Hampton, Virginia
• Early access to the portal and tools
• Opportunities to inform statewide implementation

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To participate in the pilot program, fill out this interest form. 

Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety 

Updates and Upcoming Events!

Training Information

• Upcoming!
• Understanding and Supporting Individuals and School Communities with Trauma and Grief Experiences, June 18, 2026, at the University of Lynchburg
• Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention, July 9, 2026, in Fredericksburg and July 28, 2026, in the Tidewater/Peninsula
• Current Online Behavioral Trends and Updates, May 26, 2026, Webinar
• K-12 Basic Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) July 9, 2026, in Woodstock, VA
• K-12 Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Basic Training - Virtual, Multiple dates, July through October

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• All upcoming trainings can be found here!

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Training Information

• New Training options!
• Critical Incident Preparedness and Response for Schools and Understanding and Mitigating the Impact of Trauma on Youth
• New Cyberbullying training!
• BTAM Update!
• HB1071 requires BTAM teams to be trained on substantial risk orders. This will be integrated into the required training and case management training.

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• Request Mental Health Training Here! 
• Or contact Betsy Bell at betsy.bell@dcjs.virginia.gov or (804)997-1658
• Request BTAM Training Here!
• Or contact Robin Tuck at robin.tuck@dcjs.virginia.gov 

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VA School Safety Training Forum

2026 Theme: Adjusting the lens on school safety, bringing clarity, insight, and innovative strategies for improving emergency response into view.

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Join DCJS as they focus the critical “lenses” that shape safe learning environments across Virginia.

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The conference will take place at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, Monday, July 20, at 1 p.m. through July 22, 2026. The registration fee is $125 per person. For more information and to register, visit the 2026 Virginia School Safety Training Forum and Executive Forum webpage.

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Please contact us if you have any questions!

Robin Tuck

Threat Assessment Program Coordinator

Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety

Robin.Tuck@dcjs.virginia.gov 

(804)786-1577

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Betsy Bell

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Coordinator

Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety

Betsy.Bell@dcjs.virginia.gov

(804)997-1658

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Tiffany Eustice, MS, CPT, CWP, NBC-HWC

Youth and Young Adult Tobacco Coordinator 

Virginia Department of Health | Tobacco Control Program 

(804) 241 9512 | tiffany.eustice@vdh.virginia.gov 

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�Resources and Support for School Counselors

TIFFANY EUSTICE

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT TOBACCO COORDINATOR

VDH TOBACCO CONTROL PROGRAM

Program Mission

• Leading the charge against the dangers and risks of tobacco and nicotine in Virginia is the Tobacco Control Program (TCP) at the Virginia Department of Health. The goal of the program is to reduce premature death, disease, disability and the economic burden related to tobacco and nicotine use and/or exposure to second-hand smoke by:

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• Preventing Tobacco Use Among Young People

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• Eliminating Nonsmokers' Exposure to Secondhand Smoke

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• Promoting Quitting Among Adults and Young People

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• Identifying and Eliminating Tobacco Related Disparities

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Current use of any combustible tobacco product and multiple tobacco products by middle and high school students�- Overall any tobacco/nicotine product use: 10.1% (high school) and 5.4% (middle school)

National Youth Tobacco Survey, United States, 2023 and 2024**

Virginia Youth Survey 2023

• E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product followed by oral nicotine products, such as Zyn and On!
• VA HS 8.1%.
• VA MS 4.2%

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• Of those using e-cigarettes, 40% report frequent e-cigarette use and 9 out of 10 use flavors.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

Source: PATH Study, Public Use Files. https://www.icpsr.umich.edu/web/NAHDAP/studies/36498

Vaping Nicotine and Mental Health

Vaping and Mental Health

• Nicotine can worsen anxiety symptoms and amplify feelings of depression.

• According to a Truth Initiative survey, 90% of young people who quit vaping feel less stressed, anxious or depressed.

https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/nicotine-use-and-stress

Nicotine in ANY form is a concern

Nicotine can harm the growing adolescent brain.

Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.

Using nicotine in adolescence may also increase risk for future addiction to other drugs. (CDC)

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VapeFreeVA.org

• VDH’s go-to resource page for information on vaping for:
• Teens
• Young Adults

AND their support circles:

• Parents/Guardians
• Coaches
• Educators
• Physicians

Cessation for youth & young adults

Live Vape Free is also a resource for adults

Live Vape Free is a program offering expert support and resources that empower constructive conversations about the growing risks associated with vaping.

No judgment. Just help.

Roles of the counselor in a tobacco & nicotine free school

Advocate for non-punitive procedures for student violations of the school's tobacco policy. Educate administrators on the nature of addiction.

Refer students, staff, and parents who are interested in quitting to cessation resources.

Advocate for state initiatives and local policies that have been shown to prevent and reduce youth tobacco use, such as zoning of vape shops.

Coordinate or present tobacco and e-cigarette education to parents and staff.

Ask – about tobacco/nicotine product use. Advise – about the benefits of quitting, and the support available. Connect – people that are interested in quitting cessation counseling and medication.

Young People WANT to Quit

A 2022 study finds that over half of young e-cigarette users want to quit and many have tried

2023 Virginia Youth Survey showed 49.8% of high schoolers wanted to quit

• It is more important than ever to promote resources to help young people successfully quit vaping and nicotine.
• Motivators may include health, financial, and social factors.
• Nicotine is a true addiction; Young people may not see themselves as addicted.

Virginia?

Connect with me to get 1:1 support for alternative to suspension, prevention curriculums and cessation resources : tiffany.Eustice@vdh.virginia.gov

VDOE Updates

April Highlights

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VDOE Newsletter Updates

• Article 2026-16-199: 2026 Virginia Military Signing Day – May 8
• Article 2026-16-197: 2025-2026 End of Year Master Schedule Collection – Opens May 18
• Article 2026-16-196: Opportunities to Provide Public Comment on the School Performance and Support Framework (2025-2026) through the Consolidated State Plan – due May 29
• Article 2026-16-195: Use of IDEA Part B Funds for Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) Survey – Opens June 1

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VDOE Newsletter Updates

• Article 2026-16-194: Announcing the 2026 Rural and Low-Income Schools Symposium – June 16-17
• Article 2026-15-184: Opioid Abatement Education Program for Educators
• Article 2026-14-178: Register NOW for the Virginia Speak Up Survey – Administer by May 29
• Article 2026-14-180: Registration Open for the Statewide Transition Fair for Students with Disabilities – May 15
• Article 2026-17-202�May is Mental Health Awareness Month

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Congratulations to the 2026 Virginia RAMP schools: 

• Benton Middle School, Manassas  
• Daniel Morgan Middle School, Winchester  
• Douglas S. Freeman High School (Re-RAMP), Henrico  
• Frederick Douglass Elementary School, Winchester  
• Graham Park Middle School, Triangle  
• Herndon High School (Re-RAMP), Herndon  
• Innovation Elementary School, Manassas  
• Kyle R. Wilson Elementary School (Re-RAMP), Woodbridge  
• Neabsco Elementary School, Woodbridge  

• Osbourn Park High School (Re-RAMP), Manassas  
• Patriot High School (Re-RAMP), Nokesville  
• Poe Middle School (Re-RAMP), Annandale  
• Potomac High School (Re-RAMP), Dumfries  
• Rippon Middle School, Woodbridge  
• Rockledge Elementary School (Re-RAMP), Woodbridge  
• Springwoods Elementary School, Woodbridge  
• The Governor’s School at Innovation Park, Manassas

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Article 2026-17-203�2026 Recognized American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Model Programs

ACP (ACPP) Guideline Development

• 8VAC20-132-140
• “the ACP shall be developed in accordance with guidelines established by the board”

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• Updated guidelines are expected to go before the board at the June meeting

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• Survey Question: What are some questions you would want ACPP/ACP Guidelines to answer?

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Recruitment: ACP (ACPP) Stakeholder Group

• May 15: draft will be emailed
• May 15-22: review draft and provide feedback via Google Doc
• May 22: optional meeting to discuss

(estimated commitment not to exceed 1.5 hours)

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Kimochis Opportunity

VDOE will: 

• Collaborate with division leaders to identify a training date and implementation plan
• Facilitate an in-person kickoff training session for 40 participating staff members
• Provide Kimochis Mixed Bag of Feelings materials and related books to participating staff
• Offer guidance and support to help strengthen implementation throughout the professional learning community (PLC) process

The School Division will: 

• Identify approximately 40 staff members to participate in the initiative
• Coordinate logistics for the in-person kickoff training session hosted within the division
• Designate staff members to lead and sustain a local Kimochis PLC during the 2026–2027 school year
• Support ongoing staff participation and collaboration throughout the PLC process
• Promote implementation of Kimochis strategies and practices across participating schools

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VDOE will partner with one selected school division to support division-wide implementation of the Kimochis Mixed Bag of Feelings.

Kimochis Opportunity

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Application is due on Friday, May 22. 

CSBH Office Hours

Upcoming Office Hours Topics: 

• August 20 – Welcome 
• September 15 – Teaming 
• October 13 – Resource Mapping 
• November 10 – Data-Informed Decision-Making (DIDM) 
• December 8 – Social, Emotional, and Behavioral (SEB) Screening 
• February 2 – Tier 1 Behavioral Health Supports 
• March 2 – Tier 2 and Tier 3 Behavioral Health Supports and Services 

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Principal Student Support Services Grant Request for Proposals

• What Schools Receive
• A fully funded, licensed mental health professional placed on campus
• Up to $25,000 in principal-directed funding over 5 years ($5,000/year)
• All recruitment, training, and ongoing support handled by SBHSN

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• Who Should Apply
• Schools supporting grades 6–12
• Enrollment: 500+ students
• 70%+ Free/Reduced Lunch
• High rates of absenteeism, behavioral issues, or social-emotional challenges

Presentation on Grant Proposal

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Learn More…

• Announcement
• Guide
• Apply for Funding

The Virginia Career and Learning Center is your one-stop shop for:

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Roadmap for Success Modules

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Roadmap for Success Modules

Legislative Updates

2026 General Assembly

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HB38- Mental Health Awareness Training

• Chief Patron: Del. Nadarius Clark
• Basic Summary: Requires all full-time teachers and designated school personnel to complete enhanced mental health awareness training, specifically addressing high-risk youth populations using evidence-based practices.
• School Divisions shall: Update training content to include high-risk populations (e.g., trauma, disability, homelessness). Ensure all applicable staff complete training. Align training with evidence-based standards.
• VDOE/OBHSS will: create a cross-walking tool and utilize it to assess commonly used training. Develop a webpage with information on reviewed trainings.
• Effective Date: July 1, 2026

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SB817- Parental Notification Course Registration Deadlines

• Chief Patron: Del. Suetterlein
• Basic Summary: School boards; public middle and high schools; parental notification of course registration deadlines and processes required. Requires each school board to develop and implement, policies requiring each public middle and high school in the school division to provide, at least 30 days prior to the course registration deadline, parental notification by email or SMS text message to the parent of each student in the public middle or high school of course enrollment deadlines and the process for requesting changes to the student's course selection.
• Effective: Start of 26-27 SY

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SB109/HB201- Lethal Means Parental Notification

• Chief Patrons: Sen. Stella Pekarsky, Del. Laura Jane Cohen
• Basic Summary: Requires every school board to implement a policy for annual parent notification about:
• Safe storage of prescription drugs in the home
• Safe storage of firearms and legal responsibilities
• Information on Virginia laws related to firearm storage and child access
• Data on firearm-related injuries and deaths (e.g., CDC statistics)
• Availability in multiple languages and accessible formats
• School Divisions shall: Develop or update a formal school board policy. Send annual notification to all parents (email + text if available).
• VDOE/OBHSS will: send out a newsletter with sample language and resources
• Effective date: July 1, 2026

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HB0653- Military-Excused Absences

• Chief Patron: Del. Hillary Pugh Kent
• Basic Summary:  Allots five excused absences to any student whose immediate family member is active duty military and has received orders for, is on leave from, or has recently returned from deployment outside the United States for the purpose of visitation with such family member, provided that the student provides written documentation verifying such leave or deployment if requested by the local school division.
• School Divisions shall: incorporate this into attendance policies and record keeping. Inform families of military-connected students.
• VDOE/OBHSS will: release a VDOE Update
• Effective Dates: July 1, 2026

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HB0957- Bullying Tip Line

• Chief Patron: Del. Elizabeth Guzman
• Basic Summary: Requires the Department of Education to direct each school board to encourage each public elementary and secondary school in the local division to promote or utilize the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to address student bullying and cyberbullying, as such terms are defined in relevant law.
• School Divisions must: follow VDOE direction to encourage schools to promote the use of 988 in relation to bullying response when appropriate
• VDOE/OBHSS must: Provide guidance on how schools can promote or incorporate the 988 Lifeline into bullying response efforts.
• Effective Dates: July 1, 2026

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HB298- Restorative Practices

• Chief Patron: Del. Delores McQuinn
• Basic Summary: Requires public schools to consider at least one evidence-based restorative disciplinary practice before suspending, expelling, or otherwise excluding a student from school, except in cases involving serious offenses (e.g., weapons, drugs, or aggravating circumstances).
• School Division shall: Schools must document the rationale when exclusionary discipline is used instead of a restorative approach
• OBHSS/VDOE shall: Provide guidance, training, and technical assistance, update SBAR, collect and analyze data annually, publish a report.
• Effective Dates: VDOE guidelines and support materials by Jan. 1, 2027, change in practices in school divisions by July 1, 2027.

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2024-2025 SY SBAR Data

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2024-2025 SY SBAR Data

Of those 34 LEAs…

• Average population= 2,395 students

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• Largest division= 10,861 students

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• 20 divisions under= 2,000 students

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97 (74%) Divisions reported utilizing Restorative Practices (74%)

34 (26%) Divisions reported 0 Restorative Practices (26%)

SIZE CONSIDERATIONS

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Of those 34 LEAs...

Southside, Region 8: 5 divisions (12) 42%

Valley, Region 5: 7 divisions (20) 35%

Central VA, Region 1: 5 divisions (15) 33%

Southwest, Region 7: 6 divisions (19) 32%

Tidewater, Region 2: 4 divisions (16) 25%

Northern Neck, Region 3: 3 divisions (17) 18%

NOVA, Region 4: 3 divisions (19) 16%

West VA, Region 6: 1 division (14) 7%

34 Divisions reported 0 Restorative Practices via SBAR (26%)

LOCATION

CONSIDERATIONS

Restorative Practices Discussion

Considering the information presented (including the data and HB 298), what are your initial reactions, questions, or concerns?

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What VDOE supports do you anticipate will be needed to support alignment with HB298 requirements?

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What supports from VDOE do you anticipate will be necessary to ensure alignment with HB 298 requirements?

Stakeholder Group

Interest Form

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SB171- Discharge Plans- Inpatient

• Chief Patron: Sen. Favola, Sen. Mark Obshain
• Basic Summary: SB171 requires certain mental health or inpatient treatment facilities to share limited discharge information for minors with their school.
• Parents of the student may opt in to the disclosure.
• The facility determines either:
• The student needs additional educational services, or
• There may be a risk of harm or violence upon discharge
• Then the facility must provide relevant portions of the discharge plan to the student’s school counselor, or other designated school mental health professionals
• The information shared is limited to what is necessary for:
• Educational continuity, and/or
• Safety concerns (self-harm or harm to others)
• The bill also aligns with existing health privacy protections, meaning it does not open full medical records to schools, only specific, relevant discharge details.

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SB171- Discharge Plans- Inpatient

• School Divisions shall:
• Establish communication protocols that protect confidentiality.
• Ensure designated staff (counselors/mental health professionals) are identified to receive information.
• Integrate discharge information into re-entry planning, student support services, and safety planning (if applicable).
• VDOE/OBHSS shall: create guidelines to place safeguards around proper use of student discharge planning information disclosed to elementary or secondary schools to prevent further disclosure of the discharge plan beyond the purpose for which such disclosure was made.
• Effective Dates: January 1, 2027

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Stakeholder Group

• Interest Form

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HB1113- Culturally Responsive Mental Health Support

• Chief Patron: Del. May Nivar
• Basic Summary: Directs the VDOE to develop guidance, policies, and best practices for delivering culturally responsive and language-appropriate mental health services in schools.
• School Divisions may: Review and align local policies and practices with state-developed guidance.
• VDOE/OBHSS must: Develop and disseminate statewide guidance
• Effective Dates: guidelines developed by October 1, 2027

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Up Next…

Meetings:

• TBD ☺

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Updates to Listserv?

Please utilize this form

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Open Mic…

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This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Crowdsourcing opportunity- do you have a question you’d like to pose?

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• What’s one thing that’s been working well for you lately?
• Share one strategy or idea that’s helped you recently.
• How do you plan to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month in May?

Resource Highlight

Supporting Each and Every Student with SEL-Driven Behavior Strategies (article from VSCA May Newsletter)

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• Behavior Toolbox Tier 1 Elementary
• Behavior Toolbox Tier 1 Secondary

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Full Circle Resources (please share with counselors)

• Full Circle Bereavement Resource Manual: https://fullcirclegc.org/bereavement-resource-manual/
• Full Circle's Suicide Intervention/Postvention Resource Hub: https://fullcirclegc.org/suicide-resources/
• Full Circle/VDH Suicide Intervention Manual: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/speac-manual.html
• CONNECT Trainings: https://fullcirclegc.org/connect-suicide-postvention-training/
• Strategies for Providing Trauma Informed Support During and After Perinatal Loss Training: https://fullcirclegc.org/trauma-informed-perinatal-loss-training/
• Conversations About Grief: https://fullcirclegc.org/conversations-about-grief/ 

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Resource Highlight

• MENTOR Virginia: Youth Ambassadors of Mentoring Program
• Currently accepting applications from teens between of 15 and 18.
• Looking for young people who are interested in promoting change and raising awareness about issues impacting them and their peers in Virginia. This is an opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge of mentoring programs, engage in advocacy events, and collaborate with other Ambassadors in meaningful projects.
• Applications will close on July20th
• 2026 MENTOR Virginia Youth Ambassadors of Mentoring Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedlrm46RTrYMZxzxzVbjWpPAPMs2lS045Yf-77OTLq8j_ySg/viewform?usp=pp_url

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Please share this information with high school counselors and others in the student support services field.

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Feedback Form ☺

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