DuPage ROE 19 Director of Social Emotional Learning

Who were the first adults you remember making you feel seen, valued, and like you belonged? How can we be that person for a student today? 💙

The first faces (crossing guards, bus drivers, hall monitors, secretaries, administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff) have the power to shape how they feel about themselves, their school, and their ability to learn.

The first faces have significant influence on our feelings for the day, a year, and may even be that story they share later in life.

A smile. A greeting. A calm response. A simple "I'm glad you're here."

Showing up for others starts with showing up for ourselves. Self-care is essential. When we prioritize sleep, nutrition, movement, and our own well-being, we are better equipped to remain patient, present, and responsive when others need us most.

Disrespectf, defiance, withdrawn, or reactive, remember:

➡️ Behavior is communication.
➡️ A reaction is often not about us.
➡️ Escalation rarely creates connection.

Instead of taking it personally, we can become curious:

❓ What might this student be experiencing?
❓ What need is behind this behavior?
❓ How can I respond in a way that preserves dignity and relationship?

We don't need to have all the answers.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can say is:

"I may not know exactly what you need right now, but I care about you, and I will help connect you with someone who can help."

Our calm can become their safety.
Our presence can become their support.
Our connection can become their reason to keep showing up.

Thank you Madison Jr High School,for hosting Senator John Curran’s Children’s Safety Fair!

Join us at Senator John Curran's Children's Safety Expo today from 9am to 12pm.

Visit the DuPage Regional Office table for resources and fidgets!

NAMI DuPage Podcast https://namidupage.org/podcast/

Stories and conversations that help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and highlight the importance of Universal Mental Health Screening (UMHS). Watch the introductory video for insight, hope, and understanding: https://namidupage.org/podcast/



📅 Thursday, May 21, 2026 🕖 7:00–8:00 PM 💻 Virtual

Empowered Parents Toolkit: Hospital & Beyond

This workshop will provide parents with practical tools to navigate youth mental health crises, including hospital care, school advocacy, communication strategies, and ongoing support for wellness and recovery.

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87058895206

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Empowered Parents Toolkit: Hospital & Beyond. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Empowered Parents Toolkit: Hospital & Beyond. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

Activities to manage stress, regulating emotions, and build self-awareness.

Network with other SEL Leaders on May 7th, 8:30-10:30AM at CASE, in Glendale Heights.
Registration: https://lnkd.in/g6iG4j5z

Special presentation: "Aligning SEL & Portrait of a Graduate, integration of data systems for decision making and equity-based monitoring; our system of supports, adult professional learning.” from Catherine Murray and Natalie Assell from Batavia Public School District 101.
Book Giveaways from GPS Parent Series!
Registration: https://lnkd.in/g6iG4j5z

💐May is:
Mental Health Awareness Month - Toolkit
https://tinyurl.com/ywbxuc4v

May 7: Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day - Toolkit
https://tinyurl.com/bdesuu3p

May 10-16: National Prevention Week - Toolkit
https://tinyurl.com/ywbxuc4v

SHARING builds understanding for UMHS, Raises Awareness, Demystify Mental Health Myths, and Provides Resources to Help