In the Loop

Season 2 of "In the Loop" begins with the keynote speech delivered at the 2020 Harnett County Schools Student Support Services Meeting & Conference from Dr. Stephen G. Peters.

In his address, Dr. Peters examines the hard truths about public education in 2020. He discusses the importance of educational leadership through the pandemic, teacher expectations and student achievement, steps for social justice advocacy, equity vs. equality, and being a voice of encouragement.

Episode #2  includes a panel discussion* held with education professionals from secondary/higher education on the subjects of mental health, social justice, and equity in K-12 Education.  

The discussion was moderated by Mrs. Natalie Ferrell, Public Information Officer, Harnett County Schools, and the panelists were:

Dr. Stephanie Helms Pickett (she/her)

Associate Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence and Strategic Practice

Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity

NC State University

Dr. Robert Martinez, Jr.

Assistant Professor, School Counseling

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dr. Stephen Peters

CEO/President, The Peters Group

President, International Literacy Association Board of Directors

Dr. Mark Wilson

CEO/President, Principal Matters

Former National Principal of the Year (National Association of Secondary School Principals)

Dr. Mitzi Glass

Clinical Care Supervisor for the Mental Health Service Line  

Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, Norfolk, VA

*Panel discussion was recorded from the Harnett County Schools Student Support Services Winter Meeting and Conference on 12.9.20*

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  During this month, many national organizations join together to raise awareness and build understanding of the significant role mental health plays in overall health and wellness.  Daymark Recovery Services (Lee County, NC) is one of our local agencies dedicated to providing mental health services in our community.  This episode will discuss the impact of trauma on children and families and provide some helpful resources stakeholders can access for support. 

Host: Mrs. Lauren Cappola, Director of School Counseling, Harnett County Schools 

Guest: Mrs. Stephanie Mueller, Director, Daymark Recovery Services (Lee County, NC)

Harnett County Schools has the privilege of serving over 2,500 military connected students!  This episode focuses on the role and impact of Military and Family Life Counselors in our school district.    

Guests:  

Mrs. Samantha Bell - Military Family Life Counselor - Highland Elementary School 

Mrs. Donisa Hammond - Military Family Life Counselor - Overhills Elementary School

As a result of the vital role and services provided to the community, the Harnett County Department of Social Services and Daymark Recovery Services are deemed essential agencies and remain operational during the stay at home order.  This episode discusses their roles and some best practices community stakeholders can implement during this time.

Guests:  

Mrs. Kimberly Kowanick, CPS Intake Social Worker, Harnett County Department of Social Services 

Mrs. Amy Brown, Director, Daymark Recovery Services (Harnett County)

We are all being encouraged to practice personal self-care during these current uncertain times.  This episode explores the area of self-care and its significance not only now but in our normal daily lives.

Guest:  Mr. DeVault Clevenger, Clinical Director, Pinnacle Family Services

A stay-at-home order is in effect for the State of North Carolina.  Life as normal has changed as we continue to adjust to educating children at home, teleworking, and social distancing. 

What tools and strategies do we need to assist with adjusting to the new normal? 

Guests from Harnett County Schools: Mrs. Jeannie Hicks, Homebound Teacher ; Mrs. Brittny Gainey, Social Worker; Mrs. Rebecca Campbell, School Nurse

A major concern for stakeholders in Harnett County and around the world is the safety of themselves and loved ones.  Student Services Professionals from Harnett County Schools discuss best practices on how to cope with stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Guests from Harnett County Schools:  Mrs. Lauren Cappola, Director of School Counseling; Mrs. Kimberly Baker, School Social Worker; Mrs. Janet Johnson, Lead Nurse

Mr. Giovanni Solera explains the Harnett County Schools Reassignment Process in Spanish for our stakeholders.