School psychologists launch 'Caring for Kids'

With a legislative resolution that proclaimed May 8 as Children's Mental Health Day, the New York Association of School Psychologists has launched an ongoing campaign to assure that children's mental health needs are met.

"We kick off our Caring for Kids campaign to raise awareness of children's mental health needs, to remove barriers which prevent children from accessing appropriate mental health services and to reduce the stigma often associated with seeking mental health services," said NYASP President John Kelly, a school psychologist who is a member of Commack Teachers Association.

The campaign will include various public service announcements to highlight the mental health needs of children and to increase access to the professionals who provide these services.

CUNY conference hails worker education centers

Twenty-five years ago, trade unionists and City University of New York workers founded the Centers for Worker Education at two CUNY campuses: City College and Brooklyn College.

Thousands of union members and workers have studied at the centers since then. An upcoming conference, "Storming the heavens: Worker education and social activism," pays tribute to this proud history and imagines new ways to shape labor education.

Co-sponsors include NYSUT 's two largest higher education locals, the Professional Staff Congress at CUNY and United University Professions at the State University of New York.

The two-day conference, Friday and Saturday, June 1 and 2, will be held at the CUNY Centers for Worker Education, 25 Broadway, Seventh Floor. The cost is $60, $35 for students. Log on to www.workereducation.org, e-mail info@workereducation.org or call (212) 966-4014.

Character education brings out the best

The 13th annual Summer Institute in Character Education — "Smart and good schools: Bringing out the best in students" — will be held June 25-28 at the State University of New York at Cortland.

Sponsored by the Center for the 4th and 5th Rs (Respect and Responsibility), the institute is designed for K-12 teachers, administrators, counselors, educational consultants, staff developers and school leaders. A flexible format allows participants to attend any or all days. For details, visit: www.cortland.edu/character/institutes.asp.als.