May 2016 Issue
June 02, 2016

Health Briefs

Source: NYSUT United

Schuylerville earns national green recognition

Schuylerville Elementary School has been designated a federal Green Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The New York State Education Department nominated the rural school for the honor, and it is the only New York State school to be a 2016 DOE honoree.

The achievements are many: school staff and students received an EPA Energy Star Award; school facilities meet LEED Silver standards and Executive Order III; a coordinated school health approach is in place; produce and eggs come from local farmers; and the school grows fresh vegetables and herbs in hydroponic and raised-bed gardens. Educators provided effective environmental and sustainability concepts at each grade level with projects and supplemental classroom programs to stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making.

Schuylerville is "a model for schools throughout the state to emulate," said SED Commissioner MaryEllen Elia.

Training for professionals on gambling addiction

The New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services announces a new, multi-year program to train counseling professionals in assessment and treatment of problem gambling and providing support services. The Problem Gambling Training Partnership will provide training to social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists and psychoanalysts.

The partnership is funded by OASAS and set up with state and national professional counseling, therapy and psychoanalyst organizations.

Evidence-based training will be provided through in-person training institutes, webinars, print materials and clinical support. Programs will be offered regionally: June 23–25, Long Island; Sept. 28–29, Schenectady; and Oct. 24–25, Rochester. For more info, visit https://naswnys.org/problemgamblingtrainingpartnership.