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OCS Family Academy

April 2026: Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Training for Parents and Guardians

Mental Health First Aid from National Council for Mental Wellbeing Logo

Orange County Schools is proud to offer Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Training on April 18, 2026, for parents and guardians of Orange County Schools students, sponsored the UNC School of Social Work Behavioral Health Springboard.

This free 8-hour, instructor led training is designed to equip adults with the tools and confidence to support young people experiencing mental health challenges. Register by March 18 to earn your YMHFA Certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing!

About Youth Mental Health First Aid:

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an early intervention program that teaches participants how to: 

  • Recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health and substance use challenges in youth 
  • Respond with empathy and listen non-judgmentally
  • Provide reassurance and support during a potential mental health crisis
  • Connect youth to appropriate professional help and community resources

At the end of this training, participants will leave with practical strategies and a clear action plan to better support the mental health and well-being of young people in Orange County Schools and the greater community!

This training will presented by Dr. Jessica Dreher (OCS Director of Student Engagement and Support Services) and Daniel Kearns-Pickett (OCS Mental Health Coordinator). 

Here are the details:

  • Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026

  • Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Location: Orange County Schools Welcome Center
    • (920 Corporate Drive, Hillsborough, NC 27278)
  • Registration Deadline: March 18, 2026
    • This training is free of cost. There is no fee to register for this event!
       

register by march 18 for
youth mental health first aid training
on april 18, 2026   

  • Space is limited to 30 participants. Early registration is encouraged. 
  • Due to the nature of the topics within the training, we ask that participants do not bring children. 
  • There will be no translation or interpretation available at this event.

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March 2026: At Home SEL Strategies with Boomerang & enVision Math Engagement for K-8 Students

Two young girls writing math problems on chalk board

Join OCS Family Academy at A.L. Stanback Middle School on Thursday, March 19 from 5:30* to 7:30 p.m. for a double feature event with Boomerang and Orange County Schools Math Coaches! There's something for all families to enjoy!

Learn all about Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Strategies that you can use at home with your child to increase student success!All families with students K-12, join Boomerang for a presentation about effective ways to implement SEL strategies at home and healthy habits to increase daily attendance, motivation and engagement.

For families with students in Kindergarten through 8th grade, stick around and learn about the enVision+ math curriculum adopted by Orange County Schools this school year! 

During this interactive presentation, families will receive hands-on support from OCS math coaches and explore:

  • EnVision Math resources used in your child's classroom
  • Online videos of every lesson and flash cards to review with your child at home
  • Other resources, such as sample problems with solutions -- online and in workbooks -- to stimulate practice and grow understanding  
  • Vocabulary and concepts being covered in your child's math classroom
  • Infinite Campus Parent Portal and updates sent by schools to keep families informed

These are just some of the ways OCS teachers, math coaches, and principals support students and families in our schools every day to increase engagement and improve outcomes in math classes. This special K-8 math night on March 19 will help students and families be better informed, measure progress consistently, and find support that works for you on your schedule!    

* Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. at all Family Academy events for families who want support for using Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Program begins at 6:00 p.m.

Here are the details:

  • Date: Thursday, March 19
  • Time: 5:30* to 7:30 p.m. 
  • Location: A.L. Stanback Middle School (3700 NC-86, Hillsborough, NC 27278) in the Media Center
  • Parent Portal support begins at 5:30
  • There will be a food truck on site

We hope to see you there!

March Family Academy Flyers

Click each photo to enlarge.

Orange County Schools Family Academy SEL Strategies to use at home with Boomerang Youth and enVision Math Engagement with OCS Math Coaches Thursday. March 19

 

Orange County Schools Family Academy SEL Strategies to use at home with Boomerang Youth and enVision Math Engagement with OCS Math Coaches Thursday. March 19

 

Previous Family Academy Events