Effective School Solutions

12/22/2025

🎙️MINDBEAT is back for Season 4!

Season 4 of our podcast, MINDBEAT by Effective School Solutions, kicks off with an insightful episode, Navigating the Digital Childhood: Mental Health, Media, and Development.

Join Laine Whitaker and guest co-host Megan McCullough, Director of Student Services at Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, as they welcome Dr. Ellen Wartella, a leading expert on children, media, and development. Together, they explore the evolving role of media in shaping mental health, common misconceptions about screen use, and practical ways families and schools can support healthy development in a digital age.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-37-navigating-the-digital-childhood-mental-health/id1656097720?i=1000742229163

🎧 Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0njyZIA6nGc3ub33zwCDLR

10/27/2025

Mindset Monday

Educators spend so much time caring for others (students, colleagues, families, caregivers) that it’s easy to forget to take time for self-care.

This week, remember Brené Brown’s reminder:

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.”

Give yourself grace, speak kindly to yourself, and recognize that your well-being matters just as much as those you support.

10/21/2025

We share Mental Health America’s belief that with the right support, young people can move from helplessness to hope.
Grateful for Supporting Young Minds 2025 and its focus on building resilience in students everywhere.
Mental Health America

10/20/2025

Mindset Monday!

At Effective School Solutions, we believe that open, stigma-free dialogue is key to supporting student well-being. Let’s keep the conversation going this week

10/15/2025

A new EdSource article highlights a growing concern in California: the link between social media use and rising rates of anxiety and depression among young people. https://edsource.org/2025/california-youth-mental-health-social-media

As educators and mental health professionals, we have an opportunity to help students build healthier relationships with technology, foster balance, and create safe spaces for open conversation.

At Effective School Solutions, we’re listening closely to what students are telling us and working alongside schools to ensure mental health remains at the center of the conversation.

California youth cited the high cost of living, including housing affordability and the price of groceries, along with gun violence, climate change and racism as top concerns.

10/14/2025

At Effective School Solutions, we believe every classroom can be a place of calm, connection, and growth.

Our AttunED Behavior Education Framework™ helps districts move from behavior management to behavior education, equipping educators with the skills to foster regulation, resilience, and stronger relationships.

The framework empowers:
- Administrators to build trauma-informed schools and lead lasting cultural change.
- Educators to gain coaching to foster regulation, accountability, and resilient classrooms.
- Counselors to strengthen skills to support regulation, resilience, and family partnerships.

When educators feel supported, students succeed.

Watch the video to see how the AttunED Behavior Education Framework™ is supporting schools across the country.

Learn more @ www.effectiveschoolsolutions.com

10/13/2025

Mindset Monday!

At Effective School Solutions, we believe that every student’s journey is unique. There’s no single definition of “normal” when it comes to learning, emotions, or growth, and that’s what makes each individual so extraordinary.

Let’s embrace our differences, celebrate individuality, and create school environments where every version of “normal” can thrive.

10/13/2025

Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous communities.

At Effective School Solutions, we recognize the importance of culturally grounded approaches to mental health and the wisdom embedded in Indigenous traditions of healing and community care.

Learn more and explore resources from Mental Health America:
🔗 https://mhanational.org/resources/indigenous/

10/10/2025

Effective School Solutions is proud to join Bellflower Unified School District and the Mid-Cities SELPA for the Growing Together: Families, Educators, and Communities Conference!

We’re excited that Laine Whitaker, VP of Professional Development, will be presenting Rewiring Childhood: Supporting the Anxious Generation and Routines & Rituals for Emotional Regulation.

📅 Saturday, October 11, 2025
🕗 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Mayfair Middle/High School – Lakewood, CA

10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day — a reminder that mental health matters every day, for everyone.

At Effective School Solutions, we believe that when we prioritize mental wellbeing, students thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

Let’s work together to:
- Normalize conversations about mental health
- Ensure access to high-quality support
- Build compassionate communities where every student feels seen and supported

Because supporting mental health isn’t just important. It’s essential.

10/09/2025

🌿 Take a moment for yourself today.
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated — small, intentional acts can make a big difference.

Here are seven simple ways to recharge your mind and body:
💤 Get some sleep
📖 Read for pleasure
🌳 Take a nature walk
🪞 Journal your thoughts
💬 Talk to a friend or therapist
🧘‍♀️ Meditate
📵 Take a break from screens

✨ Your mental health matters — start with one small act today.