Tawnya Basisto

Mother. Educator. Traveller and explorer. she/her. Constantly learning.

[Tawnya Basisto @mrsbasisto]

Yearly teacher reminder. Keep showing up for the students who don’t have others showing up. Advocate for them. They don’t always make it easy but somehow they still always show up for you.

[Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) @yourschools]

AMDSB moves April PA Day from April 19 to April 8 due to solar eclipse. Full details: https://t.co/Ds6wLgK8jC

[unlearn. @unlearn_com]

We are constantly unlearning everyday. Here is just a small reminder that language is important!🗣️💙

Together, we foster connection and break down the stigma surrounding mental health. 🤝💬

[Tawnya Basisto @mrsbasisto]

To start Mental Health Awareness week staff were reminded to take care of themselves with complimentary coffee and cookies. -#iAmwell

[School Mental Health Ontario @SMHO_SMSO]

Holiday breaks can be difficult for some students.

Here are some resources to support students in seeking help when they are not at school.

https://t.co/l3xqwLXkSf

[Tawnya Basisto @mrsbasisto]

Breakfast @DCVI_Salukis this morning! DIY oatmeal bar!

[Ontario Principals' Council @OPCouncil]

In October we celebrate 2SLGBTQQIA+ Month, recognizing the history of the diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & queer communities. We encourage our schools & students to become allies & stand up against discrimination, bullying & harassment. #acceptance #love #inclusivity

[Dr. Bryan Pearlman #MaslowBeforeBloom @DrP_Principal]

I received a package in the mail a few days before my first day of school as a brand new teacher. It was from my mother.

Inside the box was a very large file that included my report cards, progress reports, papers I had written that were marked up with a lot red ink, and several tests with a large letter “F” on them.

The feedback on these items included:
-“Not sure how Bryan qualified for the gifted program since he can’t read”
-“Bryan won’t be college material”
-“Bryan doesn’t seem to care about anything but sports”
-“Bryan just needs to focus better”
-“I’m not sure why Bryan asks to go to the nurse and counselor all the time”
-“Bryan needs to learn how to sit still and be quiet”
-“I’m not sure what else I can do, I’ve already taken his recess away most days”

This made me sad. I had not seen these before. I think my mother had tried to shelter me from all of these negatives.

At the bottom of the box was a notecard from my mom that said, “Try to see each of your student’s strengths. I know you will do better for your students. I am so proud of you! Love Mom”.

After my career as a teacher and principal, I became a therapist. The majority of my adult clients can remember both the most positive thing a teacher said to them and also the most negative.

Remember, our words matter. We have the power to build someone up or tear them down.

What comment(s) do you remember hearing from a teacher?

From the book:
“Whatever It Takes!: For All Students to Succeed in School and Life”
(https://t.co/gDlQoij54k)

Join the “Maslow Before Bloom” Facebook group at: https://t.co/i2rhBgHO8G

[Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) @yourschools]

#HiringNow: We're seeking candidates for the position of Indigenous Mental Health Counsellor. We're looking for a trained social worker with lived experience as an Indigenous person.
Know someone who qualifies? Please share!
Learn more: https://t.co/oOjd4pIi6h. Apply by May 26.

[School Mental Health Ontario @SMHO_SMSO]

The importance of teaching about mental health is well understood. But, it can be tricky to know how to connect it to Ontario's secondary school curriculum. Here are some suggestions to help:
https://t.co/bsvIPH55Pe

[Tawnya Basisto @mrsbasisto]

Celebrating someone’s 90th with the only request. A jays game. @BlueJays #NextLevel

[Tawnya Basisto @mrsbasisto]

@missgeog92 Our LTO/ supply teacher in grade 2. Showed our class kindness and cared for us all!

[School Mental Health Ontario @SMHO_SMSO]

Some students will be navigating the transition from secondary school this year. We have released an expansion lesson to our MH LIT: Student Mental Health in Action series, focused on supporting students during this time of change. https://t.co/v2U5pfalnL

[School Mental Health Ontario @SMHO_SMSO]

Secondary educators! Join us next week for a deep dive into our premier resource: MH LIT: Student Mental Health in Action - a series of lesson plans focused on enhancing basic mental health knowledge & help-seeking skills. For more info/to register, contact your school board MHL.

[Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) @yourschools]

We are pleased to announce a webinar mini series for caregivers, starting April 27. If you are a caregiver interested in learning more about common mental health challenges facing children and youth, and strategies you can use, sign up now! Learn more at https://t.co/oJxiqjqxg3.

[Tawnya Basisto @mrsbasisto]

Students were so engaged with #SELawareness day @LittleFallsPS! So lucky to be apart of their learning and community building.

[Tawnya Basisto @mrsbasisto]

What a fun week of learning and practicing #SEL. Thrilled to be with @Hansford6_7 class working on coping strategies.

[Tawnya Basisto @mrsbasisto]

@fallonhewitt_ @birgitomo @melissmana I was going to suggest her as well. She’s walked the walk one too many times herself.

[School Mental Health Ontario @SMHO_SMSO]

We're offering a webinar on Feb 28 for #OntEd secondary educators to explore MH LIT: Student Mental Health in Action, a series of lesson plans focused on foundational mental health knowledge and help-seeking skills. Contact your mental health lead to register.

[School Mental Health Ontario @SMHO_SMSO]

Parents/caregivers have a crucial role in helping children manage technology use. How do you know if your child's tech use is problematic?

Check out this info sheet for tips: https://t.co/ZoMFYnv4g1

#SaferInternetDay #SID2023