The Perfect School District

Is it possible? A perfect school district, really, Jeff?

Renowned youth motivational speaker and celebrity teen and family life coach, Jeff Yalden just visited the Sharyland ISD in Mission, TX. Two high schools, two junior high schools, and eight elementaries. A beautiful community that sits on the border of Mexico and McAllen/Mission, TX. Jeff visited for two days and six programs including a teacher/staff teen suicide prevention program and a program for parents and community. 

What Made it Special

First impression! The moment you walked in each building. Immaculate. Applause to the custodial staff and every staff member. The walls were covered with newspaper articles, quotes, art work, and so much more but it was how the walls were covered. Literally, you could call these schools home. Everything done with care, pride, and attention to detail. One thing Jeff remembers that really made an impression was each hall decorated with flags of universities. So subtle, yet so powerful the message of you can go to college. 

Administrators were visible. Teachers walked their kids to the assembly areas. In the junior high schools the teachers had their kids walk in single file line in an orderly manner. The room say quiet with a small respectful sound of kids taking to their neighbor. 

Jeff was introduced. An hour and a half you could hear a pin drop. Jeff Yalden captivated each audience with a message of perseverance, courage, life, self-respect, mental health, and did it with humor and a serious tone. 

Respectful students. Great staff. Awesome administration. Where did this come from?

There was a standard set a long time ago. A discipline, structure, and high expectations. It was a model district with so much more to applaud. 

Well done Sharyland ISD. Well done. You've set a bar that should be modeled by others. 

No wonder Gray Junior High School is #1 in the USA. 

Teen Mental Health Expert Jeff Yalden is hired by #1 Junior High School in America

September 29, 2015 - #1 Junior High School in America - BL Gray Junior High School, hires Teen Mental Health expert and Youth Motivational Speaker Jeff Yalden. 

Suicide Prevention Month brings Youth Motivational Speaker to Sharyland ISD

 Jeff Yalden said in 23 years he's never come across a school district as incredible as that of Sharyland ISD. 

Jeff Yalden is a suicide prevention and teen mental health expert working with school districts all over the world. He's visiting Sharyland ISD for two days to speak at the two high schools, two junior high schools, teachers and staff on suicide prevention, and parents and community. 

When Jeff walked into Sharyland High School he was amazed at how beautiful the building was. Then, he was amazed at all the college banners that lined the halls. He said, "So subtle, yet so powerful!"  His presentation was met with a lot of media, great students, and very excited teachers. His one hour and twenty minute talk was incredible. He said the audience was well behaved and respectful. "You could hear a pin drop!" said one teacher. 

In the afternoon, Jeff visited Sharyland North Junior High Dchool and his testimonies were the same of that of Sharyland High School. 

In the later afternoon, after the suicide prevention presentation, Jeff asked district superintendent, "Will the kids tomorrow be half as awesome as today's kids?"

The superintendent replied, "We have amazing kids, Jeff!"

"Yes you do! You have amazing people running your schools too!", said Jeff. 

Check out renowned youth motivational speaker, Jeff Yalden by visiting his website www.JeffYalden.com, www.NotTheSolution.com and his teen mental health and teen suicide website www.TheForeverDecision.com. 

Educational Speaker gets VIP Treatment

I arrive McAllen, TX to spend a few days with Sharyland ISD - Teen Suicide and As I get off the plane I see this big welcome to an elementary speaker and author. 

A humbling experience when you realize again it's not always about you. 

Sometimes you wish it was. Especially when traveling in pain realizing you're about to go through Spinal Surgery in a couple of weeks. Times like this you wish you had family with you taking the journey alongside you. 

I head to Edmonton and Nashville, TN after this visit to Sharyland. I'll make it. I'll do my thing. Nobody notices accept the audience you present to that day. It's not why we do it though. It's not about the pictures, hugs, standing ovations. It's about the lives we save and the hearts we touch. 

Just sometimes, you need that hug. Especially when it's a Sunday.