beyond the hall pass website

Beyond the Hall Pass: Creating Safe Spaces for Grieving Students

A virtual training series for school superheroes—equipping you to care, no couch required 💜

When grief walks into a classroom, it doesn’t ask permission. It shows up in the quiet kid with their head down, the student who suddenly snaps, or the one who just can’t focus on fractions. That’s why we created Beyond the Hall Pass—a monthly training series designed to give educators and school staff tangible, bite-sized tools they can use right away. These aren’t fluffy theories or “someday” strategies. Each session is one hour, packed with practical tips, space for authentic connection, and Q&A to make sure you walk away ready to support grieving students the very next day.

Because you don’t need perfect words or a fancy counseling office—you just need the willingness to hold space. And when we make room for grief, we make room for healing.

  • 1 CE credit hour offered per training.
  • All sessions are at no cost to you! Join us now!
  • Can't make it? Register to receive a replay & resources post-presentation! 

*Each session will be recorded and shared later. By participating, you consent to your image, voice, or comments being included in the recording. If you prefer not to be recorded, please keep your camera off and do not unmute*

 

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Upcoming Training Sessions

September 2026

First Day Feels & The Quiet Ones: Making Space for Grief from Day One

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026

2:15-3:15pm

The first days of school sets the tone for the entire year. For grieving students, that tone matters more than ever. But not every grieving student will tell you they're struggling. Some act out, while others work harder, get quieter, or disappear into the background. This session explores how to create a classroom culture that acknowledges grief while helping educators identify students who may be hurting silently. Walk away with practical strategies for creating connection, building trust, and supporting students from day one. 

October 2026

Boo! Grief Triggers: Tough Days & School-Wide Loss

Wednesday, October 28th, 2026

2:15-3:15pm

Grief has a sneaky way of showing up, sometimes through a fire drill, an empty desk, an anniversary, or a tragedy that impacts an entire school community. This session explores how grief triggers can affect learning, behavior, and emotional regulation, while also addressing what happens when schools experience multiple losses over time. You'll learn practical strategies to help students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn, even on the toughest days. 

November 2026

Holidays, Heartache & Honoring Loved Ones

Wednesday, November 18th, 2026

2:15-3:15pm

The holiday season can bring joy, excitement, and connection, but for grieving students, it can also intensify feelings of loss. Whether students are missing a parent, sibling, grandparent, friend, or beloved pet, holidays often highlight who's not at the table. This session explores ways to make classroom traditions more inclusive while providing meaningful opportunities for students to remember and honor loved ones in safe, supportive ways. 

December 2026

Not Everyone Brings a Casserole: Culture Has Entered the Chat

Wednesday, December 9th, 2026

2:15-3:15pm

When it comes to grief, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some families gather, some grieve privately, some celebrate life, and others observe traditions that may be unfamiliar to us. This session explores how culture shapes grief, mourning, remembrance, and support. Educators will learn how to move beyond assumptions, approach differences with curiosity, and create spaces where every student's grief experience is respected and valued. 

January 2027

Who's Taking Care of You? Self-Care for School Superheroes

Wednesday, January 20th, 2027

2:15-3:15pm

Supporting grieving students is meaningful work, but it can also be emotionally exhausting. Educators are often expected to hold space for others while continuing to meet endless demands of their own. This session focuses on realistic self-care strategies that go beyond bubble baths and inspirational quotes. Learn how to recognize signs of burnout, care for yourself without guilt, and continue supporting students without carrying every loss home with you. 

February 2027

The Hardest Hall Pass: Returning to Class After a Loss

Wednesday, February 10th, 2027

2:15-3:15pm

One of the most difficult moments for a grieving student is walking back into school after a loss. For educators, it can feel just as overwhelming. What should you say? What should you avoid? How do you help classmates respond appropriately? This session provides practical guidance for supporting students as they return to school after the death of a loved one, helping them reconnect, rebuild trust, and find stability during an incredibly difficult time.

March 2027

Words Leave Bruises Too: Grief, Bullying & Belonging

Wednesday, March 31st, 2027

2:15-3:15pm

Not all grief wounds are caused by loss itself. Sometimes the words, reactions, or silence of others can deepen a student's pain. This session explores the connection between grief, bullying, social isolation, and belonging. Learn how to identify when students may be struggling socially, address harmful peer interactions, and create school environments where empathy, connection, and kindness can thrive.

April 2027

Caps, Gowns & Complicated Feelings

Wednesday, April 14th, 2027

2:15-3:15pm

Graduations, promotions, and end-of-year celebrations are often seen as happy occasions, but for grieving students, these milestones can be bittersweet. Big moments often remind students of the people who should be there but aren't. This session explores how grief can show up during transitions and celebrations, offering practical ways to support students as they navigate endings, new beginnings, and all the complicated feelings that come with both.