You did it - what a year this has been! In addition to the obvious (and not so obvious) challenges everyone faced we have mostly been struck by the resilience, optimism and strength that has been displayed in so many ways by all of you the past nine months. This got us thinking and inspired us to look back throughout the year - we identified the most used words in our school support network meetings, coffee chats and communiques - the result is in the word cloud below! What a very lovely combination of words that reflect what we have been hearing all year. We will be available throughout the summer to discuss plans for re-opening (see the section below on how to use your ESSER funds). Please don't hesitate to reach out - we would love to hear from you! We congratulate you all on making it through this year and wish you all a restorative, healthy and fun summer! |
Data:
- School Climate Assessment (students, staff, parents) with data analysis and in-person detailed data review
- Other assessment tools available including Equity, Social Inclusion, and Bullying Prevention
- Student and staff surveys disaggregated by key sub-groups
SEL:
- SEL teacher coaching (all levels) and professional development in all areas of SEL
School Climate:
- Three-year all-inclusive, consultant supported, School Climate Assessment and Improvement Process with baseline and follow-up climate surveys for all in the school community
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs):
- Staff well-being PLCs/Parent PLCs
- PLCs available that bring schools together around similar jobs (school counselor/administrator) as well as shared professional development (School Support Network)
Professional Development:
- Trauma-informed approaches, cultural competencies, equity, team building, SEL, and many more areas - designed specifically for your school/district
An Integrated Approach to School Climate Improvement, SEL, and Equity:
- We know school climate, SEL, and equity are intertwined and to be most effective any school improvement approach needs to address all three areas in a coordinated manner. We are very pleased to be able to offer schools and districts a comprehensive, customized, three-year, data-driven approach that will build capacity within staff and ensure time and resources are used most effectively. True change is hard and takes time - this integrated approach supports your school throughout the process.
|
|
School Support Network (SSN) meetings are free and everyone is welcome to attend. Share with your colleagues! |
SAVE THE DATE
Kickoff the 2021-22 School Year
September 15 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
October 20 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
November 10, 2021 – 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (In-person at Saint Elizabeth University)
December 15, 2021 – 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
|
Coffee chats are virtual gatherings that allow schools to connect with one another. Participants have shared successes, challenges, and ideas with their colleagues during our past coffee chats. Coffee chats are open for all to attend.
August 18 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
|
These coffee chats where we bring together educators in similar roles. While collaborating with colleagues in diverse roles has its advantages, gathering with those in the same professional role allows you to explore more in-depth job-specific concerns, issues and potential strategies.
Administrator Network
July 21 - 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
------------
SAVE THE DATES
Administrator Network
October 27 - 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
December 8 - 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
School Counselor Network
October 13 - 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
November 17 - 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
|
It's All About Emotions: The Foundation for Relationships, Connection, Successful Teams and Successful Schools
Presented by: Patrick Fennell
|
|
Summer Professional Learning Community |
|
Join us for one hour each week in this five week PLC! |
It’s time to do something for YOU. Research tells us that we all do better when we feel better. You deserve to enter a new school year feeling restored. This is a great place to begin.
School Culture and Climate Initiative Consultants, Erica Brentan and Kathleen McClay, will guide you through this group coaching experience to help you restore, rebuild and reinvigorate your resiliency.
Based on the work of Elena Aguilar and her Feel Better series, you will engage in weekly activities to examine the effects this unprecedented school year has had on you and plan for meaningful change post-pandemic. After each session, you will have the opportunity to continue your learning throughout the week with interesting podcasts and reflection activities.
Each week, we will focus on a different area including:
- Reflecting on your personal success and challenges from the past year
- Identifying the emotions you’ve experienced and exploring how to manage them successfully
- Understanding how to allocate your energy for the well-being of you and those around you
- Planning for lasting, positive changes in the post-pandemic years
There is a separate course for teachers and school counselors and principals/assistant principals.
The registration fee is $180 per person.
|
|
|
|
Resources, Webinars, and PD
|
|
Article: "Who Do You Call On? Rooting Out Implicit Bias"
By Dr. Maurice Elias
When teachers who find evidence of unconscious bias take steps to correct it, they can create a more welcoming space for all students. Read more
Article: "Class Reflection Activities to Close Out a Tough Year"
By Hoa P. Nguyen
After a challenging year of pandemic schooling, these activities help students reflect on what they’ve learned and look forward to what’s coming next. Read more
|
|
|
|
Article: "Teachers’ Mental Health Has Suffered in the Pandemic. Here’s How Districts Can Help"
By Catherine Gewertz
Teachers’ stress and anxiety have soared and their morale has plummeted during the pandemic, a flammable combination that could burn them out and lead them to leave their jobs. It’s more important than ever, experts say, for districts to support their teachers by looking after their mental health. Read more
|
|
|
CASEL Cares Webinar "Social and Emotional Learning and Young People’s Futures"
June 18 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Students graduating this year will enter a new world, reshaped by the global pandemic, the fight for racial justice, and virtual connectivity. How are young people leveraging SEL to navigate and prepare for what’s ahead? What would they strengthen or change to ensure our education system fully supports all students in their social, emotional and academic learning?
Hear from Keeth Matheny and his three former high school students who are preparing to graduate from college this year. Originally featured in a 2017 Atlantic article about SEL at Austin High School, they’ll each reflect back on how their high school SEL experiences have impacted their academics, mental health, and career aspirations. Attendees will hear about SEL lessons the students are carrying with them into the post-COVID world, and strategies that educators can use to shape SEL learning opportunities that connect with young people’s lives and futures. Register here
|
|
|
|
Webinar: Integrating Social, Emotional and Academic Success: A Comprehensive Approach led by Dr. Victor Carrion, Stanford University
Tuesday, July 20 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET
Are you planning for the full return to school and looking for ways to integrate a comprehensive approach to your SST (Student Success Team) process? Join the expert team from Stanford University who will share research, case study, and practical strategies to plan for a plan that fits your school systems from Tier I, II, & III. Participants will learn how mindfulness, stress reduction, Cue Centered Therapy, and B2L aligns with school-based MTSS models. This session is for 3 hours. Both Sessions are the same content. Register here
|
|
|
 |
"Youth Mental Health First Aid"
The Northeast and Caribbean Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) can provide Youth Mental Health First Aid to your school or organization at no cost. "Youth Mental Health First Aid" is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders."
If you are interested in receiving training, please email us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
