Good News from Generation Schools Network!

Rural Leaders Gather in Breckenridge, CO for the Rural Summit!


	Rural Leaders gather in Breckenridge for the Rural Summit!

On July 24 and 25, more than 150 rural school leaders, supporting organizations, and legislators met in Breckenridge, CO as part of the annual Colorado Association of School Executives Conference to share successes, identify opportunities for collaboration, and synergize efforts around problems of practice. Topics addressed included the teacher shortage, social emotional learning, the Student-Centered Accountability Program (S-CAP), college/career pathways, 5th day learning opportunities, teacher and leader efficacy, and STEM.

According to Denille LePlatt, Facilitator of the Colorado Rural Education Collaborative, "It was great to see the type of collaboration that took place at the event. Bringing rural together and giving them the opportunity to connect and collaborate is what we were going for!" The event featured Colorado rural districts and BOCES sharing their work, including Campo, Dolores, Dolores County, Santa Fe Trail, and Peyton leaders as keynote speakers, along with Dr. Rich Roberts who gave an international perspective on SEL. Michelle Murphy of the Colorado Rural Alliance remarked, "We are grateful for everyone who came together to make this a successful event: the sponsors, districts, legislators and the planning committee."

BGS Alumnus Starts Internship Just Weeks After Commencement!


Smeralda Pierre, BGS Alumnus, begins her first internship

Smeralda Pierre, barely two weeks after graduating from Brooklyn Generation School, has already learned lessons about achieving success in college and beyond. These lessons came fast when Smeralda began an internship with the Office of the Borough President of Manhattan. Almost instantly, she had to tap into courage that she did not know she possessed. "As soon as I walked into orientation, I realized that out of about 30 interns, I was one of two black girls there," Smeralda explained. "Honestly, I was intimidated at first, she continued. "Then I thought 'This is what people call access, and now I have it, too'." Then, Smeralda learned where the rest of the interns attend school. "All of the college students go to Yale and Harvard and other Ivy Leagues, and the high school students all attend places on the Upper East Side like Brearly and Notre Dame High School," She paused, and smiled. "And then there's me. I'm here and I'm going make the most of being here."

In just two weeks, Smeralda has contributed significantly to several projects. For Family Day in New York City, Smeralda was part of a youth task force that distributed informational flyers for free services to residents of the Frederick Samuel Houses. She is also working on a project to turn the waterfront into youth friendly space. After the summer, Smeralda will attend John Jay College, where she intends to major in English. We wish Smeralda all the best in her future!

GSN Hosts International SEL Conversation!

Generation Schools Network hosted Dr. Rich Roberts at North High School on Monday, July 24 for a breakfast and interactive presentation. Dozens of teachers, administrators and representatives of community organizations came to hear Dr. Roberts present his research and discuss how the Tessera SEL assessment was created and can be used in both formative and summative ways. Attendees also enjoyed participating in two separate activities around Mindfulness and Stress Management, connected to GSN's SEL curriculum. We've heard great feedback from the event and even learned that attendees used the activities we taught later in their week. We thank Dr. Rich Roberts for joining us and all attendees for participating in this wonderful event!


	Breakfast participants sample a "stress ball activity" from the GSN Curriculum

If you were not able to attend, you can hear from Dr. Roberts here . You can also contact Fred Bost if you have questions about the assessment.

If you are interested in talking with GSN about integrating SEL or anti-bullying at your school, please contact Leslie Tjajadi.

To download SEL units in our online store, please click here.

New Staff!

We wish the best of luck to Denille LePlatt as she begins her new role as the Director of Rural Services at the Colorado Department of Education. As part of her work, Denille will provide leadership to the Commissioner's Rural Council, partner with districts/schools through continuous improvement efforts, and provide field support service to the southwest and southeast parts of the state. We hope to continue our work together on supporting rural initiatives. Please learn about our new facilitator of the CREC, Kirk Banghart, below.

GSN is Thrilled to Welcome New Staff!

Kirk Banghart - Chief Facilitator - Colorado Rural Education Collaborative (CREC)

Kirk brings a wealth of experience to Generation Schools Network as the next facilitator of the Colorado Rural Education Collaborative (CREC). Kirk has an extensive background in rural education that spans more than 20 years and includes 7 years as a rural superintendent and, prior to that, as a teacher and principal. Kirk is a trained auditor in the Phi Delta Kappa Curriculum program, which ensures curricular alignment at all levels of schools, and has led two "National Title I Schools of Distinction". In addition, Kirk has helped to ensure the success of schools around him through planning and facilitating a 14-district inclusive Professional Learning Community in the San Luis Valley focused on curriculum and assessment.

Please help welcome Kirk to his new role with the CREC. You can reach Kirk at (720) 452-3603 or via email.

Dr. Lisa Leith - Chief of Field Services

Lisa joins GSN as Chief of Field Services. Prior to joining GSN, Lisa was a Senior Consultant for the Colorado Department of Education and Vice President of Educator Effectiveness for the School Improvement Network. She is the author of the E-Book Pathways to Common Core Success and the chief architect of the InTASC-based Teacher Effectiveness Framework. Lisa also led the District School Improvement and Quality Assurance process as Director of Accountability and Accreditation for Thompson School District in Loveland, Colorado. Dr. Leith was a national coach for the Alternative High School Initiative (AHSI), supporting 10 innovative educational organizations in all aspects of educational and organizational development. Lisa also served for 7 years with The National Association of Street Schools, first as Principal of the Denver Street School and then as Vice President of School Development for a nation-wide network of more than 50 alternative schools. At GSN, Lisa will oversee and drive school improvement work. Lisa can be reached at: ( 720) 452-3605 or via email.