Maine Parent Federation’s Empower the Learner Student Storytelling Initiative: MPF’s exciting new partnership with Empower the Learner has expanded to a dozen local schools. To help young people unpack and share their unique narratives, the initiative kicks off with engaging group reflections on popular culture icons like Minecraft Steve and Miles Morales. Students translate these concepts into a personal one-page profile, ultimately building out a comprehensive, 40-page Canva template to fully articulate their own journey. This creative project underscores the immense value of giving youth the agency and digital tools to lead their own self-advocacy. Shout out to the Youth/Young Adult Leadership Council’s Dylan Campbell, MPF! Explore the template: here.

Region A Drop-In Call: The next Drop-In call will take place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST. John Eisenberg from NASDSE will serve as the TA presenter.

2026 NEPACT Follow-Up Forum: NEPACT will host its 2026 Follow-Up Forum on Tuesday, June 2, from 12:00 PM (lunch included) to 5:00 PM and Wednesday, June 3, from 7:30 AM (breakfast included) to 4:00 PM. The event will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott, Crystal City / Reagan Airport, 2899 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA 22202. The forum will explore how we can achieve collective impact across our region in areas including empowering staff for success, early childhood (with a panel presentation featured at the forum), transition to adult life, working with Native American/Indigenous families, working with LEP and immigrant families, and working with military-connected families. We will also have follow-up activities related to Engaging Families in a COVID-Fatigued and Divided World, and a federal policy update.

• The Military Families convening will take place on June 4 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the same location. The Native American Families Convening will be moved to a virtual format in Summer/Fall 2026.

Parent Center Showcase: Please join us on June 16 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a showcase that will include a presentation from the Federation for Children with Special Needs and will showcase their "Vision of Community" conference. The conference hosts over 900 registrants, is presented with live interpretation in seven languages, and provides language support for over 60 languages.” They will also discuss their very effective and creative “conference watch parties” that they set up with community partners. To join click here.

CPIR Calendar: Don’t forget to check out the HUB Central Events calendar at the Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) for more webinars and events.

Nonprofits Face Growing Funding and Burnout Challenges in 2026: Nonprofit organizations across the country are facing increased financial uncertainty, higher demand for services, and growing staff burnout. Recent reports show many nonprofit leaders are concerned about long-term sustainability as organizations navigate funding cuts, inflation, and increased community needs. Experts emphasize the importance of building resilient funding strategies, strengthening staff support systems, and investing in organizational sustainability during times of uncertainty. Download the full report.

Building Family-Centered Organizations from the Ground Up: Organizations that center families go beyond providing services—they build systems that elevate family voice, partnership, trust, and shared decision‑making. When families are engaged from the start in planning, policy, leadership, and evaluation, organizations strengthen relationships, improve outcomes, and better meet community needs. A family‑centered culture also requires ongoing attention to accessibility, communication, empathy, inclusion, and transparency at every level. Read more here.

Youth Right Now (2025): Boys & Girls Clubs of America is sharing a resource that offers a comprehensive data snapshot of nearly 150,000 young people to highlight current trends in youth development and well-being. The report highlights critical findings in areas such as post-pandemic academic recovery, college and career readiness, social-emotional skills, and community engagement. It also emphasizes the importance of leveraging these insights to better advocate for inclusive programs and resources that equip all youth for successful futures. Read more here.

Supporting Staff Wellness and Preventing Burnout Remains a Priority: Nonprofits, schools, and the healthcare industry continue to report high levels of staff stress and burnout. Increased workloads, emotional demands, staffing shortages, and ongoing uncertainty have contributed to compassion fatigue and workforce turnover. Experts emphasize that organizations that prioritize staff wellness, supportive leadership, flexibility, healthy communication, and ongoing professional development are more likely to improve employee satisfaction and retention. Creating opportunities for reflection, engagement, peer support, and manageable workloads can help staff feel more supported and committed to their work. Learn more here.

Massachusetts schools make gains reducing chronic absenteeism: Massachusetts schools are making progress in the fight against chronic absenteeism, a problem that spiked during the pandemic. Read more here.

Artificial Intelligence

New Direction for Students in an AI World: Published by the Brookings Institution, a framework to help educators and families navigate the rapidly expanding role of generative AI in young people's lives. The guide (includes a One-pager) moves beyond basic tech tips to explore how we can build genuine AI literacy. The authors focus on mitigating emerging risks, such as using external tools (asking an AI) to reduce the mental effort required to complete a task and data privacy concerns, so that technology serves to prepare and protect youth, rather than hinder their healthy development. Read more: A new direction for students in an AI world: Prosper, prepare, protect | Brookings

What Educators Say English Learners Need Most: A March EdWeek Research Center survey of more than 1,100 educators nationwide asked what strategies—beyond increased funding or staffing—could better support English learners. The survey gathered educators’ perspectives on instructional models, schools’ ability to serve English learners, and other key issues shaping English learner education. Learn more here.

Cyberbullying and AI-Generated Harassment Continue to Rise: Schools are reporting growing concerns related to cyberbullying, including the misuse of artificial intelligence and social media to target students. Experts warn that online harassment, deepfake images, and bullying through digital platforms are contributing to increased anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and emotional distress among youth. Recent studies also highlight the strong connection between bullying and trauma symptoms in children and adolescents. Schools and families are encouraged to maintain open communication with youth about online safety and responsible technology use. Read more here.

Children at Dilley Report Ongoing Suffering: A recent court filing shares firsthand accounts from children detained at the Dilley Family Residential Center in Texas. Their statements describe hunger, poor medical care, lack of sleep, and emotional distress, contradicting federal claims that the facility meets required standards. Many children report being held far longer than the 20‑day limit, living under constant bright lights, receiving inedible food, and having little access to education or basic comforts. Advocacy groups argue that these conditions violate the Flores Settlement Agreement and continue to push for urgent reforms to protect children’s safety and well‑being. Read full article here.

New Hampshire Considers Open Enrollment Pilot After Earlier Setbacks: After earlier defeats, New Hampshire lawmakers are advancing a scaled‑back open enrollment pilot program that would allow up to 500 students to attend public schools outside their home districts. Supporters say the limited pilot mirrors the state’s incremental approach to expanding school choice and will help test demand before considering broader implementation. The proposal includes safeguards such as allowing districts to decline students if they lack capacity. The bill aims to revive momentum for open enrollment while addressing concerns about cost, logistics, and equity. Read more here.

Mental Health Care Aligned with Your Culture: Finding mental health care that fits your cultural background can help you feel understood and respected. Providers who are culturally responsive can better connect care to your values, experiences, and ways of healing. This resource provides tips for finding a culturally competent provider. Access resource here.

What Is the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)?: The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the federal agency that collects and reports essential data on U.S. education. It provides reliable information on student achievement, school demographics, and national education trends through major surveys and assessments like NAEP and the Common Core of Data. Read here.

Schools Continue Shifting Toward Restorative and Preventive Approaches: Many schools are moving away from punitive discipline practices and focusing more on restorative practices, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and relationship-centered approaches. Experts note that proactive strategies that build connection, emotional regulation skills, and positive school climate are often more effective than punishment alone. Restorative approaches can help students develop accountability, communication skills, and stronger relationships while reducing exclusionary discipline practices. Read more here.

COPAA Releases Report on Special Education Dispute Resolution: The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) has released a new report emphasizing that strong dispute‑resolution systems are essential to protecting students’ rights under IDEA. The report warns that many states rely on processes that are inconsistent, inaccessible, or overly burdensome for families—especially those facing language, financial, or systemic barriers. COPAA calls for reforms to ensure that all families can meaningfully advocate for appropriate services and that schools remain accountable for providing a free and appropriate public education. Read full report here.

Student Belonging and Mental Health Are Key Factors in School Engagement: Educators and mental health professionals continue to emphasize the importance of school connectedness, mental health support, and early intervention in dropout prevention efforts. Research shows that students are more likely to remain engaged in school when they feel emotionally safe, supported by adults and peers, have a sense of belonging, and are able to access mental health supports when needed. Chronic stress, bullying, social isolation, and untreated mental health issues can significantly impact school engagement and performance. Schools implementing multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), mentoring programs, and social-emotional learning initiatives are seeing positive outcomes. PBIS Practice Guides

Early Childhood Experiences Shape Lifelong Development: Early childhood experiences shape brain development, learning, emotional regulation, and long‑term health. Positive relationships, safe environments, responsive caregiving, and early intervention all help build resilience and support healthy development. Experts stress the importance of developmental screenings, early identification of delays, and access to inclusive early childhood programs. Strengthening supports in the early years leads to better academic, mental‑health, and lifelong outcomes. NAEYC offers resources to promote healthy development, inclusive learning, and strong family engagement. Learn more here.

ED Approves New Flexibilities to Help States Use Funds More Effectively: The U.S. Department of Education announced new measures to reduce administrative burden on states by expanding access to long‑standing ESEA flexibilities. With Florida and Illinois newly approved, 18 states now have Ed‑Flex authority, allowing districts more control over how they use federal funds. ED also encouraged states to take advantage of existing options—such as transferring funds between programs and expanded flexibilities for rural districts—to help them use federal dollars more strategically and closer to the classroom. Read more here.

Advancing Equity Through Inclusive and Family-Centered Practices: Organizations and schools are working to build more equitable systems where all children and families feel valued and included. Equity‑focused approaches recognize that families face different barriers related to disability, language, culture, income, race, and access to services. Experts highlight the importance of listening to families, reducing systemic barriers, and creating inclusive environments where every child can thrive. Frameworks like those from the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations help guide organizations in adopting culturally responsive and equitable practices. Read more here.

Lawmakers Push to Lift Medicaid Ban for Foster Youth: A bipartisan group in Congress is again seeking to end the federal ban that prevents Medicaid from covering residential treatment for foster youth. The proposed legislation would allow Medicaid to fund care in qualified residential programs, ensuring consistent mental‑health support for youth with significant needs. Read more here.

Caring for Grandkids: A Way to Slow Cognitive Decline?: Grandparents who provide some child care scored higher on tests that measure key cognitive abilities, like memory and word-finding, than those who didn’t. A new study shows that grandparents who spend time caring for their grandchildren may experience slower cognitive decline. Even occasional caregiving—like helping with homework or playing games—was linked to better memory and mental sharpness. Researchers note that staying socially and mentally engaged through grandchild care can be a meaningful boost to healthy aging. Read more here.

Healthy Habits Support Lifelong Health and Well-Being: The American Academy of Pediatrics’ HealthyChildren.org website highlights the importance of helping children develop healthy habits early in life, including good nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, emotional wellness, and balanced screen use. Experts emphasize that healthy routines established during childhood can support long-term physical health, emotional regulation, learning, and overall well-being. The site also provides practical guidance for families on topics such as healthy eating, fitness, mental health, sleep, and child development, with resources tailored to different age groups from infancy through young adulthood. It’s never too late to build healthy habits. American Academy of Pediatrics Healthy Living Resources

Federal Policy Update on Child and Youth Homelessness:  This video offers a quick overview of current policy shifts and opportunities for advocacy. It provides an update on federal policies affecting children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. Presented by SchoolHouse Connection and co‑hosted with the National Network for Youth. Access video here.

The shrinking number of special ed teachers adds to schools' pressures: The number of special education teachers nationally has dropped by more than 17 percent over the past decade, a worrisome trend in a career path that has seen chronic shortages for years. Read more here.

Daily State of Play: Trump’s Indefinite Refugee Ban and Funding Halt: The Church World Service article “Daily State of Play: Trump’s Indefinite Refugee Ban and Funding Halt” describes the widespread humanitarian impact of the Trump administration’s refugee policies, including an indefinite refugee admissions ban, funding freezes, and stop-work orders affecting resettlement agencies. The article highlights how these actions have stranded refugee families overseas, delayed family reunifications, disrupted support services for newly arrived refugees, and raised concerns about immigration enforcement practices and treatment of unaccompanied children. It also shares stories from affected refugees and advocates, outlines legal and congressional responses, and provides resources and action alerts for communities seeking to support immigrants and refugees during the ongoing policy changes. Learn more here.

Inclusive Education Faces an Uncertain Future: A recent BU Wheelock discussion highlights growing concerns about the future of inclusive education as federal funding for public schools and disability services declines. Experts warn that reduced investment threatens the protections established under IDEA, which for 50 years has ensured students with disabilities can learn in inclusive classrooms. They emphasize that students need full representation, teachers need stronger support, and universities must prepare educators for increasingly complex classroom realities. Despite the challenges, the panel underscores that advocacy, partnership, and responsive teaching practices remain essential to protecting inclusive education. Read more here.

Philly ballot measure could bolster education oversight for kids in foster care, juvenile detention: Proposed ballot measure in Philadelphia would make the city’s Office of Youth Ombudsperson permanent. Originally created by executive order. Which could lead to more oversight of the education, health, and safety of young people in residential placements. Read more here.

The 2025 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People: The Trevor Project amplifies the experiences of more than 16,000 LGBTQ+ youth to highlight the current landscape of their mental well-being and daily experiences. The report highlights critical findings in areas such as the impacts of anti-LGBTQ+ policies on anxiety and depression, the heightened risks caused by bullying and victimization, and the vital protective power of having access to affirming schools and spaces. It also emphasizes the importance of community connection and leveraging these insights to advocate for supportive environments that significantly lower suicide risk and help youth thrive. Read more: The Trevor Project 2025 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People.

10 Journaling Prompts for Better Mental Health: In a world that moves quickly and demands constant attention, it’s easy for thoughts and emotions to build up without anywhere to go. Journaling for your mental health is a gentle, low-stakes way to slow down, process experiences and reconnect with yourself. Learn more here.

Graduation Hits Differently for a Military Family: Graduation encompasses a different experience for military students. For military families, graduation carries the weight of every move, every goodbye, every deployment and every season of starting over. Read more here.

Supreme Court Sends Native American Voting Rights Case Back to Lower Court: The U.S. Supreme Court has sent a closely watched Native American voting rights case back to the lower courts for reconsideration after recent changes that weakened the Voting Rights Act. The case involves a North Dakota ruling that said only the federal government—not tribes, voters, or advocacy groups—can sue under Section 2 of the Act, contradicting decades of precedent. By returning the case, the Court allows further review while temporarily keeping tribal‑supported voting maps in place. Advocates say the move is a positive step but warn that the underlying ruling still threatens voting rights protections for Native communities. Read more here.

Moving from Family Involvement to True Family Engagement: Brookings researchers emphasize that schools must shift from traditional family involvement—which often centers on one‑way communication—to meaningful family engagement, where families are treated as essential partners in shaping a shared vision for student learning. Family‑centered education systems elevate family and student voices, build relational trust, and create opportunities for two‑way collaboration between educators and communities. Global research from the Family Engagement in Education Network shows that when families are genuinely engaged, schools strengthen partnerships, improve student well‑being, and create more inclusive, community‑driven education systems. Read more here.

How Poverty Affects Students and Schools: Poverty impacts far more than a family’s income—it shapes children’s access to nutrition, healthcare, stable housing, and learning opportunities. In schools, students experiencing poverty often face additional barriers such as chronic stress, limited resources, and fewer academic supports. The article emphasizes that educators play a critical role in creating supportive, trauma‑informed, and inclusive environments that help students overcome these challenges. Building strong relationships, fostering belonging, and connecting families to community resources can significantly improve student outcomes and well‑being. Read full article here.

Schools’ Use of Restraint and Seclusion Often Misused, Parents Say: Restraint and seclusion are intended to be used in situations where a child is a danger to themselves or others. Some teachers argue that seclusion rooms are necessary to protect them when students become violent.But parents like Jessica told me school staff routinely used these tactics to punish students for nonviolent, minor offenses. Read full article here.

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Why It Matters: Social‑emotional learning (SEL) helps students build skills like self‑awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and responsible decision‑making—skills that directly support academic success and well‑being. The article emphasizes that SEL also benefits educators by improving classroom climate, reducing behavioral challenges, and strengthening teacher‑student relationships. When schools intentionally integrate SEL into daily practice, students are better equipped to manage stress, collaborate with peers, and stay engaged in learning. Read more here.

Why Small Changes Make a Big Difference to Accessibility in Higher Education: Colleges and universities can better support disabled students through practical, everyday changes rather than relying only on formal compliance measures. Featuring researcher Katherine Aquino, the discussion explains that although disabled students make up a significant portion of higher education enrollment, many still face barriers to inclusion, belonging, and graduation. Read more here.

Disability in the Workforce: Untapped Potential: Despite having a desire to find work, many people with disabilities face challenges finding employment in the workforce. As of January 2026, the unemployment rate for persons with disabilities was almost double that of non-disabled individuals. Read more here.

Trauma & Toxic Stress

Toxic Stress in Children: What Harvard Research Reveals: Harvard researchers explain how toxic stress—severe, prolonged stress without adequate adult support—can disrupt a child’s brain development, learning, and long‑term health. The article highlights how chronic exposure to adversity, such as instability, trauma, or neglect, overwhelms a child’s stress response system. Experts emphasize that stable, nurturing relationships with caregivers and supportive adults are the most powerful buffer, helping children build resilience and recover from stress‑related harm. Read more here.