Not for decades (maybe even longer!) have NJ schools been faced with such a moment. We have spent the last couple of weeks diving into the details of the funding being made available to NJ Schools through the ESSER II grant. There is no question that school climate, and the social-emotional and mental health well-being, of students and staff are being prioritized. What an unprecedented opportunity for schools throughout the state to focus on building a strong foundation, creating a positive school climate and addressing the social and emotional needs of all in the school community. This is a very bright light after a very long, hard year.
The School Culture and Climate Initiative is here to support you - please see below the services we can provide to help ensure your school utilizes the funds being made available in the most efficient manner that will build capacity and provide a foundation for a stronger way forward. Spring is springing, the birds are singing, and a new way forward is around the corner!
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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:
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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.
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The NJDOE has done a great job of providing information about the ESSER II funds which were approved by congress in December 2020. SEL, School Climate, Professional Development, PLC's, and Data Collection/Assessment are all eligible for funding. The application deadline is May 14th!
Helpful information (links to guidance, PowerPoints and webinars):
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School Support Network (SSN) meetings are free and everyone is welcome to attend. Share with your colleagues! |
Lessons from the Field: Connection, Engagement, and the Importance of Relationships Both Now and for the Upcoming Year
April 21 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Examples (K-12) will be shared of how schools have managed to build connection (for students, staff, and parents) throughout the past year and ideas that can be carried forward to the next school year.
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It's All About Emotions: The Foundation for Relationships, Connection, Successful Teams and Successful Schools
May 19 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Presented by: Patrick Fennell, Founder/President, Empowerment Solutions, LLC
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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.
May 5 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
May 26 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
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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
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Compassion Fatigue: When the Distress of Others Becomes Contagious
Presented by: Amy F. Moritz, M.Ed.
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Funding for School Climate Actions |
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New Sustainable Jersey for Schools Funding Opportunity!
The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), a Sustainable Jersey for Schools program Underwriter, is contributing $100,000 to support a Sustainable Jersey for Schools Grants Program cycle. The cycle offers four $10,000 project grants and thirty $2,000 project or green team support grants. The funding supports efforts to implement projects that help participating schools make progress toward a sustainable future and gain points needed for Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. To see if you are eligible for this grant, click here.
APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED: Friday, May 14, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
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Highlights of International SEL Day 2021 |
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Photo above submitted from Byram Lakes Elementary School in Byram Township, NJ |
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Congratulations to everyone who participated in International SEL Day 2021! |
New Jersey had 567 schools and organizations sign-up for SEL Day - that is almost 25% of all participants! #SELday was a massive success globally - trending for more than two hours and had over 12 million views - amazing visibility for such an important message. And what a way to showcase the fabulous work being brought to life in NJ schools! Check out some of the great SEL Day submission on our Twitter page!
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Resources, Webinars and PD
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On March 24th, Arts Ed NJ, the unified voice for arts education in New Jersey, launched the Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning (ArtsEdSEL.org), a national institution dedicated to illuminating the intersection between arts education and social emotional learning (SEL) to facilitate the embedded, intentional, and sustained application of SEL-informed arts education. This is accomplished by elevating the lived experience, voices, and cultural assets of PreK-16 students through the development of exemplary arts education practices and approaches, designed to activate the SEL competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making through the artistic processes of create, perform, respond, and connect. Read more
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CASEL Cares Webinar "Learning from Student Perspectives"
April 23 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
As we approach the final months of a historical year of schooling, what have we learned from students about their experiences? How can we continue to support young people’s learning, well-being, and relationships based on what students say they need? Young people nationwide have been vocalizing how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting their lives – from the complex challenges they faced to the opportunities they seized. Join YouthTruth as they examine and compare findings from student voice surveys taken before and during the pandemic. Hear how this data is informing efforts in school communities, and how a focus on social and emotional learning (SEL) can help ensure a responsive and adaptive approach. Recommended for educators and practitioners, attendees will leave with tools to use right away to begin to build the critical connection between youth voice and SEL.
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Archived Webinar: “NJ’s Children’s System of Care: How to Connect Your Patients to Mental Health Services”
This archived webinar for connecting youth and families to mental health and intellectual disabilities/developmental disabilities services in New Jersey was held on March 16th. Learn about how these services are accessed and delivered. The second half of the session is a Q&A which is also highly informative as well as the FAQ.
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Article from Edutopia: "5 Ways to Get to Know Your Middle and High School Students Better"
When teachers take the time to build strong relationships with students, it sets the stage for productive learning. Read the article.
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"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.
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