As we write, it is feeling like August...hot, humid, and noisy with the summer chorus of cicadas. We hope you are enjoying the summer and have found fun, restorative activities that replenish the soul (and mind and body). With only a few weeks left before the start of school we wanted to make sure you had the date for our upcoming School Support Network meeting in September which will be a wonderful, helpful way to begin the year (details in the right-hand column). We also wanted you to have the statement from SEL4NJ. SEL4NJ provided a statement on social emotional learning that may be a useful document for all to have at hand if they receive questions from those who have questions about SEL. Please feel free to share with your colleagues in the school community, association/organization members, and networks! The statement in full is below and a PDF version can be found by clicking here. Have a wonderful rest of the summer and we look forward to seeing you in September. Enjoy!
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As schools prepare to get started in September, students and staff face many challenges, including divisive issues, stress, and other emotions. A number of schools plan on using social emotional learning (SEL) to help them navigate these challenges and make the most of the opportunities the new year offers. During the coming year, our school districts will receive unprecedented resources and support for SEL. For some parents and educators, though, it’s not clear exactly what SEL is. In some states, objections have been raised to using social emotional learning in schools based on misinformation about the focus of SEL.
The Social Emotional Learning Alliance for New Jersey is dedicated to ensuring everyone in NJ clearly understands the purpose and benefits of SEL. SEL is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. It also refers to the culture and climate of the school and the way schools promote students’ positive character. Contemplating a school without SEL is like having air without oxygen—it’s just not possible!
When students attend schools where SEL has a strong presence, they are more likely to enjoy school, less likely to act out, more likely to feel accepted and inclusive of their schoolmates, and more likely to do better academically. Not surprisingly, they have a better chance of completing higher education successfully and to have career advancement. It’s not SEL that “does” this alone—it depends on whether the school has a positive, welcoming, accepting, respectful, fair, and supportive climate for all students, builds positive character, and that SEL skills are encouraged using best practices.
So, as we go back to school, all members of the community should hope that the school is well ventilated with fresh oxygen and SEL circulating all around. And that this does not just happen at the start of school but continues all year long. SEL works best when everyone, including school staff, parents and caregivers, and students alike, are involved in how SEL is designed, delivered, and integrated across all aspects of school life. For more information about SEL in New Jersey, check out www.SEL4NJ.org.
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The School Culture and Climate Initiative offers high-quality professional development for educators and the wider school community. This includes community-based and faith-based organizations that are committed to working with and on behalf of students and families. All of our PD topics support our commitment to improving a school’s culture and climate and integrating social-emotional and character development in the classroom and school-wide. PD is encouraged in the context of a longer-term partnership in order to maximize its effectiveness. We listen to your needs and customize PD that best meets the needs of your school.
Workshops are delivered by our expert partners and are designed to bridge the gap between research and practice. They can be delivered with small or large groups and the length of each session can be adjusted to fit your schedule. Most workshops can also be provided both in-person or virtually.
Check our website for a full list of PD offerings but please contact us to discuss your needs and see how we can help!
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School Support Network (SSN) meetings are free and everyone is welcome to attend. Share with your colleagues! |
“Building Within: Developing the Resilience and Well-being of Educators and Students”
September 15
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Join Kathleen McClay and Erica Brentan, social emotional learning coaches, as they share strategies for starting this school year with an intentional focus upon educator well-being and resilience. The objective is to develop self-awareness by exploring and strengthening values, habits and dispositions; understand emotions, accepting them, and having strategies to positively respond to them; and strengthen compassion and gratitude for the self and others.
SAVE THE DATES
October 20
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
November 10
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
(In-person at Saint Elizabeth University, Annunciation Center-Flex Rooms)
December 15
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
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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 held from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and are open for all to attend.
August 18
September 22
October 6
November 3
December 1
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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.
These coffee chats are held from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
School Counselor Network
September 29
November 17
Administrator Network
October 27
December 8
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Wondering How to Use Your ESSER II Funds - SCCI Can Help! |
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The School Culture and Climate Initiative provides the following:
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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Teen Mental Health First Aid Grant
Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) is a training program developed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in partnership with Born This Way Foundation. The purpose is to teach teens in grades 10-12 about common mental health and substance challenges and how to help others who are struggling. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing will provide 50 schools and/or youth-serving organizations with tMHFA training.
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Safe Routes to Schools Grants
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) offers infrastructure grant funding for the Safe Routes to School Program. Safe Routes to School grants may be used for infrastructure projects that encourage and enable students from grades K-8 to safely walk and bike to school within a two-mile radius of the school. Municipalities, counties, schools and school districts are welcome to apply. Informational sessions will be held for interested applicants on August 19 at 10:00 a.m. and September 9 at 3:00 p.m.
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Funding Available for School Health Initiatives
The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) School Health NJ Project, administered by the NJ Department of Health (NJDOH), has more than 10 years of experience promoting healthy schools and utilizes a collaborative approach to learning and health. Through the WSCC School Health NJ project, the NJDOH will provide schools with up to $15,000 in funding over the course of three years, with an optional fourth year, to strengthen their school districts' capacity to support and sustain healthy schools.
The NJDOH is recruiting all schools but needs to prioritize those with at least 40% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch. Public middle- and/or high- schools, with a grade level of six and higher, are eligible to lead this pilot in their school district. In addition to funding, the NJDOH’s school health regional agencies will provide programmatic guidance and support throughout the time the school participates in the project. For more information about the WSCC model and this funding opportunity, view the PDF flyer.
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SCAIP Professional Learning Community |
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2021-2022 School Climate Assessment and Improvement Process (SCAIP) Virtual PLCs
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These PLCs are a networking opportunity designed for SCAIP schools that are just beginning; are currently in years 2, 3 or extended 4; or have completed the 3-year School Climate Assessment and Improvement Process. During the SCAIP PLCs, educators have the chance to share, learn and inspire each other.
Individual representatives or the entire Culture and Climate team are welcome to attend! Watch your email for a formal invitations to each PLC and share with your colleagues!
Save the Dates
February 8 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
May 10 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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Resources, Webinars, and PD |
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Webinar: "Social and Emotional Learning and Service Learning"
August 27 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
As communities across the country prepare for the upcoming school year, a question arising is: what kinds of learning are most needed to address this moment and support young people long term? In a recent report, both parents and teachers overwhelmingly demand a holistic view of education that prepares students for life, via both social and emotional learning (SEL) and service-learning (SL). Join CASEL for a conversation with Civic and the National Association of State Boards of Education as they build the connection between these key areas. We’ll present data from the recent report and discuss practical ways that we can advance SEL and SL in school communities. Recommended for educators, community partners, and education leaders. Register here.
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Article: "Key Elements of SEL Implementation"
By Pamela Randall-Garner and Jessica Bernstein
A social and emotional learning program should involve the whole school and be guided by a team of stakeholders dedicated to its success. Read more
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Article: "Reprioritizing Standards for Middle and High School Students"
By Heather Wolpert-Gawron
After a challenging year, focusing on social and emotional learning and vital standards may be the way forward. The next school year will not be off and running the way normalcy allows. We’ve learned too much. Those first couple of weeks will be about building community in the school and building community in the district. Read more
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Article: "How Schools Can Adapt Pandemic Protocols to Support Students’ Mental Health"
By Chris Joffe
For schools, seeking a return to normalcy is only natural, but it may actually be counterproductive. Students coming back through our doors in the fall will be carrying the stress, anxiety and trauma of the past year. Reinforcing the idea of normalcy dismisses how abnormal things may feel for students. So, what’s the alternative to getting back to normal? Ultimately, it’s being comfortable with another abnormal school year—even if that’s the last thing students, educators and parents want. And it’s building systems that ensure no students fall through the cracks and escalate to violence or self-harm. Read more
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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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