This will be a year like no other. But we are committed to helping you navigate these challenging waters.
Visit our website to learn about our “Custom School Year Support 2020-21” package where we co-create solutions with you that best address your school’s needs - then
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For years, Unity Charter School has strived to create an environment where staff, students, families and the larger community can develop and grow social and emotional learning skills such as empathy, self-awareness, self-management, perseverance, kindness, social awareness, and relationship skills.They teach these skills using Positive Discipline as a designated model school by PositiveDiscipline.org; they have participated in the three year School Climate Assessment and Improvement Process with the School Culture and Climate Initiative; and have been designated a National School of Character by character.org. One of the strategies they have used to build connection and develop SEL skills is the “class meeting” – a time when these foundational skills can be taught and practiced. But like many other schools across the nation, this school year, many students are participating in class meetings from home which introduces a unique and somewhat challenging situation. Some students who would normally be reluctant to share may be even less comfortable sharing with new classmates in front of a camera. Unity Charter School has come up with some guidelines to help students fully engage in class meetings – even if they are remote. They have found that the key is establishing a climate and culture where the students feel a sense of significance and belonging but also have clear expectations about participating in some way, shape or form. For those not wanting to be on camera, they can type in a message in the chat; they can follow up with the teacher after the meeting to share their response; they can have a class meeting job like taking attendance or recording other students’ responses. Educators are creative – and students are just as creative! Brainstorming with the class some ways that non-camera students can contribute to the meeting is a great first step. And having a growth mindset - the belief that with hard work and effort, we can all get better at just about anything – sets the stage for productive class meetings where both teachers and students can bond, learn and grow together.
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School Support Network (SSN) meetings will continue in a virtual format from now through December. SSN meetings are free to attend and there will always be time to connect with your colleagues in addition to the professional development that is provided each month! Times may vary based on your feedback as the school year progresses.
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"Strategies to Increase Student Engagement and Sense of Belonging"
September 16 - 1-2:30 p.m.
Russian teacher and psychologist, Lev Vygotsky, asserted that social interaction plays a fundamental role in the process of cognitive development and suggested that learning takes place through the interaction students have with their peers, teachers, and others. Research has also demonstrated that students learn better when they participate in the process of learning. Engaging students increases their attention and focus, motivates them to practice higher-level critical thinking skills, and promotes meaningful learning experiences. If learning is such a social process that requires a high degree of engagement, how do we best respond during this time of social isolation? Teachers can still create effective learning environments that maximize engagement and a sense of belonging but it does require using new strategies and techniques. This interactive workshop will offer ideas for virtual classrooms (live), virtual learning (asynchronous), and even ideas for those who are sending home learning packets.
Presented by: Dr. Jan Urbanski and June Jenkins, Clemson University
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Save the Dates (Topics TBD)
October 21 - 1-2:30 p.m.
November 18 - 1-2:30 p.m.
December 16 - 1-2:30 p.m.
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Based on your feedback, we know many of you value the time to connect, share and learn from your colleagues so we are continuing our informal coffee chats through December. All coffee chats will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
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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 $180,000 to support a Sustainable Jersey for Schools Grants Program cycle. The cycle offers ten $10,000 district or school project grants and forty $2,000 school green team 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: Friday, October 30, 2020, 11:59 p.m.
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Resources, Webinars and PD |
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Congratulations New Jersey!
N.J. has the best public schools in the nation — again, ranking says
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When schools reopen, let’s end racism, unconscious bias in the classroom
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Join Pure Edge for this four-day train-the-trainer series that focuses on self-care and a culture of care that helps build resilience.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT (Sessions are 3 hours)
Sept. 14: Session 1: Building Belonging: Start with Heart
Sept. 15: Session 2: SEL & Self-Care
Sept. 16: Session 3: Introduction to Brain Breaks
Sept. 17: Session 4: Implementing a Culture of Care
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Sept. 15 at 6:30 PM EDT
Start with the Heart: Strategies to Build Resilience
Sept. 22 at 6:30 PM EDT
Success Through Focus: Brain Breaks & Energizers
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Arts Education: Catalyst for Transformative Social and Emotional Learning
Sept. 17, 2020 at 7:00 PM EDT
This webinar will explore the power of Arts Education to support the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) model of transformative social and emotional learning (SEL), which places SEL in the service of equity and excellence. This research demonstrates how an equity lens is essential for understanding the social-emotional development of children, youth, and adults. Learn how educators can elevate student voice and agency by utilizing the Arts Education & Social and Emotional Framework to embed transformative SEL into instructional choices.
Presented by: Pamela Randall-Garner, Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) and Bob Morrison, Arts Ed NJ
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CASEL CARES
Building Equitable Learning Environments in Crisis Mode
Sept. 18 at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
In the midst of a pandemic and activism around Black Lives Matter, educators are increasingly rejecting the inequitable practices of the past and looking to create self-affirming, culturally responsive learning environments with equity at their core. The Building Equitable Learning Environments Framework was created as a guide for educators seeking to co-design public school systems in partnership with families and communities, using evidence-based tools. This webinar will offer perspectives from expert voices and offer educators, with limited budget and time a starting point with recommendations on what to prioritize this school year.
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Creating Safe Digital Learning Environments Webinar presented by the School Culture and Climate Initiative
November 19, 2020 at 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT
How do you continue to create a safe and positive school climate in a virtual environment? Amid the stress and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, it’s never been more critical to stay connected while supporting the social and emotional needs of students and educators. In this interactive virtual session, participants will explore ideas for establishing a safe, welcoming virtual classroom and discuss how to promote social connection with physical distance. The workshop will delve into considerations for safeguarding students, online safety, and positive online interaction. Recognizing and reporting if a student seems to be in distress or struggling while being particularly observant of vulnerable populations will also be discussed. Tools and resources for maintaining communication and connection will be provided. There is a modest fee of $49 to attend.
Presented by: Dr. Jan Urbanski, Jane Riese, and June Jenkins, Clemson University
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