Coffee Chats
Coffee chats are informal 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. Some ideas that have come up during our recent coffee chats are listed below:
Staff
- Pair staff up with a partner (even very experienced teachers) to mentor/support each other - provide a time for them to meet weekly.
- Conduct daily staff check-ins. Then follow-up with those that might need support.
- Have teachers identify what professional development they need and then set aside time weekly (or when possible) to address those needs.
Students
- Hold morning meetings to create time and space for relationship-building and connection.
- Encourage student voice and allow students to co-create as much as possible (classroom rules/projects/clubs/activities).
Parents
- Feature weekly "how to" videos for parents. For example, videos on topics such as technology, emotionally intelligent parenting, how to support kids through distance learning, or any other topic you feel parents would appreciate.
Resources
All coffee chats are held from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Join us for our next coffee chat!
Save the Dates
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The Academy for SEL in Schools, a partnership between Rutgers University and Saint Elizabeth University, offers certificate programs for educators and educational leaders in social-emotional and character development.
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SEL4NJ is a state-wide coalition that promotes high-quality SEL throughout the state. Sign up now to join this effort and to stay informed about national and state SEL news!
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School Support Network (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! |
"Embedding SEL for Academics and Antiracism"
October 21 - 1-2:30 p.m.
There is a difference between “doing” SEL and students’ internalizing SEL. For the latter, SEL is used to accomplish essential school learning goals; the goal is not simply to learn SEL. Internalization comes from intentionally embedding SEL into academic subject areas and into schools’ antiracism/equity efforts. This webinar will show how to embed SEL into language arts, social studies, visual and performing arts, and counseling/advisories, as well as how doing so can be further tailored to contribute to equity/antiracism in students. Following this approach will lead to improvements in all of the areas in which SEL is effectively and integrally embedded.
Presented by: Dr. Maurice Elias, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Rutgers University; Director, Rutgers Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab; Co-Director, Academy for Social-Emotional Learning in Schools
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Save the Dates (Topics TBD)
November 18 - 1-2:30 p.m.
December 16 - 1-2:30 p.m.
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"Strategies to Increase Student Engagement and Sense of Belonging"
View the PowerPoint, list of shared resources/links and saved chat from the meeting here.
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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. ET
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Grants Available Through SHAPE America Impact Schools Program
SHAPE America is dedicated to giving back to communities in high-need areas across the country so all children can learn to lead healthy, physically active lives. The SHAPE America Impact Schools grant program will provide much-needed funds — and professional development opportunities — to five eligible schools, to improve existing health and physical education programs. View all submission guidelines and then get started on your application!
Application Deadline: Thursday, November 19, 2020, 11:59 p.m. ET
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CASEL CARES “A (Re)introduction to Social and Emotional Learning: CASEL’s Definition and Framework”
October 9 – 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET
CASEL first introduced the term “social and emotional learning” (SEL) 26 years ago. Since then, SEL has evolved and is now thought of as an integral part of education and development. Our collective understanding of the why, what, and how of SEL continues to grow. Whether you are new to SEL or well-acquainted with the term, join us as we share evolving insights around CASEL’s well-recognized “wheel” and definition of SEL.
Participants will gain clarity about how SEL promotes inclusive learning environments in support of educational equity and excellence – based on a deep review of current research, practices, and policies. CASEL’s vice presidents of Research and Practice will share an updated definition and framework for SEL, including enhanced descriptions of the five core social and emotional competencies, key settings school-family-community partnerships, and our theory of action for effective implementation. Register here
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"Self-Care & Social-Emotional Learning Series"
Thursdays in October
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET
Educators, caregivers, and community members: Join Pure Edge for this 5-session series of live, interactive webinars that will focus on your self-care through the lens of CASEL’s five SEL competencies. Register here
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"Educator Self-Care & Social-Emotional Learning"
Wednesdays through November 18
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. ET
Join Pure Edge for an experiential session designed to support the integration of caring for yourself, the educator, while supporting the social and emotional learning (SEL) initiatives for your students. Participants will apply focused awareness of each of the 5 SEL competencies during each session. Explore safe and supportive relationships, strengthening co-regulation with others, and building interaction skills that support social competence and academic success in a practical context with SEL. Register here
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"Permission To Feel for Kids: How Adults can Support Children in Managing Emotions During Challenging Times"
Dr. Marc Brackett (Founder and Director, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and CASEL Board member) shares a four-step process to support adults in (1) being culturally responsive and emotionally intelligent role models for children and (2) helping children build a repertoire of healthy emotion regulation strategies to support their well-being and academic success.
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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. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders."
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Professional Development offered by SCCI |
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"Creating Safe Digital Learning Environments" Webinar
November 19, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET
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. Join us for this interactive webinar that takes place in real time!
Presented by: Dr. Jan Urbanski, Jane Riese, and June Jenkins, Clemson University
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