As the weather begins to feel more autumn-like, students and staff are back at schools across the region. Again it is nothing like years that have come before. What is different however are the new insights, and skills gained (by everyone - adults and young people alike!) over the last 18 months and the tremendous amount of resilience which has been demonstrated over and over again. We are so proud of all the educators!

Embedded and integrated social-emotional learning will continue to be more important than ever -- SEL4NJ has created “SEL Helps Valued Outcomes to Happen: A Series of Examples” that demonstrate how SEL is embedded in different topics across the fabric of a school. Click here and also see the resource section below for more details.

We hope to see many of you in the future at one of our coffee chats or the next School Support Network meeting!
School Support Network (SSN) Meetings provide educators with an opportunity to connect with colleagues and share challenges and successes. They also include a 45-minute professional development session.

Coffee Chats are an informal time of professional collaboration. Educators have the opportunity to discuss ideas and learn from each other. Participants have shared successes, challenges, and ideas with their colleagues during our past coffee chats.

Job-Alike Coffee Chats 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 participants to explore more in-depth job-specific concerns, issues, and potential strategies.

Both SSN Meetings and Coffee Chats are free to attend and everyone is welcome! Check out the teal column on the right for details about upcoming SSN Meetings and Coffee Chats.

Also keep an eye on the SCCI website where upcoming events are added as details become available.
SAVE THE DATES

October 20
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Presenter and Topic TBD

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.
All Coffee Chats are held from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and are open for all to attend.

September 22

October 6

November 3

December 1
All Job-Alike 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
In Loving Memory of Dr. Roger P. Weissberg
We would like to honor the life of Roger Weissberg who passed away last week after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Roger was a pioneer in bringing a focus on children’s social development in P-12 education. He authored more than 260 publications on positive youth development and social-emotional learning - authoring and co-authoring many of the seminal research studies on SEL.

Roger was a co-founder of CASEL and was CASEL’s Chief Knowledge Officer and Board Vice Chair. He is being remembered for his kindness, mentorship, and being an incredible collaborator.
Funding for School Climate Actions
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 and school sustainability 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.

Visit the NJEA Grants Cycle page on the Sustainable Jersey for Schools website to learn more about the cycle and explore application resources. Submit an online application.

Application Deadline: Friday, October 29, 2021, 11:59 p.m. ET
SCAIP Professional Learning Community
2021-2022 School Climate Assessment and Improvement Process (SCAIP) Virtual PLCs
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 formal invitations to each PLC and share with your colleagues!

Save the Dates
November 16 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Register Now
February 8 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
May 10 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Resources, Webinars, and PD
Webinar: "Building Connections: Social and Emotional Learning and Digital Citizenship"
September 24 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Social and Emotional Learning and Digital Citizenship
If it wasn’t already the case, the pandemic has cemented the role of media and technology in young peoples’ lives as they learned to navigate Zoom classes, maintained connections with friends and family, and navigated a sea of fast-changing information about the world. Join CASEL for a conversation with Common Sense Education as we explore the connections between digital citizenship and SEL. Common Sense will share findings from their recent research report on how young people are using digital media to manage their mental health and discuss how to promote both digital citizenship and SEL in schools. Recommended for K-12 educators, administrators, and family engagement leads. Register here

Rutgers SECD Lab guides school-based efforts on prevention, social-emotional learning, social decision making and social problem solving, violence prevention, and character development.

The SECD Lab has created a compilation of lessons to help teachers be better prepared for Fall 2021. Access the materials here.
SEL Helps Valued Outcomes to Happen: A Series of Examples
The Social-Emotional Learning Alliance for New Jersey (SEL4NJ) is dedicated to ensuring everyone in New Jersey clearly understands the purpose and benefits of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). SEL4NJ has developed a series of information sheets that illustrate how SEL is embedded in the life of a school and how SEL is integral to the education process, enhancing and enabling the pursuit of overall excellence. You can access these sheets and a wealth of information on the SEL4NJ website.
Sign up now to join this effort and to stay informed about national and state SEL news!
Article: "Cultivating a Culture of Authentic Gratitude"
By Lainie Rowell
A school staff that makes a point of expressing gratitude—even during a pandemic—can positively impact students and lift morale. Read more

Article: "How School Leaders Can Boost Students’ Sense of Belonging"
By Becki Cohn-Vargas
A focus on identity safety can help administrators make sure that all students feel welcome and ready to learn in every class. Read more
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.




"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.
The School Culture and Climate Initiative (SCCI) is based at the Center for Human and Social Development at Saint Elizabeth University.