Supporting, Connecting, and Empowering Schools
Letter from Liz and Trish
It was wonderful ‘seeing’ all of you who were able to join us on the our first ever virtual School Support Network meeting on April 8 th ! For those of you who weren’t able to join us we have included in this newsletter the helpful and inspiring ideas and insights that were shared by the three spotlight schools (including a link to Todd’s SEL YouTube channel!), as well as the thoughtful introduction provided by Trish on the ‘ Pedagogy of Connection ’ and the opportunity our current situation provides to rethink and establish a more conscious, intentional focus on connection. During the meeting and in the evaluations, many of you shared how important it will be to stay connected with other schools (see below for more virtual SSN dates), be able to easily access resources, and the vital importance of ensuring the return to school is thoughtful, supportive, and trauma-informed. In the upcoming months, we will do our best to provide you with support and guidance in these areas. In the meantime, we are sending you all LOTS of positive energy – you are doing great and are an inspiration to all! 

Please note the opportunity below to join the movement on April 30th for Worldwide Day of Gratitude for our first responders, frontline healthcare workers, and all those who are putting their lives on the line to keep us safe.
What Schools are Doing to Stay Connected 
Virtual SSN Meeting
On April 8, 2020, we held our first virtual SSN meeting and we featured three NJ schools and districts to learn what they have been doing to stay connected to students, staff and families. Dr. Saskia Brown at Sparta Township Public Schools, Todd McCabe at Riverview Elementary and Joanne Hozeny at Mount Prospect Elementary School shared all of the wonderful work that is taking place during this unprecedented time. And although we heard three different perspectives from three different counties, we heard a lot of common themes such as CONNECTION, FLEXIBILITY and COMPASSION. All three have been very intentional in identifying clear goals and expectations, establishing communication guidelines and ensuring that all stakeholders feel supported. They also shared the importance of planning ahead so that we are prepared for the next academic year with appropriate transition plans and even expanded services, where appropriate.

Some of the highlights from the three districts and schools include:

  • Bi-weekly guidance mini-series featuring topics such as stress management and internet safety
  • Todd McCabe’s YouTube channel featuring a variety of videos that include stories, short SEL lessons and funny anecdotes
  • Virtual recess with the school lunch aides
  • Weekly meetings with SEL team members
  • Teachers sharing personal anecdotes and photos
  • Principal challenges including a fun Lego challenge
  • Riddle of the day
  • Virtual STEM fair

We wrapped up our sharing time by touching on some of the positives that have come from this situation…more time in our pajamas, less time commuting, and a new perspective that allows us to examine our priorities and what matters most.  
Share Your Story
Please take a moment to complete this short form to let us know what you have been doing to stay connected to staff, students, families and the community. We’d love to hear your story and to share it with others. If possible, please upload a photo or a video that can accompany your story. We will feature a few submissions in each of our upcoming newsletters.
 
Sparta Township Public Schools

Sparta SEL Day Video
#IStayHomefor Video
Riverview Elementary School

Yes We Can Video
Mount Prospect Schools
Inspiration from Out of State
Seniors all across the country are grieving the loss of the typical high school rites of passage such as prom, senior trips and graduation. This Florida school decided to honor its seniors in a creative way. As people drive by the school, they can recognize the hard work and accomplishments of these students. Perhaps their idea will inspire you too!
Worldwide Day of Gratitude
Join the Movement
April 30, 2020 is Worldwide Day of Gratitude, to honor the first responders, frontline healthcare workers, and all those who are putting their lives on the line to keep us safe by unifying around the Bill Wither's song "Lean on Me," which has emerged as a rallying cry during the pandemic. 

Sheet music as well as sample lesson plans and thought starters for participation are available here . Lesson plans that incorporate SEL are available along with resources for parents and individuals. Participants are encouraged to download the materials, then record and share their unique versions on YouTube and post on social media channels using the hashtags #LeanOnUs and #DayOfGratitude.
COVID Webinars and Resources
Webinar: Let’s Listen to Our Young People: What Support Do They Need?
April 17 at 1:00 p.m. EST
Have you asked yourself, "Are adults providing students with what they need during this crisis?" If so, join CASEL for a discussion with PDK CEO Josh Starr and Educators Rising high school students. PDK’s recent survey shares more from high school students on what kind of social and emotional supports they need and from educators on what they’re providing. (Read the survey results . ) While there is a lot of great work happening to attend to the needs of our kids, there are some clear disconnects. During this webinar, we’ll look at the student voice data together and invite high school students to discuss strategies for bridging that gap.
CASEL CARES Initiative : SEL Resources during COVID-19
Access resources designed to support educators, parents, and anyone who works with children. 
Find resources to help young people reduce, manage, and cope with the fears, worries and anxieties that might be provoked by this health crisis and continue to develop the social and emotional skills they will need for managing and coping with future life challenges.
The Academy for SEL in Schools , a partnership between Rutgers University and the College of Saint Elizabeth, offers certificate programs for educators and educational leaders in social-emotional and character development.
SEL4NJ is a volunteer-driven organization with FREE membership that promotes high-quality SEL throughout the state. SEL4NJ is working with SEL4US to provide resources that are tailored, vetted and helpful to schools, staff, teachers, parents and students during this time of distance learning. There are already a number of great resources and there will be more posted during the next couple of weeks/months.  Sign up now to join this effort and to stay informed about national and state SEL news!
Upcoming Virtual SSN Meetings
We look forward to connecting and hearing from you! Share what's happening in your district and hear what others are doing to stay connected and to support staff, families and students. 
All virtual meetings will be held from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Please share something innovative or creative that your school is doing at one of the forthcoming virtual SSN's - email Liz Warner to let us know!
The School Culture and Climate Initiative is based at the Center for Human and Social Development at the College of Saint Elizabeth
For questions about SSN meetings, contact Liz Warner
For questions about or difficulty with registration, contact Leighann Garland