When thinking of February, usually Valentine's Day comes to mind (although the origins of this holiday are complicated and commercialization may have run amuck), it is still a timely reminder of how important it is to let others know that they are loved and appreciated. With that in mind we want to reiterate how much we appreciate all of you and what a difference you make day in and day out to the students and families within the state - thank you!
In this newsletter you will find a number of important resources including a new Guide just released by the NJ Department of Education: The NJ Mental Health Resource Guide. It is chock full of information and resources - find out more below! And per the norm this time of year please be sure to sign-up for SEL Day! Now is an excellent time to start creating the artifact you plan on sharing via social media on March 11 (SEL Day!). We look forward to seeing many of you this month at the SSN meeting and/or at one of our regular coffee chats - please join us if you haven't dropped in yet!
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Thanks to you, last year NJ inspired thousands around the world...more inspiring SEL artifacts were shared on SEL Day by schools in NJ than in any other state or country!
SEL4NJ invites you to celebrate again on March 11, 2022!
SEL4NJ and the School Culture and Climate Initiative would love to showcase all the great work you do in your schools - please participate again in the 3rd annual international SEL Day!
The Details - Create an Artifact
Between now and March 11 create an artifact (video, photos, blogs, podcasts, etc.). Then on March 11 post the artifact on social media with the hashtag #SELday.
Our goal is to have #SELday trending worldwide! Don't forget to tag us @SEL4NJ.
We loved all of the artifacts you created last year! If you create an artifact this year, email SEL4NJ and SCCI a copy with the theme of your artifact included in the subject line so we can tweet and share it on SEL Day!
Check out the SEL Day website toolkit page for all sorts of helpful information on how to create your artifacts and promote SEL in your community.
We are so excited to showcase and highlight the amazing SEL (broadly defined) work taking place in schools throughout New Jersey!
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Riding the Wave: SEL Innovations in the COVID Era
11:30 AM – 6:30 PM ET
Discover new approaches to strengthen and enhance social and emotional learning in your school, district, and community.
Whether you have a strong SEL approach that you are seeking to enhance or you are looking to head in a new direction, this event will provide you with valuable options and strategies. Learn from national experts and exchange tips with other SEL leaders and champions in this dynamic professional development event. Through the virtual conference platform, experience interactive plenary presentations, select a choice of live breakout sessions, explore exhibit booths, and network with other participants.
Highlights include:
- New CASEL CEO Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel on nationwide perspectives on the current crucial need for social and emotional learning
- District and school leaders from across the country on successful models of SEL in the current stage of the pandemic
- Leading SEL provider organizations on innovative online SEL strategies, using SEL assessments to inform instructional practice and data-driven decision-making, and more.
Register at no charge. Join for all or part of the day.
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School Support Network (SSN) meetings are free and everyone is welcome to attend. Share with your colleagues! |
"Preparing for the Masks to Come Off: Creating a culture of compassion and kindness that will help ALL through this latest transition"
February 16
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
New Jersey plans to eliminate school mask mandates on March 7. It is encouraging we are entering a new phase of the pandemic however this transition may prove to be difficult for many. Join us in exploring and identifying what schools and individuals can do now to prepare for March 7th. Change is hard but we have three weeks to get ready! This will be an interactive session and will focus on both staff and student needs. Included will be an overview of why change can be challenging for brains as well as identifying specific tangible ideas and inspiration you can take back to your school.
Facilitated by: Trish Heindel and Liz Warner, Co-Directors of the School Culture and Climate Initiative
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SAVE THE DATES
March 16
April 27 - Dr. Maurice Elias
May 4 - Bergen County In-Person
May 18
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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.
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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.
Administrator Network
February 23
School Counselor Network
March 9
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"Transformational SEL - An Integrated Approach"
Presented by: Patrick Fennell, Founder/President, Empowerment Solutions, LLC
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NJ Mental Health Resource Guide Now Available |
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"This comprehensive Guide is designed to support school districts to develop, implement, and evaluate mental health supports and services using a multi-tiered system of supports. While the Guide is lengthy, we tried to incorporate some features to assist the user identify what would be most helpful to their work (i.e., detailed table of contents, icons, consistent layout of chapters, etc.). In addition to containing a lot of content, each chapter also contains a summary, examples of implementation in NJ schools, hyperlinked resources, templates, and reflection questions."
Congratulations and thank you to the many involved throughout the state in creating such a valuable, helpful resource!
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Funding for School Climate Actions |
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The PSEG Foundation is contributing $100,000 to support another cycle of the Sustainable Jersey Grants Program. With this contribution, the PSEG Foundation has provided $2.8 million dollars in funding to support local sustainability initiatives in municipalities and schools across the state. The PSEG Foundation's ongoing support of the Sustainable Jersey Grants Program is an excellent example of how public/private partnerships can encourage local grass roots efforts to improve the quality of life in New Jersey.
The funding cycle will award:
Four (4) $10,000 project grants
Thirty (30) $2,000 project or green team support grants
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Wondering How to Use Your ARP and ESSER Funds - SCCI Can Help! |
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The School Culture and Climate Initiative provides the following:
SEL
- SEL teacher coaching (all levels)
- 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. This process includes the integration of SEL.*
Professional Development
- Trauma-informed approaches, cultural competencies, equity, team building, SEL, and many more areas - designed specifically for your school/district
- We are able to develop a series of workshops to support your school and address specific objectives.
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)
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
An Integrated Approach* to School Climate Improvement, SEL, and Equity
- 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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NPR Report
"Teachers Could Face Penalties For Lessons On Race, Gender, Politics"
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Random Acts of Kindness Day is Thursday, February 17, 2022 |
Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 13-19, 2022 |
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ABC News Report: "NJ, CT to end school mask mandate, NY staying in place and could extend"
There is a new phase of the pandemic when it comes to masking in schools. Connecticut and New Jersey plan to eliminate school mask mandates in the coming weeks. New Jersey on March 7 and Connecticut on February 28.
Dr. Maurice Elias shares a great message about the importance of using the next month to prepare for the mask mandate to end and also being kind and compassionate to all (especially those who choose to continue to wear a mask). Read the article and watch the interview.
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CASEL Webinar Series:
"Demystifying Systemic Social and Emotional Learning: 10-Part Series"
First session: "Explicit SEL Instruction"
February 25 - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Educators around the globe are seeing an increase in demand and attention to social and emotional learning (SEL) to create successful and equitable outcomes for young people. As a result, education leaders are grappling with what high-quality, systemic social and emotional learning looks like in schools, what the current research says, and what policies will best support students.
This monthly series of thought leadership webinars addresses ten key aspects of high-quality systemic SEL. Join CASEL and collaborators for insights on prioritizing academic, social, and emotional learning for all students across all school contexts.
Recommended for: Education leaders and researchers at the state, district, and school levels. Register here
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Pure Edge Webinar Series:
"Mindfulness Meditation Series"
First session: March 8 - 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM EST
"Most people are creatures of habit. When things go as planned, we feel in control. But when life throws a curveball, it can leave us feeling anxious and stressed." - APA website, Oct 2021
Don’t let workplace stress derail your healthy routines. Whether just starting out or building upon our healthy everyday routines for well-being, a mindfulness meditation practice can help us feel regulated and balanced as we continue to settle into a new year.
Join Anne Contreras for a four-part series of interactive sessions that center around 20-minute guided meditation practices in support of self-care.
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Article: "How school leaders can overcome parents’ attacks on social-emotional learning"
'Avoid jargon and get specific about what you want kids to learn under the umbrella of social-emotional learning,' researcher says. Read more
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Article: "Decade of data highlights SEL best practices from 20 districts"
Collaborating Districts Initiative participants found ways to expand and sustain SEL amid leadership and budget changes — and improve student outcomes. Read more
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Article: "3 Ways to Enhance Culturally Responsive Teaching"
Middle and high school teachers can cultivate student agency to facilitate conversations about difficult subjects in history class. Read more
Article: "How Teachers Can Empower Students Who Are Experiencing Trauma:
While teachers are not social workers, just saying the right things to a student suffering from trauma can make a big difference. Read more
Article: "How To Lead With Empathy"
Six ways to build a school culture that prioritizes understanding the experiences and perspectives of others.
Video: "Building Classroom Community Through Daily Dedications"
When students share stories about those who have inspired and impacted them, the whole classroom feels more connected. Watch video
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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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