Student Empowerment FacilitatorDearborn Public Schools

Jun 10th Census: support your community

Federal funding to our communities is dependent on the census data the government receives from us. This is the funding that helps to support among other things our schools, Medicare, Medicaid, road construction, fire departments and hospitals.  Please take a few minutes and fill out the census. The following is the census link:

https://my2020census.gov/

Jun 9th Parent survey

The school reopening committe values and needs your input. Please take a few minutes to complete the following survey:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelcXLATfAiOV63sOZ6zn8dHqcShK0w2vlvKIM9U9nuK3pd3w/viewform

Thank you, 

May 26th How to Forge a Strong Community in an Online Classroom

1. Pay Attention to How You Greet People and Manage Arrivals

2. Begin with a Quote or a Piece of Poetry 

3. Guide everyone in a “Feel Your Feet” Exercise to Get Grounded

read more at https://caitlinkrause.com/2020/04/09/3-ways-to-get-grounded-at-the-beginning-of-hosting-your-online-session/

Apr 21st How to help students with social/emotional learning at home

Ten tips to practice social emotional learning at home. (https://www.edsurge.com/news/2020-04-02-10-ways-parents-can-bring-social-emotional-learning-home)

1. Take care of yourself, even when it feels like the last thing you can do right now.

2. Establish routines and intentionality.

3. Presence is not the same as being present.

4. Commit acts of service or kindness for others.

5. Engage in creativity together.

6. Celebrate what you can.

7. Practice active listening.

8. Help your child express and name emotions.

9. Practice social emotional learning daily.

10. Transition mindfully.

Apr 14th Caring for Yourself and Others

The Relational Care Ladder (Rundell) helps to remind us of what needs we must focus on first. The most basic need is for safety. The following is a brief overview.

Structure is crucial to helping students, families as well as all of us during this time . In our chaotic, sometimes out of control environment, structure offers safety. It gives purpose and predictability. 

Nurture is the second step of the ladder. Being self-aware is key to nurturing ourselves. This means being still and listening to our mind and body. The simple act of clasping our hands together and truly feeling our own touch can be nurturing. This alone has been found to release the hormone oxytocin, which helps to reduce anxiety and increase feelings of well-being. Challenge each other to take out two minutes a few times a day for simple, deep breathing. 

Engagement is the third step. Are we available and truly listening without feeling the need to solve problems? When on-line, there is the risk that all we want to talk about is the present challenge. A fun exercise to help turn that around is to find something meaningful in your space and to share it with those you are communicating with on line and have them do the same.

Challenge is the final step. Challenging ourselves and each other will result in feelings of empowerment. Challenges stimulate our forebrain and build esteem. However, the challenge has to be attainable as opposed to being overwhelming.

Lastly, mindfulness is more important now than ever. The following are great free resources to help all of us practice mindfulness:

https://www.headspace.com/ny

Mar 20th Building Relationships Amidst Social Distancing

Mar 20th Community Economic Relief Resources

I came across the following post:

“In case anyone needs this: United Way has a COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund. They will help with bills, rent, and food. You can call 1-866-211-9966 and provide zip code and will be given a list of local agencies to provide assistance.”

Mar 18th Helpful Resources to help with remote learning

Chrome Extensions for Struggling Students:
https://www.controlaltachieve.com/2016/10/special-needs-extensions.html
Parents’ Guide to Google Classroomhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1uFBoYMjS9vrWSDwq6djRKKIwIReN5vnG/view?fbclid=IwAR30KBO9H7h8I-biP8qEXioFr9vZ1l_2fMx9rFV3JAbereAGgkqQQ1wseRQ

Nov 6th Wayne County Regional Enhancement Education Millage Proposal

School districts in Wayne County have placed a proposal on the November 8^th ballot to provide added funding for our schools. It is the “Regional Enhancement Millage Proposal.”

If approved by the entire county, the 2 mil proposal will generate approximately $6.2 million from Dearborn but the District will receive $7.8 million in additional funding for our schools.  Money would go to local schools starting this year and the millage expires after six years.  (more…)

Nov 6th Wayne County Regional Enhancement Education Millage Proposal

School districts in Wayne County have placed a proposal on the November 8^th ballot to provide added funding for our schools. It is the “Regional Enhancement Millage Proposal.”

If approved by the entire county, the 2 mil proposal will generate approximately $6.2 million from Dearborn but the District will receive $7.8 million in additional funding for our schools.  Money would go to local schools starting this year and the millage expires after six years.  (more…)