NEASC2024

In this session, participants will learn about one of the most powerful engagement strategies that a district-level leader could employ to make an impactful difference when it comes to making connections with students, families, staff, and administrators. Discover how your schools are working and see, firsthand, how investments that have been made in programs and staffing are benefiting students and enriching school culture. Walk away with a replicable model that will transform your visibility and demonstrate your commitment to leading your schools by understanding every detail of the operation. *Technology Needed: Projector/Screen (unless delivered as an "Unplugged Session")

The impact, importance and value of engaging with different stakeholders and ensuring that your leadership and/or
instruction connects students' cultures, languages, and life experience with what they learn in school. Research shows
that having at least one Black teacher between 3rd and 5h grades reduces a black student's probability of dropping out
by 29%. Being culturally responsive isn't a buzzword rather an opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships with
students and parents, increase student motivation, enthusiasm for learning and academic achievement.

How do we create a healthy learning environment that places the well-being of kids (and adults) at the forefront? How do we make the well-being of our students and faculty/staff an organic and inherent part of our practices in and out of the classroom? We will share our approach, the challenges we faced and the deeply held assumptions about school that we had to unlearn to strive for a healthier learning environment. Come and learn about our student-focused approach and discuss how our schedule; assessment practices; courses; different initiatives; and partnership with families place our students and their well-being at the center of what we do, value deep understanding, and put the joy in learning. Let's share ideas on where to go next!