Author's posts

Restorative Responses to Racism: a letter from John W. Baillie International Institute of Restorative Practice

“I cannot imagine watching the murder of George Floyd and feeling anything but pain, anger, and sadness.”

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Racism’s harmful impacts evident in graduation rates, homelessness and chronic absenteeism

“speak out against systemic and structural racism, and to work for racial justice and equity across systems. This means listening and learning with humility. It means speaking out in solidarity, not only in this present moment, but each and every day. “

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What Role Can the Education Community Play to End Racism and Begin Healing?

7 ways educational communities can be proactive

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US data on COVID-19 and its impact on schools helpful for planning for September

Delivering distance learning
Inequity across schools
Anticipating what’s next

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“A connected school always focuses on planting flowers instead of pulling weeds”: 5 Strategies for closure and transition

“Calming year end stress for can include these strategies:
1. Symbolic gifts
2. photos and affirmations
3. planting and nurturing
4. Remember to breathe
5. the family tree

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Additional terms for “Attendance” during distance learning from Attendanceworks.org CONTACT CONNECTIVITY ENGAGEMENT PARTICIPATION

5 ways to build and maintain virtual classroom sense of community

“Secure your safety belt first.
Infuse exercises that involve connectedness
Let everyone play a role.
Embrace questions
Practice the art of listening.”

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4 considerations for a return to school Social Emotional Learning Plan

“A social emotional learning plan must prioritize relationships and human connections. “

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4 suggestions for “reaching the students and families at serious risk for harmful behaviours… one of the most urgent concerns facing school psychologists right now.”

“1. Develop a long term recovery plan.
2. Assess, don’t assume.
3. Develop a resource map
4. Provide professional development and emotional care for adults”

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“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”John Lennon

Helping students cope with uncertainty: advice from psychologist
1. feeling distressed about being unable to predict what will happen is entirely normal
2. put things in perspective
3. “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

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