We know it’s been a strange and challenging year. And we know budgets are tight and time is limited, that’s why the 2021 National Social and Emotional Learning Conference is more flexible than ever.
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Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) and Center for Schools and Communities are part of the Million Girls Moonshot, helping out-of-school time programs as they increase the quality of STEM learning opportunities for all young people, especially for underserved and underrepresented youth.
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The Center for Promotion of Social and Emotional Learning (CPSEL), SEL4PA, and Center for Schools and Communities invite you to join us in celebrating the second annual International SEL Day on March 26, 2021!
Governor Tom Wolf has signed a proclamation declaring March 26, 2021 Social Emotional Learning Day in Pennsylvania to demonstrate support for integrating evidence-based SEL into our schools, organizations and community.
SEL is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL improves academic outcomes, builds positive school climate, and provides children with the necessary skills to excel in today’s workforce.
CPSEL hosts the public, grassroots organization SEL4PA to advocate for and inform about SEL in Pennsylvania. Check out some great activities to get you started. Please join us and share and invite others!
There is still time to sign up today to showcase, promote, advocate for and support SEL in your Pennsylvania community. For more information and resources, go to #SELDay.
Center for Schools and Communities expanded learning initiative announces new leadership.
HARRISBURG, Pa., March 5, 2021 — Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) today announced Steven Williams as its new associate director. In this position, Williams will work to promote high-quality afterschool and summer youth development programs through advocacy and capacity building. Williams has more than eight years’ experience in various committee and legislative support positions with the commonwealth. Prior to joining PSAYDN, he was Pennsylvania House of Representatives executive director for the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation and a research analyst for the House Democratic Policy Committee.
Williams replaces Laura Saccente, who now leads strategic initiatives for Center for Schools and Communities, the network’s managing organization. “Steven’s extensive experience in policy and involvement in the state’s afterschool caucus make him the perfect fit for continuing the call to expand program availability for under-served children and youth. His expertise and leadership will be imperative as PSAYDN evolves and grows to reach all corners of the state to provide support,” Saccente added.
Press Release PSAYDN's New Associate Director
Center for Schools and Communities Family Support Initiative, with support from the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will host “Changing How We Care, Not That We Care: Supporting Children and Families During Ever-Changing Times” webinar on Wednesday, March 10 at 10:00 a.m. EST.
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Program helps develop science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) policy leaders in Pennsylvania and recognizes 35 members of the fourth cohort.
HARRISBURG, Pa., March 3, 2021 — PSAYDN announced the fourth cohort of the Pennsylvania STEM Ambassadors Program, which aims to shape the future of STEM education in the commonwealth by targeting vital policy conversations to legislative leadership in the areas of STEM Learning ecosystems, computer science, apprenticeships, state and federal policy for formal and informal education, and workforce needs.
A Black History Month Webinar from Center for Schools and Communities
Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, from 1 to 2 p.m. EST
Join us for our final session in this series as Shileste Overton Morris, Ed.D., director of the Center for Schools and Communities, interviews equity advocates Nikole Y. Hollins-Sims, Ed.D., educational consultant for the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) in Harrisburg, and Amber M. Sessoms, Ed.D., founder of Natural Inclination, to explore the intersections between equity and education.
Our guests will discuss the successes and challenges they have observed as they worked with districts and schools to prioritize equity and focus on systemic integration; and share strategies for teachers, parents and the community at large to support systemic equity efforts in schools.
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For me, February always brings the winter doldrums. By now I have settled into (or perhaps shed) my New Year’s resolutions and am anxious for spring, but warmer weather is still months away, and the months of the year seem to stretch before me. A mentor once told me that winter should be a time of rest and hibernation — a time to nurture ideas and projects that will come to fruition in the future.
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In recognition and celebration of February as Black History Month, the Center for Schools and Communities is pleased to offer three professional learning opportunities designed to advance knowledge and promote discussion on issues relevant to the African American experience and education. We remain committed to lead and support programs and initiatives to address systemic discrimination and injustice. We hope you join us — Act 48 credits will be available.
Reconsidering the Civil Rights Movement Through Primary Source Analysis
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. EST
Critical Examination of Race Narratives in Children’s Literature
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. EST
The Intersection of Equity and Education
Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, from 1 to 2 p.m. EST
Dena Simmons, Ed.D. kicks off our conference as Monday’s keynote speaker, and Ed Dunkelblau, Ph.D. wraps up our first day in his plenary session. Tuesday includes a plenary session from Luvelle Brown, Ed.D. Elizabeth Cushing is Wednesday afternoon’s plenary session presenter. Act 48 credits available.
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February’s Third Thursday
The Center for Safe Schools at Center for Schools and Communities welcomes you back for its upcoming Third Thursday webinar on February 18 at 3:00 pm. This month we will examine finding meaning and balance during these unprecedented times.
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For #FosterCareMonth we're honored to feature a conversation with PA Youth Advisory Board Alumni on getting more youth with experience in foster care "to and through" higher education.Register: https://www.pafostercare.org/professional-development/ @Center_Schools @PADeptofEd @PAHumanServices @ChildWelfareGov
