The ATF Students in the Center Cadre would like to invite you to a series of conversations that will give you an opportunity to share ideas and learn from your peers. Please join us to discuss a range of topics that intersects SEL with topics such as resilience, mindfulness, substance use & stigma, intersectionality, and belonging & authenticity. Bring your successes and challenges so that we can all learn from each other as we continue the school year.
NOT YOUR MOMMA’S MINDFULNESS:
RE-ENTERING THE CHAOTIC CLASSROOM
“Relax. Just breathe. Relax. Just breathe. I can stay calm…” You say, as Debbie and her brother argue in the background, Isiah sings “Let It Go” into his mic, and Ayiana keeps turning her camera off and on. Practicing mindfulness isn’t always going to be quiet and relaxing…especially following a transition from online learning to the classroom in the middle of a pandemic. Join us for a discussion of how we can utilize mindfulness realistically and practically in our lives and in the classroom and thrive in the tempest.
Wednesday, March 31st 4:30-5:30pm
Wednesday, April 28th 4:30-5:30pm
Facilitators: Jillian Evans (Counselor, Longfellow & Inez Elementary School), Michael Klein (School Psychologist, NE Diagnostic Center), Juniper Decker (Crossroads Counselor – Highland High School)
EMPOWERING BELONGING & AUTHENTICITY
A conversation around inclusion and equity in our classrooms and schools with a commitment to building community and fostering belonging for marginalized and outlier students. This session will be a deep dive into anti-racism, equity, and restorative practices as critical pedagogy. Dialogue will center on current teaching practices, school policies, and ideas to move the work forward in APS.
Wednesday, April 14th 5:00-6:30pm
Facilitators: Alice Weeda (Teacher, Mitchell Elementary School ), Bren Vitter (Teacher, Kennedy Middle School)
JUST SAY “KNOW”: STUDENTS AT THE CENTER IN ADDRESSING SUBSTANCE USE
Join us for a collaborative conversation between educators and students to develop awareness of youth substance use. We will explore root causes and discuss prevention, stigma, and ways to support healthy decision making.
Thursday, April 1st 4:00-6:00pm
Tuesday, April 20th 4:00-6:00pm
Facilitators: Samantha Ashby (Crossroads Counselor, Sandia High School), Jessica Brooks (Crossroads Counselor – El Dorado High School), Carrie Apostle (Teacher, Sandia High School)
INTERSECTIONALITY PART 2: IS EVERY VOICE BEING HEARD?
This is a facilitated workshop to continue exploring intersectionality in the classroom. Attendance at the previous workshop is not required. We hope to deepen our conversation of barriers to the difficult conversations around power and advantage along with creating spaces where students and teachers can bring the whole of their experience, identity, and culture to the classroom. We will also discuss culturally responsive curriculum in the classroom.
Thursday, April 15th 4:30-6:30pm
Thursday, April 27th 4:30-6:30pm
Facilitators: Miriam Martinez (Teacher, Emerson Elementary School), Beverly LaZar (Special Education Teacher, San Antonio Elementary School)
SEEDS OF RESILIENCE
Transforming trauma and creating a safe space. Join us for experiences, learning, and conversation on trauma and tools and principles for fostering resilience in classrooms and schools.
Tuesday, April 6th 4:30-6:30pm
Wednesday, April 21st 4:30-6:30pm
Facilitators: Mary Jo Hoven (Special Education Teacher – Homebound), Tatia Harris-Lipe (School Social Worker – Volcano Vista High School), Bonnie Chavez (Teacher, Sandia High School)
RESTORATIVE PRACTICES: “I TRIED IT. IT DOESN’T WORK.”
Join us for a conversation about restorative practices used in classrooms throughout the district. We will discuss what Restorative Practices really are, how they have failed in schools throughout the district, and what you all are doing to make them work in your classroom. We want to hear your successes and help each other solve some of the issues surrounding it.
Wednesday, April 7th 4:00-6:00pm
Thursday, April 29th 4:00-6:00pm
Facilitators: Adriana Kerr (Sp.Ed. SEL Resource Teacher), Mackenzie Agudelo (Special Education Teacher – Eisenhower Middle School)
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