School Climate News

Welcome to our latest newsletter, dedicated to fostering safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments. As administrators, teachers, and school counselors and psychologists, you play a pivotal role in shaping the climate of your schools and ensuring every student feels valued, supported, and part of a larger community.

In our shared mission to create positive school climates, one element stands out above all others: the power of relationships. Research consistently shows that a strong sense of belonging is one of the most significant factors in students’ academic success and personal well-being. When students feel connected—to their peers, to trusted adults, and to their school as a whole—they are more likely to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

Your work in building these relationships is vital. Whether it’s through a warm greeting at the door, creating spaces for student voices to be heard, or responding with empathy when challenges arise, each interaction you have helps build a culture of belonging. In a time when students are navigating an increasingly complex world, your leadership in fostering authentic, caring relationships has never been more important.

Take a moment to check out the video titled Warm Welcome below. What if all of our students started their day this way?

In partnership,

Mele Benz, Community Schools

Sheri Hanni, Mental Health, Attendance

Philip James, Social Emotional Learning, Restorative Practices

Karrie Coulter, PBIS

Title: Warm Welcomes

Preparing for your September PBIS Meeting

Bullying Prevention Aligned to your PBIS Model

Community Schools Needs & Asset Assessments (NAA

September is Attendance Awareness Month

Leadership for Sustainability: Superintendents Making a Difference

Suicide Prevention Month

Supporting Systematic SEL

North State Classified Conference

Data to Collect:

• Review ODRs, suspension, ethnicity, attendance, and academic data

• Review results of kick-off evaluation survey

Planning:

• Conduct PBIS Tier 1 Team meeting

• Team completes TFI during meeting

• Utilize TIPS (Team Initiated Problem Solving) process and agenda during team meetings

• Team reviews/creates purpose and agreements for the year

• Create annual teaching & acknowledgement plans

Implementation:

• If you haven't already conduct bus driver kick-off

• Administer PBIS SAS to staff

• Conduct grade level celebrations

Communication with staff, parents and community:

• Present results of kick-off evaluation survey

• Parent/Community Newsletters

• Send out good news stories via social media

REMINDERS:

• Revise and update your PBIS Handbook

• Join PBIS CoP
  

• Sign up for the 2024 PBIS Conference in Sacramento October 9-11

• Video on conducting the TFI

• PBIS Optional Coaching Meetings 24-25

As we settle into the new school year, let's focus on the Needs & Asset Assessments (NAA) that drive our Community Schools work. The Community Schools approach is grounded in continuous improvement and the NAA is our primary driver for schoolwide transformation.

Here is a guide from the State Transformational Assistance Center (STAC) to help us develop our site or LEA’s NAA.

If you are a California Community Schools Partnership Program grant awardee, please join us for our first monthly Huddle on September 4th. It will be held at 2491 Carmichael Dr. in Suite 500 from 9-11 AM. Butte County Behavioral Health will be joining us as a community partner to share their offerings for our schools.

We also hope you’ll join us on October 8th from 8:30 AM - 2 PM for Engaging Families Meaningfully for Community Schools. Spend a day with family engagement experts,CCSLs, and other community school coordinators to learn strategies to bring families into your work this year. Click here to register.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024: 12-1:30pm PT / 3-4:30pm ET