October 2026
October 2026
Our First Half-Day NHA Professional Development a Success!
Building a Culture of Positivity, Connection, and Wellness Across Salem City School District
Our first half-day Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) Professional Development was a success! Across Salem City School District, staff came together for an afternoon of meaningful learning, collaboration, reflection, and wellness—all centered on strengthening relationships, supporting students, and creating positive school environments where everyone can thrive.
A special THANK YOU to our outstanding district NHA trainers—Ms. Wilson, Nurse Reese, Mrs. Tortella, Mrs. Weidner, Mrs. Walter, and Mr. Baker! Their leadership, creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment to supporting their colleagues made this professional development experience both engaging and meaningful. By leading sessions within their schools, these dedicated staff members demonstrated the power of learning from one another and building on the expertise already present throughout our district.
Learning That Makes a Difference
Throughout the afternoon, staff explored important concepts connected to the Nurtured Heart Approach, trauma-informed practices, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), positive recognition, de-escalation strategies, and the importance of understanding the whole child.
One particularly powerful takeaway was the reminder that behavior is often a form of communication. Staff reflected on the importance of looking beyond what students do to better understand what they may be experiencing.
As one participant shared:
"When looking at concerning behaviors, what we see is not the whole story."
Another highlighted the importance of remembering to "Connect before correct."
These reflections reinforce our district's commitment to responding to students with empathy, understanding, and intentional strategies that strengthen relationships while maintaining appropriate expectations and boundaries.
Recognizing Greatness in Every Student
A recurring theme throughout the professional development was the power of positive recognition. Staff explored how intentional appreciation, meaningful compliments, and acknowledgment of student strengths can help build confidence, strengthen relationships, and encourage positive behavior.
Participants identified practical strategies they plan to incorporate into their daily interactions, including:
· Recognizing positive behaviors, even following challenging interactions.
· Offering specific, meaningful compliments that help students feel seen and valued.
· Using calm, respectful language and the Nurtured Heart Approach's Three Stands.
· Taking an intentional pause or reset before responding to challenging behaviors.
· Building stronger connections with students who may need additional encouragement and support.
One staff member shared a personal goal of recognizing and appreciating three new students each day, while another reflected on the importance of helping students know that their efforts and positive contributions do not go unnoticed.
These small, intentional actions can have a lasting impact on classroom culture and student engagement.
Stronger Together: Collaboration, Connection, and Wellness
Beyond instructional strategies, staff overwhelmingly appreciated opportunities to connect with colleagues, share experiences, participate in team-building activities, and focus on their own well-being.
From meaningful group discussions and real-world classroom scenarios to mindfulness, meditation, laughter, and collaborative activities, the afternoon provided opportunities to strengthen the relationships that support our school communities.
One participant described the value of "understanding you have a team of professionals you can lean on in the building."
Another highlighted the importance of "the camaraderie shown between staff and how we value each other."
Staff also recognized that caring for themselves is an important part of caring for students. Strategies such as mindful breathing, brief resets, and moments of reflection reinforced the importance of adult emotional regulation and wellness.
As one participant reflected, an overwhelmed adult cannot effectively support an overwhelmed child—a powerful reminder that our own responses help shape the environments we create for students.
Staff Feedback: A Positive Start!
The professional development survey provided encouraging feedback about the day's learning experiences.
Staff identified several particularly valuable aspects of the sessions:
· Opportunities for collaboration, team building, and meaningful conversations with colleagues.
· Practical strategies for understanding student behavior and responding to trauma.
· Reinforcement of positive recognition and relationship-building practices.
· Opportunities for mindfulness, stress reduction, and staff wellness.
· Engaging presentations led by colleagues who understand the unique needs of our students and schools.
Importantly, among staff who selected a confidence rating, all indicated feeling at least somewhat confident in applying what they learned, with responses ranging from somewhat confident to very confident.
Staff also offered constructive feedback about balancing professional learning, wellness activities, and competing responsibilities. These perspectives will help us continue refining future sessions to ensure professional development remains relevant, practical, and responsive to staff needs.
Continuing the Momentum
Our first half-day NHA professional development was more than an opportunity to learn new strategies. It was an opportunity to reinforce our shared commitment to creating schools where students and staff feel valued, connected, supported, and empowered.
As we continue our districtwide Nurtured Heart Approach implementation, future professional development opportunities will build on these foundational practices, celebrate successes, address challenges, and provide additional strategies that staff can apply in their classrooms and school communities.
A final shoutout to Ms. Wilson, Nurse Reese, Mrs. Tortella, Mrs. Weidner, Mrs. Walter, and Mr. Baker! Thank you for sharing your expertise, creating meaningful experiences for your colleagues, and helping move our district's NHA initiative forward.
And thank you to all staff who participated, collaborated, reflected, and contributed to making our first half-day professional development a success!
Together, we are nurturing hearts, recognizing greatness, and building a stronger Salem City School District—one positive interaction at a time!
Turning Learning Into Action: What's Next?
The success of our first NHA professional development day is just the beginning! Now, it's time to turn what we learned into intentional, everyday practices that make a difference for our students and one another.
Our Challenge to Every Staff Member: Choose ONE strategy and put it into action!
Over the next few weeks, we encourage every staff member to:
· Recognize Greatness: Intentionally acknowledge at least three students each day for their strengths, efforts, or positive choices.
· Connect Before You Correct: Look beyond challenging behaviors, approach students with curiosity, and strengthen relationships through empathy and understanding.
· Practice the Adult Reset: Take a moment to pause, breathe, and respond calmly when faced with challenging situations.
· Support One Another: Extend the same positive recognition, encouragement, and appreciation to your colleagues.
· Reflect and Share: Identify one strategy that is making a difference and share your success, challenge, or observation with your colleagues or school leadership team.
At our next NHA professional development opportunity, we look forward to hearing what's working, celebrating successes, and exploring how we can continue strengthening these practices across our schools.
Remember, meaningful change doesn't always require a big initiative. Sometimes, it begins with one positive interaction, one intentional response, or one student who feels seen, heard, and valued.
Our next step is simple: Don't just learn the Nurtured Heart Approach—LIVE IT!
Together, let's continue building a culture where greatness is recognized, relationships are strengthened, and every student and staff member has the opportunity to thrive. 💙💛
Friday was a Fri-Yay as staff enjoyed a special treat inspired by the Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA)! Ms. Tortella, Ms. Weidner and Nurse Reese helped bring some positive Nurtured Heart energy to the day while celebrating staff and their growing knowledge of NHA.
It truly took a “Dream Team” to make the Fri-Yay treats possible! Special thanks to Ms. Moore, Mrs. Griffith, Mrs. Bradway, and Ms. Trupo for helping pull everything together, and to Mrs. DeVilme for continuing to support the Nurtured Heart energy throughout the school.
Congratulations to our staff members who successfully identified the Three Stands of the Nurtured Heart Approach! What a fun way to celebrate learning, positivity, and the incredible energy our staff brings each day!
