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There is something magical and exciting that happens when you learn something new. Young brains are open to exploring and seeing things in new ways. There is a natural sense of wonder and delight that motivates us to understand and make meaning of the world around us. It is never too late to provide an opportunity for a young person to appreciate the joy of learning and discovery. Check out our blog posts for parents and teachers for some specific ideas on how to cultivate and encourage your children and students to look forward to learning with a sense of wonder. You can also follow us on Facebook for a daily dose of wonder this month.
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SOUND DISCIPLINE CHAMPIONS
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The photos above are from Dry Creek Elementary's Calming Center for students. Dry Creek Elementary Staff left to right: Dana Christensen, School Counselor Intern and Calming Center Trauma Informed Practitioner; Debi Pavlich-Boaz, Dean of Students; Laura Lilly, School Counselor; Brittane Hendricks, Principal.
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Our Sound Discipline Champion for December is the staff at Dry Creek Elementary School in Port Angeles, WA. The team at Dry Creek committed to transforming a classroom into “The Calming Center”, a place where students learn intentional mindfulness and self-regulation strategies. The space is not intended as a de-escalation room (they do that elsewhere in the school) but a place for students to practice mindfulness and build their self-regulation muscles. Students are walked through a series of lessons on how to use the different stations and specific techniques. After going through 6 short intro lessons, students may sign up for independent 15 minute sessions. Staff hope this intentional practice will help students develop long-lasting skills for calming down and coping with life’s challenges. This effort inspires us to think about how we can support the development of intentional spaces for students to develop and practice the critical lifelong skill of self-regulation. Thank you, Dry Creek staff, for your commitment to improving outcomes for the students in your community.
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Congratulations to the Renton Innovation Zone (RIZ) for being recognized by the Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools Honor Roll awards program! This program recognizes those who are championing sustainable, healthy school environments. It celebrates successes, recognizes innovation and elevates best practices so that we can all be inspired. Congratulations to the staff and schools of the Renton Innovation Zone, who are being recognized for supporting "social and emotional health and wellness through a shared vision of schools founded on strong relationships and enthusiasm for learning. They have helped to lead shifts in pedagogy, classroom instruction, and student discipline, which in turn have helped establish a dynamic and respectful learning community. Teachers have learned to approach student behavior with curiosity, to identify strengths, and to see behavior as a form of communication. This culturally responsive shift in pedagogy has led to an upward trend in academics and a downward trend in discipline referrals, fostering learning communities in Renton where adults and children are thriving together. Imagine asking students what made their school unique and having them respond, 'Here we give each other grace.' Imagine a second-grade math lesson where all the students are sitting in groups, deeply engaged, exchanging ideas about how to solve math problems. This is the kind of transformation being led by the Renton Innovation Zone (RIZ)."
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Here's a book to help us explore a sense of wonder about the natural world around us. Author Jane Yolen has created a gentle, poetic story that lovingly depicts the special companionship of a young child and her father as well as humankind's close relationship to the natural world. Wonderfully complemented by John Schoenherr's soft, exquisite watercolor illustrations, this is a verbal and visual treasure.
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Thanks to our fabulous supporters, #GivingTuesday was a big success!
Your generosity and investment in the powerful work that Sound Discipline
is doing is greatly appreciated.
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