Kevin Poelker’s Post

What a Week for American Education! This week, we’re calling on everyone—teachers, parents, students, and community leaders—to come together for the future of our youth. 📚✨ Let’s ask ourselves: • Are we truly listening to what students need? • Are we observing without judgment? • Are we advocating for better resources and support? The school-to-prison pipeline is a harsh reality, steering too many children toward incarceration instead of providing them with the safety, development, and opportunities they deserve. This is an injustice we must address. Mr. Delmont Player, a dedicated advocate for schools and youth communities, exemplifies how we can make a difference. With his expertise in interrupting gang and group influence, and as a father, he understands the power of presence and collaboration. He reminds us that partnerships with schools lead to healthier, more meaningful experiences for our kids. More relatable individuals that can appeal to Generation Z the more likely education can be received at their level of understanding. As we celebrate American Education Week (November 18-22, 2024), let’s remember: education is the foundation of change. Let’s raise awareness, stay connected, and support one another. Thank you to BPCS schools Connexions, Reginald F Lewis, Baltimore Leadership School for Young Ladies, Success Academy, Yo Baltimore and BCPS Engagement Office for assisting and teaming up with NsNs to bridge education gaps and community reentry and youth empowerment care! Together, we can empower our youth and create pathways to success, not prison. #AmericanEducationWeek #EmpowerYouth #SupportEducation #breakthepipeline

What a Week for American Education! This week, we’re calling on everyone—teachers, parents, students, and community leaders—to come together for the future of our youth. 📚✨ Let’s ask ourselves: • Are we truly listening to what students need? • Are we observing without judgment? • Are we advocating for better resources and support? The school-to-prison pipeline is a harsh reality, steering too many children toward incarceration instead of providing them with the safety, development, and opportunities they deserve. This is an injustice we must address. Mr. Delmont Player, a dedicated advocate for schools and youth communities, exemplifies how we can make a difference. With his expertise in interrupting gang and group influence, and as a father, he understands the power of presence and collaboration. He reminds us that partnerships with schools lead to healthier, more meaningful experiences for our kids. More relatable individuals that can appeal to Generation Z the more likely education can be received at their level of understanding. As we celebrate American Education Week (November 18-22, 2024), let’s remember: education is the foundation of change. Let’s raise awareness, stay connected, and support one another. Thank you to BPCS schools Connexions, Reginald F Lewis, Baltimore Leadership School for Young Ladies, Success Academy, Yo Baltimore and BCPS Engagement Office for assisting and teaming up with NsNs to bridge education gaps and community reentry and youth empowerment care! Together, we can empower our youth and create pathways to success, not prison. #AmericanEducationWeek #EmpowerYouth #SupportEducation #breakthepipeline

Does anyone remember the scene in Apollo 13 where they are testing and retesting the lunar module start up sequence to access more amps? This is what we need to do in education continuously, reexamine what we do, ask 'why do we do things this way?' and 'is there a better way?'. What would happen if lessons were shortened by 10 minutes to enable something else to happen for example?

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Dr. Zainab Okolo, LCMFT this week! An inspirational person - currently the Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy & Government Relations at The Jed Foundation (JED) and also a mental health expert & practitioner. She shared her recent article in the US News and World Report: Colleges Must Do More to Support the Safety and Emotional Well-Being of Black Women Leaders. https://lnkd.in/ecsrPJ8G As I have watched colleagues in both higher education and K-12 spaces (as well as the students!) struggle with mental health and other emotional challenges, I wanted to share her article so we can continue the dialogue about how we can help support. She raises great questions to reflect on: 💜 "What systems can be put in place to guarantee that the leaders caring for our most vulnerable students also receive the support they need to thrive?" 💜 "How can higher education leaders work proactively to address and dismantle the root causes that contribute to the deterioration of Black women’s mental health in colleges and universities across the country?" "At The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, we recommend beginning by reflecting on the following questions: ✅ How do university policies and practices intentionally address the barriers Black women face in academia?  ✅ What kind of ongoing training, support and counseling is available to faculty, advisers and other student support personnel? ✅ What policies or procedures are in place to create a caring culture and protect the rights and emotional well-being of Black faculty and students? Thanks for reading and sharing Dr. Zainab Okolo, LCMFT's article and please share any comments you have on this topic, in particular: 💜 For those of us working in independent schools and with younger students, how can we help? 💜 How can we build better support networks and awareness in independent schools? 💜 As we send our children off to college, how can we help them with their mental health and emotional well-being and help them support those professionals at their universities, particularly the black women? It has been difficult hearing about the suicides at my own alma mater these past few years, especially as my daughter is attending. 💜 How can summer and auxiliary programs best provide safe environments for our youth? #studentmentalhealth #youthmentalhealth #independentschools #summerprograms #auxiliaryprograms

For students in special education, inclusion done right can help them grow academically, socially, and personally. You and each of your team members have roles to play in making sure that learners get the best inclusive experience possible, but not everyone will know all the key considerations. To help, we’ve created a guide filled with inclusion prep tips for different team members, including special education teachers, service providers, and administrators. Download this free guide today and share with your team: ttps://https://lnkd.in/ezvMgzGX

Today Governor Hochul has announced her proposal to expand resources for youth in education and mental health. This includes the expansion of the successful Latina Mentoring Initiative (LMI) as well as the creation of the Black Girls Mentoring Initiative. LMI is a hallmark program of the NYS Council on Children and Families, and I have no doubt that Black Girls Mentoring will achieve success in helping young women as well. From the press release: Young Latinas have the highest rate of suicide attempts among teen populations in the U.S. In New York State, suicide is the second leading cause of death for Latina teens, and in New York City, 18.5 percent of Latina teens seriously considered suicide in 2019, a percentage higher than their peers. In 2021, the State launched the Latina Mentoring Initiative (LMI) to empower future Latina leaders ages 8 to 24 by building soft skills, confidence and nurturing aspirations via personal and professional development. In the last three years, LMI has created a safe space that builds community where youth are inspired by Latina representation, encouraged to expand their possibilities and are affirmed and celebrated. This year, the Governor has proposed to increase investment in the LMI to increase the number of youths served by this impactful program. Additionally, leveraging learnings from the success of the Latina Mentoring Initiative, the Governor has proposed launching the Black Girls Mentoring Initiative to support young Black women.

Earlier this month, our team attended the 2024 National Scholarship Providers Association Conference in Salt Lake City! We connected with scholarship leaders across the U.S., inspired by countless innovations and best practices to go "beyond the dollar." Here are 3 key takeaways: 1️⃣ Holistic Support: Scholarships are just the beginning; wraparound services like mentorship, mental health resources, and emergency assistance can be transformative. 2️⃣ Data-Driven Insights: Using data to understand students' unique needs allows for targeted support and better outcomes. 3️⃣ Equity-Focused Collaboration: Working alongside community partners and higher education institutions around our shared goal of supporting students is key to advancing racial equity in education. We're energized by these insights as we continue our mission to support Black students in Colorado. #SachsFoundation #NSPA #EmpowerEd #EquityinEdu

🌟 Calling All African American/Black (AAB) Mothers with K-12 Students in Sacramento, CA! Your Voice Matters! 🌟 As part of my doctoral research, I am conducting a study entitled, Reimagining Parental School Engagement: Motherwork, African American Mothers as Subject Matter Experts in Caring for and Educating African American Students. This is your opportunity to shape the conversation around what it means to advocate, care for, and educate African American/Black students in today’s public school system. ✨ What’s Involved? This study uses Sistah Circles, an empowering and culturally centered qualitative research method. Together, we’ll create a safe, nurturing space to share our stories, strategies, and wisdom about navigating California’s K-12 public schools. ✨ Why Participate? Your voice will contribute to research aimed at driving real change in education. You’ll connect with other mothers who share your experiences and values. It’s a chance to reflect on and celebrate your role as a leader and advocate in your child’s education. ✨ Who Can Join? AAB mothers with children currently enrolled in K-12 public schools in California are encouraged to participate. 💬 How to Sign Up or Learn More: If you’re interested or know someone who might be, please comment below or send me a private message. I’d love to connect and share more about this important work! Together, let’s amplify our voices and highlight the power of AAB Motherwork in education. 💛 Please complete the survey below to qualify for the study. https://lnkd.in/giRQfpBK #BlackMothers #AABMothers #AABStudents #Education #ParentEngagement #SistahCircles #QualitativeResearch #DoctoralStudy

As educators, parents and community members, we all play a crucial role in ensuring our schools are spaces of equity, inclusion and belonging. In our recent blog post, we explore Minnesota's progress in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in schools—and the work that still needs to be done. We dive into: - The impact of the World's Best Workforce Legislation - The role of student activism in advancing DEI - Disparities in teacher diversity and student discipline Join us in reclaiming the promise of education for all. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gZ7VVHYa

Excited to see these six powerful ways to embrace Juneteenth education! Education is key to understanding our history and fostering unity. Check out these insightful tips from Assistant Principal Tonette Honore: https://hubs.la/Q02Chd2F0