Dear Morningside Center friends,

With testing season upon us, how can we support our students and lower the stress? Below, we share activities to lighten the load.

Also, an announcement: We have a job opening for a full-time grant writer! Please see the details below, and share.

Two Activities on Testing & Stress

During testing time, it can be helpful to give students a chance to share their thoughts and feelings. In these activities, students to reflect on standardized tests - and consider strategies to handle stress.

Earth Day/Month Resources

Looking for ways to engage your high school or middle school students in environmental issues and the climate crisis?

Here are some of our latest lessons and teaching ideas - good for Earth Day, Earth Week, or any week.

Position Announcement: Grant Writer

Morningside Center is looking for full-time grant writer and editor to support our organization’s fundraising and communications operations!

We seek applicants who have a strong track record in grant writing, can generate clear, compelling proposals, reports, articles, and other materials, and who work well with deadlines. We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and a friendly and collaborative work culture that welcomes everyone.

Please spread the word! Position description and application instructions are here. A pdf version is here.

What We're Reading

When Interventions Aim at Relationships, Academics and Attendance Improve

“A cohort of 49 middle and high schools that piloted relationship-centered approaches to supporting students saw reductions in course failure rates and chronic absenteeism in the first year, a new analysis finds.” By Evie Blad at EdWeek

A framework for “justice-centered STEM education”

“To address challenges such as climate change, pollution, and health problems locally and globally, we need justice-centered solutions. It’s key to emphasize justice because many of these challenges disproportionately affect minoritized groups.” By Okhee Lee and Scott E. Grapin at ASCD

Understanding & Countering Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in Schools

“To address these forms of hate in schools and classrooms, we need to understand and address bigotry and proactively take measures to emphasize inclusion. This begins with an understanding of what Islamophobia and antisemitism are.” By Rachael Fugardi, Jaci Jones, Caleb Kieffer, and Along Milicki at Learning for Justice

Using Restorative Communication as a Classroom Management Tool

“By avoiding communication blockers, teachers can help students talk through disruptive behavior in the classroom.” By Rae Heller at Edutopia

“If we laugh and sing a little as we fight the good fight of freedom, it makes it all go easier. I will not allow my life's light to be determined by the darkness around me.”

- Sojourner Truth