In this issue, we invite you to a new video series that aims to give educators a Monday boost, and we share two rich activities that will get students thinking about (and drawing) their experiences with Covid and Black Lives Matter protests. Plus, more good stuff to listen to and read. Enjoy!

In her first Motivational Monday video, Morningside Center staff developer Angela Polite gives us some warm and invigorating encouragement at the end of an extremely challenging school year.

Student Voices on Covid and Black Lives Matter  (Grades 3-6)

Students hear what other young people have to say about Covid-19 and BLM protests as a spur to share their own perspectives.

Writing & Art on Covid and Black Lives Matter  (Grades 6-12)

This activity uses works by other young people to inspire your students to reflect, write, and draw.

By Ava Daniel & Jonah Braverman

A Teacher’s Response to Medical Health Guidelines around Re-opening Schools. "Interacting with my students over Zoom showed me how deep in crisis and how overwhelmed many of them were, alongside their families. It was hard to see the limits of what I could offer to families and children during such a difficult and isolating time." By V. Serrano Bautista

Conversation with Robin DiAngelo and Resmaa Menakem. The author of White Fragility and the author of My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies share insights with Krista Tippett in her On Being podcast. (Transcript also available.)

"I want to help replenish some of the hope that has been lost and help us find a path forward." — Miss Polite