Morningside Center
NEWSLETTER
Dear Morningside Center friends,

We have a special issue for you today, packed with resources and lessons for the new school year. Read on for suggestions on how to support immigrant students, our 9/11 Anniversary Teaching Guide, our Getting to Know You Guide, and new lessons on mass shootings, reparations, and more.

Also, in case you missed it last time, we have a job opening!
How Can We Support Our Immigrant Students?
Now is a time of fear and trauma for immigrant children across the U.S. The 2019-20 school year opens amid ICE raids, the separation of immigrant children from their mothers and fathers, and brutal detention camps at the border. Educators are doing what they can to protect and comfort their students. But even in immigrant-friendly cities like New York, our powers are limited.

As this school year opens, how can school leaders actively encourage a school climate of caring and respect? How can teachers create a welcoming and supportive classroom community that will protect students from harm and ease their trauma?

New on TeachableMoment
Why are many Americans calling for reparations for slavery? In this activity, students examine recent data on the racial wealth gap, then travel back in time to look at the origins of the wealth gap. Note: This is the first of three lessons on reparations. Future lessons will explore proposals for reparations and the issue's place in the 2020 presidential election.
After a series of deadly shootings, lawmakers and 2020 presidential contenders are shining an intense spotlight on gun control. In this activity, students discuss where President Trump and Democratic presidential candidates stand - and the impact of youth activism.
Perhaps the best way to remember this monumental author is by reading her. This lesson plan has students explore racism as a central theme of Morrison’s 1970 debut novel, The Bluest Eye, with suggestions for engaging students before, during, and after they read the book.
For the start of the school year:
How should educators acknowledge the anniversary of September 11th and educate students about the events of that day and their impact? Updated 2018.

Getting to Know You: Classroom Activities for Starting Off the School Year The activities in this 38-page PDF packet will help you get the year off to a good start by engaging you and your students in getting to know each other, practicing listening skills, and discussing the values that will shape your classroom community.

"When a kid walks in a room, your child or anybody else's child, does your face light up? That's what they're looking for."

- Toni Morrison
Morningside Center
for Teaching Social Responsibility