Tips for Schools & Families

In recent workshops, we’ve encouraged parents, teachers, and administrators to consider unforeseen opportunities that have arisen from the pandemic. There are innumerable practices we would like to see return to “normal,” while noting that some pieces of our previous “normal” weren’t working all that well. Perhaps a new block schedule has provided students with extra time to get more sleep. Maybe families have started having dinner together because they are more often home together.

This month, we encourage you to take a step back and reflect: what changes do you want to hold onto? In this newsletter you’ll find some of Co-Founder Denise Pope’s takeaways on distance learning (#DP) , a teacher’s reflections (#teacher) on how her school is truly “seeing” all of their community members, a student-created tool (#tool) to help high schoolers balance their schedules, and numerous opportunities to engage with us (#engage) and our partner (#partners) s (#partners) .

We would love to hear about some bright spots in your “new normal” that you wish to hol onto as well. Email us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Bright%20Spots%20from%20New%20Normal%20-%20Nov%20Newsletter) , and we will highlight some in our next newsletter.

Warmly,
The Challenge Success Team

FINDING WHAT WORKS IN THIS "NEW NORMAL" ()
WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT DISTANCE LEARNING
We are all familiar with the list of what is not working in online learning: technological issues, lack of social connection, difficulty focusing, the list goes on. But after a dozen interviews with students, Dr. Denise Pope explains that some bright spots exist, ones that are helpful to turn to when we feel overwhelmed.
* Human Connection: students appreciate direct check-ins from teachers. From texts to hand-delivered letters, teachers are reaching out and trying to connect, one-on-one, with their students.
* Time and Sleep: reduced schedules in some districts allow for more free time and sleep. Students are realizing that a full night of sleep allows them to function better and be more engaged academically.
* Focused Approach to Teaching: with less time spent on direct instruction, teachers are being forced to hone in on what’s essential for learning and understanding, and students are responding to that.

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ONE TEACHER’S VIEW OF SCHOOL
“We have taken so many steps to make everything possible, and yet nothing feels right.”
In our recent blog post “Lessons from Tensions, ([link removed]) ” guest writer Emily Dolan from one of our partner schools shares a heart-wrenching look at how “immeasurably much” everyone cares about students and the various ways we can truly see each other - parents, administrators, teachers, students - in this new paradigm. If you’re a teacher, check outthese ways ([link removed]) to make positive interactions with parents, even when you’re busy.
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HELP STUDENTS CREATE BALANCED SCHEDULES WITH THIS TIME MANAGEMENT TOOL
Our Time Management Worksheet ([link removed]) has long been a Challenge Success staple. We share it with students and parents to better understand how they spend their time and if they are leading a balanced life. Two students from one of our partner schools brought it into the 21st century by creating an interactive web tool ([link removed]) that allows students to quickly and easily map out their day to realistically include, and prioritize, school, extracurriculars, and PDF ([link removed]) .

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ENGAGE WITH US ()

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NEW WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS
Nov. 12th at 5 pm PT | 8 pm ET

Join us for our Navigating School During Uncertain Times workshop. Registration is $10. Gather strategies for parenting students who are in remote, hybrid, or in-person school. Establish a healthier home environment for your school-aged child, reduce academic stress without sacrificing achievement, and increase your child’s resilience, creativity, and well-being. Please s ([link removed]) hare ([link removed]) with your parent communities and friends!

REGISTER HERE ([link removed])

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NEW WORKSHOP FOR EDUCATORS
Nov. 16, 17, & 19th at 4 pm PT | 7 pm ET

Middle and High School educators are invited to join us for a new three-part workshop series, Strengthen Your Performance Assessment. Each session includes 60 minutes of interactive learning and an optional 30 minutes of design time. Space is limited. Learn more here ([link removed]) or register below.
REGISTER HERE ([link removed])

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NEW WORKSHOP FOR SCHOOL COMMUNITIES

Bolster Faculty & Staff Well-Being with our new workshop. We will do real-time problem solving to determine root causes of stress and identify what individuals and schools can do right now to improve well-being. Learn More ([link removed]) and Inquire Here. ([link removed])

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reVISION 2020 WITH LORI GOTTLIEB
“Success is not ‘get these grades, get into this college, get a good job, and now you’re set for life.’ Success is knowing who you are, what your passions are, and that you can tolerate rejection and challenges that come your way.”

If you missed reVISION 2020 on October 23rd, we're thrilled to share the recording ([link removed]) of our joint parent education event and fall fundraiser with the entire Challenge Success community. Special Guest Lori Gottlieb inspired us with her insight on the importance of creating connections and sustaining rich, meaningful relationships, especially during this most unusual time. Enjoy!

CHALLENGE SUCCESS IN THE NEWS ()
Meddling In College Admission ([link removed]) | Forbes
“It's not where you go to college, but what you do once you get there that matters.”

Pandemic Parenting. It Gets Better? A Tool Kit ([link removed]) | KUOW, NPR
“If our children are to thrive in a world that is rapidly evolving and full of uncertainty, they need less structure and more play. Our kids need to spend less time burnishing their resumes and more time exploring and reflecting.”

Midterm Report Card: How Have The Schools Handled COVID? ([link removed]) | NBC Nightly News
“Learning how to do remote learning well will take a few years.”

What Is Homework's Purpose in a Pandemic? ([link removed]'s-Purpose-in-a-Pandemic¢.aspx) | ASCD
“What skill or concept am I actually assessing? Are students connecting what they're learning to their world or to a culture they may not know much about? Can students make choices or share their voices? Is this a good use of students' time?”

FROM OUR FRIENDS & PARTNERS ()

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THE CENTER FOR PARENT AND TEEN COMMUNICATION
The Center for Parent and Teen Communication's weekly newsletter provides concrete tips and strategies for parents on the issues affecting teens today. Get it delivered to your inbox ([link removed]) next week.

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STANFORD EDLEADERS
Our colleagues at Stanford GSE have designed and delivered a program for education system leaders that marries content from Stanford Graduate Schools of Education and Business—the Stanford EdLEADers ([link removed]) professional certificate program. Nominate ([link removed]) education system leaders who would benefit from connections with peer leaders and immediately applicable curriculum for leading organizations.

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PARENTING IN PLACE MASTERCLASSES
Nov. 17 - Jan. 19
Parenting in Place: Helping Families Thrive in Challenging Times features 8 live, interactive masterclasses with parenting and wellness experts including Madeline Levine, Tina Payne Bryson, Tiffany Dufu, Devorah Heitner, Rosetta Lee, Cornelius Minor, Laura Vanderkam and more. Registration for the entire series is $39. See the fall line up and register here ([link removed]) and preview the winter series here ([link removed]) .

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Strategies for Student Well-Being and Engagement with Learning

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