Dear Morningside Center friends,

In this newsletter you'll find stories from teachers on the impact of circles in their school, as well as a new holiday lesson collection, and a great opportunity for NYC after school programs.

Also, it is that time of the year: We've launched our winter fund appeal! You can check out some of the work we've accomplished in 2022 - with the support of our generous donors - and donate to our campaign to support young circle keepers here.

For over five years, Morningside Center trainer Marieke van Woerkom has supported educators at Philadelphia's Global Leadership Academy West as they used circles to integrate social and emotional learning and restorative practices into their work with young people. 

Here, two gifted teachers tell Marieke how their school has strengthened connections among students and empowered them to resolve their own conflicts. The key? Circles.

Watch here.

Morningside Center is now offering free training and coaching for NYC middle school after school programs in social and emotional learning, restorative practices, community building, and more!

Training consists of eight virtual workshops and on-site coaching that can that can be spread over five months.

These workshops are open to both DYCD and non-DYCD programs that serve students in grades 6-8.

View the flyer

Apply now

Winter Holidays Bundle

Make space in your classroom for students to share their holiday traditions, as well as their feelings about the upcoming holidays - whatever they may be - with this holiday lesson collection. 

The bundle also includes lessons on self-care over the holidays, holiday consumption, plus activities to foster joy, including collective craft projects that invite students' creativity - and will brighten your classroom.  

Economic Inequality and the “Maximum Wage”

The gap between rich and poor is still growing. Students examine the evidence, and consider what young people, and others, are doing to raise wages and close the gap.

Healing Circle: Attack in Colorado Springs

In a healing circle, students share their responses to the attack on an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs. Also see our general guidelines and other resources for discussing upsetting issues in the classroom. 

“Circles build relationships. Circles give you power and voice. Circles give you confidence. Circles give love.

Circles give strength.” – Ms. Mackey, 8th grade teacher