Mindful Pathways
College and Career Readiness and Social Emotional Learning
Daryl Beebe
Erica Tenant, Amanda Faughnan, Maria Mitter, Daryl Beebe
HBCU Fair- Thursday, November 9, 2023
We will be hosting our third annual HBCU (Historically Black College and University) College and Career Fair on November 9.
On November 9, 2023, Wayne Westland Community Schools College Career Readiness Department will host our third annual (HBCU)Historically Black Colleges and University and Fair. Over the past two years the HBCU Fair and Experience has been a huge success. Did you know there are 107 colleges and universities in the United States that are identified by the US Department of Education as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)?
HBCUs are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the intention of primarily serving African Americans. Most of these institutions were founded during the Reconstruction era and are concentrated in the Southern United States. During the period of racial segregation in the United States, the majority of American institutions of higher education served predominantly white students, and disqualified or limited black American students from enrollment. African American college students who attended predominately white institutions often faced discriminatory practices. HBCUs afforded black students an opportunity to further their education and earn a college degree.
Cheyney University in Pennsylvania is the oldest HBCU still in operation and North Carolina A & T State University is the nation’s largest HBCU by enrollment with approximately 13,500 students enrolled. Of those 107 colleges and universities, three are currently closed.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities offer a great option for our Wayne Westland Community School District scholars.
Save The Date- Nov. 16, 2023
From 1999-2021, nearly 645,000 people died from an overdose involving any opioid, including prescription and illicit opioids. The number of drug overdose deaths increased more than 16% from 2020 to 2021. Over 75% of the nearly 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021 involved an opioid. To address this Crisis, The Social Emotional Learning Department is sponsoring: Combating the Opioid Crisis.
Please join us for an evening full of important information about the dangers of opioids, which may be easier for children and youth to access than you think. This event will feature David Clayton, Director of the HARM:LESS Program at Families Against Narcotics, who also happens to be a person in recovery. Following the presentation, we will have a panel of guests from: Families Against Narcotics, Retired 26th District Court Judge Laura Mack, Wayne Police Department and Wayne-Westland Community Schools.
There will be resource tables before and after this event, (from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm and 7:00 pm-7:30 pm). In addition, FREE Narcan training will be provided to anyone interested from 7:00 pm-7:30 pm. Anyone who takes the class will also receive a FREE Narcan kit.
College and Career Week Tik Tok
Check out our new College and Career Readiness & Social Emotional Learning Department TikTok, where we will feature some of the fantastic initiatives we have to support and prepare students and their families. Check out our first video, (SOUND UP!) which highlights College and Career Readiness Week, which ran October 23-27!
To follow our CCR/SEL TikTok Channel, please scan the following QR code (TikTok will not work in school buildings, FYI) or search "WWCSD_CCR_SEL" in the search bar on TikTok (at the top).
November is Children's Grief Awareness Month and in honor of this important initiative, SandCastles planned a few educational events for the community.
On Monday, November 13 at 7:00 pm, SandCastles will host a virtual event with guest Jenny Lisk, presenting "How to Be a Better Grief Ally." Jenny is the author of "Widowed Parents Unite: 52 Tips to Get Through the First Year, from One Widowed Parent to Another," "Widows Parent Unite," and "Future Widow;" founder of the Widowed Parent Institute; and host of the Widowed Parent podcast. Jenny will share how to better support those they know who are grieving the death of a loved one. Bring your questions for a lively discussion.
On Tuesday, November 28 at 7 PM ET, SandCastles program manager Peggy Nielsen and program coordinator Kailey Hanrath will discuss "When Grief Comes to School" during an evening online event. This evening will help educators and parents manage the ins-and-outs of education for a child who has suffered the death of a loved one.
Sign up for these events on Eventbrite at the links below!
Veteran's Day- November 11, 2023
Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served and the families who support them. The brave United States military members have defended our nation for generations and upheld our values to serve a cause greater than ourselves. They have helped shape our history, and we honor their sacrifices as we reflect and celebrate our veterans today.
There are many unique challenges veterans and their families face while in active service. Families may need to separate for long periods of time, move frequently, or experience anxiety as their loved ones put themselves in danger. After active duty, many veterans have a hard time adjusting to civilian life. Those who have experienced trauma may need professional help to heal. This is why it is so important as a school community to support our veterans and their families.
Here are three ways we can offer support:
Become a listening ear to veterans and their families. Let them know you are here for them and allow them space to discuss their feelings.
If needed, provide them with the Veterans Crisis Line, available 24/7, by dialing 988 and pressing 1.
Connect them to Care Solace, a mental health care coordination service provided by Wayne-Westland Community School District, for ongoing support. If you or a family member would like to use Care Solace to help you find a mental health or substance use treatment provider:
Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
Visit www.caresolace.com/wwcsd and either search on your own OR click "Book Appointment" for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Social Emotional Learning
Amanda Faughnan- Supervisor of Social Emotional Learning and Family Resource Center
Wayne-Westland Community Schools has a Family Resource Center (FRC), which provides services to any student/family enrolled in our District, free of cost. Some of the services they provide are: basic need assistance, access to over 700 local resources, Laundry Assistance Program and material items for those unable to afford them (emergency toiletries, socks/underwear, hats/gloves/scarves, etc.) They are also able to supply school supplies and backpacks year round for any WWCS student. Please contact our Family Resource Center at: 734-419-2709 or FRC@wwcsd.net. Our FRC also has a Digital Request for Services Form, which can be used to request assistance by filling out a simple form. Please contact the Family Resource Center directly with any additional questions regarding their services.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Our Family Resource Center (Jess McMahen, Brenda Ozog and Alexis Johnson) & District McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison (Amanda Faughnan) support WWCS students and families who are experiencing homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act provides rights and services to children and youth who are homeless, which includes those who are: sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship or similar reason; staying in a motel or camp grounds due to the lack of an adequate alternative; staying in shelters or transitional housing; or sleeping in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing or similar settings. If you know of a student who may be experiencing homelessness, please reach out to our Family Resource Center at 734-419-2709 or FRC@wwcsd.net, so we can reach out to the family and offer assistance. Please see this video for more information about the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
Classroom Activity Breaks to Support Social Emotional Learning
Taking a classroom activity break can be a great way to redirect attention and antsy behavior to a fun, interactive activity or game. These games can also be used at home. Sometimes all students need is a short opportunity to analyze their current situation, reflect and responsibly choose their next action. Physical activity breaks in the classroom provide students an opportunity to practice these skills, while increasing to energize the brain. Last month, we shared some different activity break ideas. We are adding to that list this month, with new activity break ideas. Please check out the links below!
Source: Source: InPACT at School
Elementary Activity Break Ideas
Middle School Activity Break Ideas
Would You Rather? Fall Edition
Be a Buddy, Not a Bully
Compassion Project Winner, Kaleb Eikenberg from Wildwood Elementary
Be a Buddy, Not a Bully
Be a Buddy, Not a Bully
During the week of October 16-20, our elementary buildings celebrated “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully” week. This week is full of activities that encourage students to show kindness and compassion to each other. Our K-5 buildings had a different theme each day during the week, which included “Keep the Peace Day”, “Wacky Wednesday” and more. We spent this week celebrating differences, learning how to show compassion, learning how to problem solve when others are being unkind and learning how to be a buddy to our friends at school (and in life!)
Pictured are students from Hicks Elementary School, where students and staff signed classroom pledges to “Be a Buddy”!
Video Corner
CCR Week
Stem Demo from MIAT
Joint Venture Hospital Laboratories Visit
On Monday 10/23 two John Glenn science classes were able to attend presentations by Joint Venture Hospital Laboratories on Medical Laboratory Science careers. Students learned about the field, colleges with programs, various entry points from Technician to Pathologist, and the impact that laboratory results make on patient care. This session complimented the work students were doing in class and helped all students understand a variety of career opportunities.
EMU Just Build It Event
Hosted by Washtenaw Contractors Association Foundation, the Just Build It! Construction Career Expo is the most comprehensive and longest running career exploration program in Michigan.
Our one-day career expo introduces students in grades 8-12 to the exciting careers available in architecture, engineering, construction and skilled trades.
Fiesta of Free Cash- Thursday, December 7, 2023
Community Financial Credit Union
Community Financial Credit Union is opening a student-led branch
inside of John Glenn High School on October 30. The branch is located
across the cafeteria and will be open during lunch for all students and
staff to access.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University will begin offering 6,000 Michiganders free tuition each year.
The free tuition takes effect during the fall of 2024.
The new financial aid program, the Spartan Tuition Advantage, will automatically cover the full cost of tuition for Pell Grant-eligible Michigan high school graduates with a family income of $65,000 or less.
The only paperwork necessary to apply will be the FAFSA, MSU said. In-state students who meet eligibility and complete a FAFSA are guaranteed coverage, but changes in your financial situation could change your eligibility.
College Visits
Students learning about admissions requirements, housing, and student life at Central Michigan University.
Central Michigan University
University of Olivet
Kalamazoo College
Wayne Memorial lecture hall filled with students interested in learning more about admissions requirements and student life at The University of Michigan Ann Arbor
WCCCD:Dr Curtis Johnson speaking to students about cultivating life goals and how to follow through.
Students attending the informational session for Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Paying For College: Presented by Oakland University
Scholarships
Distinguished Young Women
Virtual Financial Aid Webinars
Students and their families interested in learning about financial aid basics are encouraged to register for a virtual presentation provided by Michigan Department of Treasury’s MI Student Aid team.
Participants will be able to gather information on the following financial aid topics:
FAFSA application information
Federal financial aid programs
State financial aid programs
Scholarship searching resources
All sessions are free of charge and open to the public. Register for one session only, as space is limited.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
Students and their families looking to secure more financial aid for college are encouraged to register for an informational webinar about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which is the newest State of Michigan scholarship program expected to impact the majority of students.
Participants will be able to gather the following information:
Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements
Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts
Important action items for students and families
Additional resources and program information
All sessions are free of charge and open to the public. Register for one session only, as space is limited.
Upward Bound
Boundless
We have had a busy month, and are so proud of our UB students. Our seniors have applied to 170 colleges, have already gathered over 100 acceptances, and we have 2 Questbridge finalists! In our Upward Bound Seminar Class, our students are currently working in self-facilitated Lit Circles, and in their after-school hours have volunteered at 15 different school and community events so far this fall. We have toured Eastern Michigan University, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and visited the Detroit Institute of Arts Ofrendas Exhibit.
It has been tremendously exciting this fall that three prestigious universities specifically reached out to UB to visit with students at Wayne. We were proud to host admission rep visits with Columbia University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, for the invited student body-at-large. All three reps stated that they are reaching out to better recruit and serve underrepresented populations, and that Wayne H.S. has developed a reputation for producing students ready to succeed at competitive universities.
University of Michigan-Dearborn tour
Eastern Michigan University tour
MIT Rep Visit
Lastly, we had a wonderful time through our involvement at the Wayne H.S. community engagement event “Spooktacular”, a community engagement event in our grant. Upward Bound sponsored a popular cupcake decorating craft room, and we were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response, with approximately 450 K-5 students and community members taking part in the fun!
Contact us at 734-419-2084