Elementary Authors Create ‘Stronger Connections’

Fourth Graders Gather for Book-Signing Celebration

The Stronger Connections movement emerged in response to students’ expressed need for psychological safety and a true sense of belonging. The goal is to create environments where all students can be their best selves. The five pillars are:

• Values & Cultural Affirmations
• Home/Community Connections
• Growth Mindset
• Social Belonging
• Wise Critiques

Our district’s Department of Unity, Belonging, & Student Efficacy (UBSE) implements various components through expanded learning after-school programs for elementary students, cultural and affinity mentoring groups for middle school students, student voice and advocacy groups for high school students, and professional learning for teachers and leaders.

Last spring, UBSE launched the after-school program in 17 schools, with the focus on third graders believing in themselves as readers and authors. District staff developed the curriculum with the support of teachers at each school, and the students’ test results were exceptional, marked by gap decreases and improved scores.

“I encouraged (my son), and it went very well,” said Shondalyn Woodard, whose fourth grader attends Lansdowne Elementary. “He made new friends and stronger connections,” she added.

To cap the program, the students each wrote an original story titled “Creating Stronger Connections at (school name),” and the books were printed this summer with copies for the students and their school’s library. To celebrate the accomplishments, UBSE hosted a book-signing event Sept. 7 for the now-fourth graders and their families.

Educator and author Willie Carver Jr. spoke briefly to the crowd at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, praising the children’s efforts. “You’re already doing incredible things, and you already have important things to say,” he told the students. “You’re already a writer, and we are so proud of you.”