THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022 Page 17 EXCELLENCE | FROM PAGE 16 fied Mental Health First Aid instructor and is working with local community partners to bring this important training to our community of teachers and school support staff. Once 10 percent of EHS staff are certified in Mental Health First Aid, Everett Public Schools will have the option of bringing this learning opportunity to 16- to 18-year-old students in the district. Calming Corners refers to a quiet area of a classroom equipped with soft furnishings and soothing materials to help a student who might be feeling stressed or upset. The spaces are meant to be positive, not punitive – places that reward students for recognizing that they need to take a break before they can re-engage in learning. Calming Corners is a recognized Tier 1 SELWELL strategy, which refers to teaching approaches and tools available universally to all students in EPS classrooms. Beginning this month, the district is launching a partnership with author/educator Dr. Amy Ballin to bring Calming Corners to classrooms through a professional development course. Each participant will earn a $750.00 grant award to create a Calming Corner or expand an existing Corner in their classroom. Participants will also receive a stipend to install a Calming Corner in their classroom. “Our teachers and staff are doing an exceptional job in exceptional circumstances,” said Tahiliani. “We believe these opportunities will only enhance the thoughtful and positive work they are already doing every day.” Successful search Everett High School is thrilled to announce that 10 sophomores have been accepted into Summer Search, a seven-year mentorship program that supports students through college and other post-secondary pursuits. Summer Search is a national organization with locations in several major cities. While it extends opportunities to EverLIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA ett students, it is not funded by the EPS or a formal partner of the district. Students and families pursue Summer Search’s mentoring programming independently. Summer Search provides comprehensive support through one-on-one mentorship from trained staff, peerled group mentorship, career development, goal setting and adventurous summer travel experiences. Summer Search serves students who dream of a college education and who could most benefit from experiential opportunities and mentoring to reach that dream. Its students live in households with a median family income of $24,000. Summer Search offers hightouch mentoring and summer developmental opportunities that together strengthen the beliefs and skills students need to succeed. Its model is grounded in current research on adolescence and educational attainment and capitalizes on the unique opportunities present during this developmental period. Every Summer Search student is paired with a staff mentor who builds an authentic and long-lasting relationship and provides individualized support for many facets of a student’s life, including navigating the complex college process, discussing their identity, and everything in between at school, at home and in the community. In addition, Summer Search provides challenging summer experiential (wilderness, community service, academic programs, internships) opportunities. “Congratulations to our EHS sophomores for being accepted into the Summer Search mentorship program, which has a wide and well-earned reputation in urban education circles for providing unparalleled opportunities to its students,” said Tahiliani.
18 Publizr Home