Growing Stronger for Students
Spring has finally arrived—and with the new flowers sprouting come new opportunities. At Safe Schools, we’re continually evolving to meet the changing needs of our local schools, youth, and families. One of the ways we do this is by prioritizing staff training, so we’re always prepared to support our partners and the young people in our schools. We take every opportunity to expand the tools and strategies our team uses to work with youth, from monthly staff meetings to professional development during school breaks.
Just as important as ongoing training are the strengths and lived experiences our staff bring to this work. We are intentional about hiring Credible Messengers—team members whose experiences reflect those of the students and families we serve. This includes staff who speak more than one language; who are refugees or immigrants; who live in the same communities as the families we support; who are raising school-aged children; and who have personally navigated challenges in school, either themselves or with their children.
We take pride in being accessible, present, and responsive. By combining ongoing professional learning with the real-world insight of our team, we’re able to build trust, reduce barriers, and help students succeed in school.
With hope and purpose,
Anne
LATEST UPDATES
Inside Our Schools: SSMV at Work
Each month, Safe Schools’ staff lead engaging activities designed to build connection, strengthen social–emotional skills, and support students in meaningful ways. Check out some of the projects and lessons happening inside our partner schools.
YCM Cory Williams represented SSMV at the MSA Wellness & Career Fair at MSA BOCES, connecting with students by asking them to name a healthy coping skill they already use, then reinforced those skills with stress balls and journals.
Students worked on an “affirmations coins” activity, self-identifying feelings, and then shared positive affirmations throughout their classrooms and hallways in various schools we work in.
SSMV staff Adrian Alesandro created a sidewalk affirmation project at Conkling Elementary! Students and staff read friendly reminders as they prepared for state testing.
General Herkimer Elementary SSMV staff Lytavia Boyd created a calming corner for students, helping them to self-regulate and allowing them to manage emotions and adapt to changing circumstances.
At Kernan Elementary, SSMV Staff Jennifer Crawford’s students shared how they were feeling and used an emoji board to engage in discussion on behaviors and emotions.
At Hughes Elementary, YCM Grace Abel created a St. Patrick’s theme display to encourage students with positive “You Are” affirmations.
At Whitesboro high school, YCM Giavanna Gerstner, worked with students analyzing female icons and trailblazers for Women’s History Month, while engaging in conversation about leadership, history and gender equity.
Selena Matthews, YCM at Brookfield Central School District, prepared a bulletin board featuring outstanding women leaders for Women’s History Month.
Community Spotlight: Kindness Coins
Our latest Community Service Spotlight featured Kindness Coins, a project designed to encourage positive attitudes—especially in moments when we feel overwhelmed. At each school, students created “coins” with messages of kindness and encouragement, then shared them with other agencies such as nursing homes for both residents and those in rehab.
Staff Training Retreat: Staying Current to Better Support Students
Over Spring Break, the SSMV team came together for a Staff Training Retreat to strengthen how we support students, families, and school partners. Ongoing professional learning is a priority at SSMV and our staff trains throughout the year to stay current on emerging trends and practical strategies that help reduce barriers to learning.
Highlights included insights from the Utica Police Department on what they are seeing on Utica streets, safety ideas for our staff, and a refresher on SSMV’s service offerings led by Jovonna Torres. Melanie Adams also shared an exciting preview of this summer’s Urban Leadership Institute.
We closed by celebrating our COO, James Franco, on his 16th anniversary with SSMV and recognizing his continued dedication to our mission.
