Center for Supportive Schools

09/04/2026

🎉 Students are leading the way in Oakland!

We’re thrilled to see KTVU spotlight the power of peer leadership to help students feel connected, supported, and excited to be in school.

Through a transformative $1 million investment from GreenLight Fund Bay Area, the Center for Supportive Schools is bringing Peer Group Connection (PGC) to Oakland—empowering older students to mentor younger peers and create stronger, more connected school communities. 💙

Because when students have someone in their corner, belonging grows, engagement grows, and possibilities grow.

📺 Watch the KTVU feature and see peer leadership in action!
👉 https://bit.ly/4qQbtTV

Green Light Fund Bay Area is investing $1 million in a leadership program that will pair older students mentors with younger classmates to keep them in school.

09/02/2026

🏫 What if student leadership could be the key to a stronger culture of belonging?

Join the Center for Supportive Schools (CSS) and Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (BRSE) on Tuesday, September 22 at 3:00 p.m. ET for Creating a Culture of Belonging—an interactive virtual event exploring how intentional peer relationships and student leadership can help students feel more connected to their peers and their school community.

You’ll:
✨ Discover Peer Group Connection (PGC), CSS’s evidence-based peer-to-peer leadership program
📊 Explore impact data, including attendance and social-emotional learning outcomes
🎤 Learn how student voice and leadership can strengthen school culture
👀 Get a sneak peek at what’s ahead at the BRSE National Conference at Walt Disney World Resort

Whether you’re a district leader, school administrator, counselor, educator, or student-support professional, you’ll leave with practical ideas for creating schools where students feel seen, supported, and connected.

📅 September 22, 2026
⏰ 3:00 p.m. ET
💻 Virtual
Register today: https://bit.ly/4hOCu7L

Join the Center for Supportive Schools (CSS) and Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (BRSE) on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. (EDT) for Creating a Culture of Belonging: Empowering Students to Lead, Connect, & Thrive, an interactive virtual event exploring how intentional peer relationships....

08/31/2026

What if the key to keeping students in school is connection?

KTVU is shining a spotlight on the power of peer leadership to combat chronic absenteeism in Oakland.

Through a $1 million investment from GreenLight Fund Bay Area, the Center for Supportive Schools is bringing Peer Group Connection (PGC) to Oakland—empowering older students to mentor younger peers, build belonging, and strengthen engagement.

When students lead, students connect. And when students connect, they’re more likely to thrive.

🎥 Watch the KTVU feature: https://bit.ly/4qQbtTV

Green Light Fund Bay Area is investing $1 million in a leadership program that will pair older students mentors with younger classmates to keep them in school.

08/26/2026

For nearly 50 years, Peer Group Connection has helped students build the relationships, skills, and sense of belonging they need to stay engaged in school. Now, CSS is partnering with GreenLight Fund Bay Area to bring this proven approach to more students—serving 7,000+ students across the Bay Area.

Together, we’re helping more students show up, connect, and thrive. Full press release available here: https://bit.ly/3TYh0LN

GreenLight Fund Bay Area invests $1M to bring Peer Group Connection to Oakland, reaching 7,200+ students across 10 schools.

08/19/2026

See https://bit.ly/3TYh0LN for an exciting announcement of a transformative investment into CSS! We are so excited to partner with GreenLight Fund Bay Area to address chronic absenteeism and student disengagement beginning this fall in Oakland!



07/06/2026

CSS is thrilled to serve as a Sponsor for the 2026 Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence National Conference! Join us for engaging workshop sessions and an inspiring keynote address from our CEO, Dr. Jonathan Mathis, and Trustee, Dr. John Tupponce. We hope to see you there!

06/26/2026

✨ FREE Resource Fridays ✨

Summer Connection Challenge

As students head into summer break, many are excited for time away from school—but they can also lose opportunities for connection, reflection, and belonging.

This simple Summer Connection Challenge encourages students to stay engaged with their families, friends, and communities while building skills that support well-being and positive relationships.

☀️ Summer Connection Challenge
How many can you complete this summer?

Connect with Yourself
✔️Try something new you've never done before
✔️Read a book, article, or story that interests you
✔️Write down three things you're grateful for
✔️Spend time outdoors and notice something beautiful
✔️Set one goal for yourself and take a step toward it

Connect with Others
✔️Write a thank-you note to someone who helped you this year
✔️Have a conversation with a family member about their childhood
✔️Call, text, or visit a friend you haven't talked to in a while
✔️Give someone a genuine compliment
✔️Help someone without being asked

Connect with Your Community
✔️Visit a local library, park, or community event
✔️Learn something new about your neighborhood or town
✔️Support a local business or community organization
✔️Pick up litter or help care for a shared space
✔️Volunteer or participate in a community service activity

Connect with Your Future
✔️Learn one new skill
✔️Explore a career or job that interests you
✔️Reflect on one thing you want to accomplish next school year
✔️Create a vision board or list of goals for the future
✔️Write a letter to your future self

Reflection Question
Which challenge was the most meaningful to you and why?

06/18/2026

📣 Students know exactly what helps them feel connected, motivated, and ready to learn — and when we elevate their voices, the impact is real.

Research shows that schools with strong student voice practices see higher engagement, stronger relationships, and better attendance. One national study found that when students feel heard, they are 2x more likely to report high levels of engagement and show improved attendance and academic outcomes.

✨ How have you brought student voice into your leadership this year?

Let’s keep building schools where students lead and adults listen with intention.

06/16/2026

Graduation celebrates more than a diploma — it celebrates growth.

This year students mentored, led, listened, and lifted each other up.
Those lessons last longer than any school year 🎓

We’re proud of every student who stepped up and led.

06/12/2026

✨ FREE Resource Fridays ✨

Summer Wishes

As we bring the school year to a close, we want to encourage students to celebrate their accomplishments while looking ahead to the summer break with optimism and intention.

Invite students to reflect on the following prompts:

"One thing I am proud of from this school year is..."
"One thing I hope to do or learn this summer is..."
"One way I will take care of myself this summer is..."
"One thing I want to remember from this year is..."

The transition into summer can feel abrupt. This reflection helps students acknowledge growth while building excitement and hope for the months ahead.