Center for Supportive Schools

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.

06/10/2026

Want to see your student leaders truly shine this year?

With , students don’t just talk about change—they create it. 💡✨ This framework helps them take big dreams for their school community and turn them into real, visible impact in just one school year.🚀📅

As the adults who guide school culture, student voice, and leadership development, you play a pivotal role. If you’re looking to strengthen confidence, build leadership capacity, and deepen civic and community engagement, this is a powerful place to start.

Empower student leaders to lead the way!

06/08/2026

Last week, 8 members of the Center for Supportive Schools team attended the National Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference, joining educators, community leaders, and advocates from across the country.

Two key takeaways that continue to resonate with us:
✨ Strong family engagement happens when schools create authentic partnerships with families—not just opportunities for participation.
✨ Student success is strengthened when schools leverage community voices, cultural assets, and shared leadership to build welcoming and inclusive environments.

We are inspired by the innovative work happening nationwide and excited to bring new ideas back to our school communities.

06/05/2026

✨ FREE Classroom Check-In Resource ✨

For those who work in schools, June is a month when a concern with rigor is front and center in every way. It is also true, in June, that relaxation beckons from around the corner! So:

Briefly describe one kind of rigor that’s occupying your personal or professional life right now.

Then, if you’d like, share some way that you are looking forward to getting at least a little bit of relaxation this summer.

06/03/2026

Are you looking for meaningful ways to connect students across grade levels and elevate student voice and leadership? You’re not alone. More and more school leaders are tapping into student leadership and innovation to strengthen relationships and create opportunities for students to drive real change.

How are you currently leveraging student experiences and student voice in your school community?

Our partners at Island Montessori School in Wilmington, North Carolina used to build stronger connections and empower students to lead across grade levels. In just one school year, student leaders used their voices to create a more connected, supportive, and engaged school community.

Are you ready to see what happens when students lead in your school?

Email us at [email protected] to schedule a call and learn how to bring WSL to your school community.

06/01/2026

Check out this new article from EdWeek:

The best professional development for principals has a lot in common with the best PD for teachers.

05/29/2026

🌟 Free Resource Friday: Closing the Year with Connection

As the school year comes to a close, students may remember many things—but what often stays with them longest is how they made others feel and how others made them feel. At CSS, we know that strong relationships are at the heart of student success. This week's Free Resource Friday focuses on helping students reflect on the connections they've built throughout the year.

Free Resource: Connection Reflections: Celebrating Our School Community

This adaptable activity invites students to recognize and appreciate the peers, educators, and staff members who made a positive impact on their school experience this year.

Students are encouraged to complete reflection cards or notes using prompts such as:

✨ A classmate who helped me feel welcome this year...
✨ An adult at school who encouraged me when I needed it...
✨ Someone who made me laugh, smile, or feel included...
✨ A person who helped me grow this year...
✨ One thing I appreciate about our classroom or school community...

The activity can be used across grade levels in classrooms, advisories, student leadership groups, morning meetings, or end-of-year celebrations.

Intentional reflection helps students:
✔ Strengthen their sense of belonging
✔ Recognize the value of positive relationships
✔ Practice gratitude and empathy
✔ End the school year on a positive and connected note

As educators, creating opportunities for students to acknowledge and celebrate one another reinforces the message that every member of the school community matters.

Here's to closing the year with gratitude, connection, and community.

05/27/2026

Students are driving the change they want to see—and we’re creating spaces for their leadership to shine ✨

Join us tomorrow 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET for Elevating Student Voice: When Students Lead Workshop

Discover how student‑led initiatives are shaping stronger, more inclusive school communities and how we can create more opportunities for authentic student leadership.

Register here: https://forms.gle/KRz1xQTVunggdtwXA