New RFPs for Grants to be Used for School Climate ImprovementJan 05 2010by Sally Ember, Ed.D., Outreach DirectorSchool budgets continue to be cut, and school staffing reduced. Yet, schools are obligated to provide safe and appropriate learning environments. We have prepared an outline that contains links to several possible new ways to acquire Federal funding for school climate improvement, prevention of bullying, and other ways to keep schools free of violence and mistreatment. Some of these require partnering with other schools/organizations. Some of them require information that Community Matters can provide, upon request, and we would be quite willing to assist in that way. Please review these opportunities by downloading the outline here and click on the links contained therein to find out more. Check back on this blog frequently for updates, new RFPs, and more funding for fostering and maintaining safer, more welcoming schools in difficult economic times. We look forward to collaborating to improve school climate and safety. 
Recent PostsThe Financial Costs of Bullying, Violence, and VandalismCommunity Matters has developed an auditing tool, called the School Climate Loss and Cost Calculator, to help administrators more accurately identify the cost of behaviors associated with a negative school climate. Hot news from the White HouseArne Duncan’s Opening Remarks at the 1st Annual Bullying Summit held in August 2010: “The Myths About Bullying: Secretary Arne Duncan’s Remarks at the Bullying Prevention Summit.” Fifth Grader Takes Action Against BullyingZiainey Stokes, a young student from West Philadelphia certainly provides timely evidence that schools are in critical need of programs such as Safe School Ambassadors to prevent violence and bullying in schools. CM Executive Director Delivers Keynote Address at Bullying Prevention Conference in BostonAs the Keynote Speaker, Community Matters Executive Director, Rick Phillips, shared with the audience that building a safer school climate is a complex process that requires a balance between attending to security as well as relationships. The Cost and Benefits of Caring in Spite of Bullying and Violent TraumaWhen schools tap into the power of the students and take time to show that they care, especially students affected by trauma, students become empowered. |