Center for Supportive Schools

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!

✨ 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?

📣 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.

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.

✨ 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.

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!

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.

✨ 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.

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.

Check out this new article from EdWeek:

Lessons Learned About Effective Professional Development for Principals The best professional development for principals has a lot in common with the best PD for teachers.