SchoolTalk DC

Click link in bio to apply. SchoolTalk is seeking a Restorative Justice Program Specialist/Senior Specialist to work directly with the RestorativeDC Program Director as a technical expert in restorative justice in schools and communities.

SchoolTalk is seeking a Restorative Justice Program Specialist/Senior Specialist to work directly with the RestorativeDC Program Director as a technical expert in restorative justice in schools and communities. Click to apply!

Restorative Justice Program Specialist SchoolTalk, Inc. is now hiring for the position of Restorative Justice Program Specialist in Washington. Apply today.

Day 2 at the conference we had the pleasure of facilitating a powerful session named Black Male Educators as More than Disciplinarian. Epic!                            

Grateful to our consultants and Mama Makini for facilitating a fantastic circle session focused on R.E.I.D. this morning at the 9th annual conference. together.

SchoolTalk is looking for an individual who is passionate about working with youth with disabilities to support our Work-based Learning initiatives. Our Work-based Learning Specialist will support our work by providing direct work-based learning services to youth and engaging with the local DC business community. We are specifically looking for professionals who have experience in special education, workforce development, or vocational rehabilitation.

SchoolTalk seeks someone passionate about working with youth with disabilities to support our Work-based Learning initiatives. Our Work-based Learning Coordinator will support our work by providing direct work-based learning services to youth and engaging with the local DC business community. We are specifically looking for professionals who have experience in special education, workforce development, or vocational rehabilitation.

Work-based Learning Specialist SchoolTalk, Inc. is now hiring for the position of Work-based Learning Specialist in Washington. Apply today.

ATTENTION‼️ Due to multiple requests, we have extended the deadline to July 8th! The link is in our bio!

DC Please don’t forget it is still time to sign-up for SY 24-25 Support surrounding Restorative Practices!
Register Today! 🗣️

Summer Training is available. The application link is in our bio!

Voices of Change 2024 starts now! Thanks to all our partners DC Rehabilitation Services Administration,

Our Restorative Justice Program Director, Yazid Jackson, recently joined Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Girls Inc., and American University’s School of Education to discuss how restorative justice practices in schools offer a crucial alternative to zero-tolerance discipline for young girls of color.

Together, they explored transformative approaches that prioritize empathy and healing, steering away from negative outcomes. Educators, counselors, and mental health professionals were all in attendance to discover ways to champion the health and well-being of girls of color.

Shout out to Yazid Jackson and partners for amplifying voices and paving the way for inclusive education!

Our DC Secondary Transition Community of Practice is back from hiatus! Register today for our upcoming monthly sessions!

This community of practice, funded by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education, comprises a citywide cross-section of stakeholders who come together to help each other and take action to improve outcomes for D.C. students with disabilities transitioning to adulthood.

Learn more and register at www.schooltalkdc.org/st-cop

UPCOMING MONTHLY MEETINGS

All sessions are Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (usually via Zoom)
- March 26
- April 23
- May 21
- June 11
- July 16
- August 13
- September 10

It's with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear colleague, Floyd N. Bronson of SchoolTalk's RestorativeDC. His impact on our community was profound, and we take this time to celebrate his legacy.

More than a colleague, Floyd served as a beacon of empathy, compassion, and support. His dedication to fostering inclusivity, ensuring every student felt supported, no matter their challenges, resonated throughout his work. As a devoted husband and father of four, Floyd embodied family and community values, extending warmth and understanding to all he encountered. His belief in redemption and the inherent goodness in people shaped his restorative practices, recognizing individuals' capacity for growth beyond their lowest moments.

Through innovative program development, insightful training sessions, and steadfast support for schools integrating restorative practices, Floyd profoundly impacted countless lives, leaving an indelible imprint on our community. With over 25 years as an educator, Floyd's infectious laughter, comforting presence, and unwavering commitment shone through, whether as the Manager of Culture at Meridian Public Charter School or in his various roles in New Jersey's educational landscape. Though Floyd may no longer be with us, his memory lives on in the countless lives he touched and the transformative work he championed. Let's honor his legacy by continuing to create positive change in the lives of others.

Here are a few quotes from those who worked with him closest:

- “Floyd was a truth teller, a master instigator, and a beautiful human being who brought joy and connection to SchoolTalk and the people we serve. He was deeply passionate about the work of transforming school environments into places where everyone who entered the building was seen as someone with a story to tell and a valued member of the community.” –Leila Peterson, Executive Director, SchoolTalk

- “Floyd was a gift in my life that I didn’t know I needed. We met doing the work and my best work was in his presence (with his support). The banter from Uber rides, the office, in restaurants, and walks in downtown Chicago will forever be missed. The wisdom I’ve received from him will forever be valued and cherished. We started as colleagues and ended as brothers!” –Yazid Jackson, Restorative Justice Program Director, SchoolTalk

- “Floyd was absolutely a dynamic trainer and wonderful person. I was present in the training he did last week and it was just incredible. We are holding Floyd’s family and the entire School Talk family in our hearts.” – Sheila Clark, DC Department of Human Services

- “Over the last 3 years, Floyd was an integral part of our community, and his guidance, dedication, humor, and infectious spirit will be sorely missed. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your team, and we share in your sadness.” – Denise Edwards, Principal, Sojourner Truth Montessori Public Charter School

A celebration of Floyd's life will take place on March 1, 2024, at 7 pm at Celebration Church in Columbia, MD (7101 Riverwood Dr. Columbia, MD, 21046).

For those who wish to support Floyd’s family, visit his GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/floyd-bronson

We'll miss you, Floyd. Rest in peace.
With love and solidarity,

- The SchoolTalk Family

Check out our latest Podcast! This episode, the final in this initial series, is on & . Hear staff & students at Columbia Heights Educational Campus share how restorative justice has changed their school, lives, and community.

https://schooltalkdc.org/circleupdc

Funded by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education

SchoolTalk is looking for an individual who is passionate about working with youth with disabilities to support our Work-based Learning initiatives. Our Work-based Learning Coordinator will support our work through providing direct work-based learning services to youth and engaging with the local DC business community. We are specifically looking for professionals who have experience in special education, workforce development, or vocational rehabilitation. Apply today!

Work-based Learning Coordinator SchoolTalk, Inc. is now hiring for the position of Work-based Learning Coordinator in Washington. Apply today.

On behalf of our staff, youth, educators, and partners, thank you! This year, SchoolTalk continued to support schools by providing them with the mindsets, skills, and tools to adapt to the new learning environment and mitigate the challenges students and educators face. Your continued support has made our work with DC students, schools, and systems possible. In 2024, we hope we can count on you to accomplish even more.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy holiday season!

Donate today at https://schooltalkdc.org/donate

https://youtu.be/PdBUV8W4Kzw

Happy Holidays from SchoolTalk (2023) Thanks for a great year at SchoolTalk. Watch this video to learn about our work.

THERE’S STILL TIME…

..to donate to SchoolTalk for !

Support us by making a one-time donation or commit to becoming a foundational supporter by signing up for monthly donations in an amount that works for you! Donate today!

www.schooltalkdc.org/donate

Commit to change this and support SchoolTalk!

This year, we are looking for our champions to consider becoming Foundational Supporters, transforming their one-time gifts into recurring monthly donations to invest in SchoolTalk’s critical work year-round. Donate today!

www.schooltalkdc.org/donate

We need your support today!!

We are looking for our champions to consider becoming Foundational Supporters, transforming their one-time gifts into recurring monthly donations to invest in SchoolTalk’s critical work year-round.

www.schooltalkdc.org/donate

Today is ! We still need 5 more supporters to commit to becoming monthly Foundational Supporters. Here is the change your monthly donation could make:

- $10 could support the transportation of youth to attend one of our workshops.
- $25 could go provide a stipend for a youth for completing a work-based learning experience.
- $50 could support training youth in hard and soft skills or restorative practices.
- $100 could help provide access to industry-leading music and video production software.

Tomorrow is ! Show your support for SchoolTalk and D.C. youth!

LEARN. SHARE. DONATE!

This year, we are looking for our champions to consider becoming Foundational Supporters, transforming their one-time gifts into recurring monthly donations to invest in SchoolTalk’s critical work year-round.

www.schooltalkdc.org/donate

Want to listen to something that will uplift you on your commute this week? Check out our most recent podcast episode, “Integrating Arts with Restorative Practices,” to hear about how drama games benefit students' voice and self-worth and increase the capacity for social-emotional learning in the classroom. https://schooltalkdc.org/circleupdc

Calling all SchoolTalk supporters… We need your help today!

LEARN. SHARE. DONATE!

This year, we are looking for our champions to consider becoming Foundational Supporters, transforming their one-time gifts into recurring monthly donations to invest in SchoolTalk’s critical work year-round.

www.schooltalkdc.org/donate

“I honestly couldn’t do my job without SchoolTalk’s Secondary Transition Community of Practice. If not for connections with people already doing the work, I would not be successful in my role." —D.C. Educator

SchoolTalk's diverse and talented team has provided over 1200 school and community-based organization staff with professional development in community building, restorative justice, and skill-building for supporting students with disabilities. We are building a network of educators committed to transforming DC’s education system.

Follow us for a new video, story, or podcast episode every day from now until !

Are you a SchoolTalk fan? We need your help this giving season!

LEARN. SHARE. DONATE!

www.schooltalkdc.org/donate

Happy Turkey Day!! Don't miss out on having your donation matched dollar for dollar. Today is the last chance to have your donation of $50 matched at 100%.

Follow us for a new video, story, or podcast episode every day from now until !

You follow SchoolTalk on social media because you believe in our work with D.C. youth and schools? We need your help this !

LEARN. SHARE. DONATE!

This year, we are looking for our champions to consider becoming Foundational Supporters, transforming their one-time gifts into recurring monthly donations to invest in SchoolTalk’s critical work year-round.

www.schooltalkdc.org/donate

“I enjoyed the time I spent in this program. I’ve gotten more experience in writing music and doing what I love to do. I’ve also gotten to collaborate with other talented artists. Super grateful for my time spent here, and I can’t wait for all the new and exciting opportunities to occur.” - Youth Participant on InclusiveDC Programming

Check out this stop-motion video created by youth participants of our Arts to Advocacy program. https://youtu.be/g1KzGv4P7O8?feature=shared

Follow us for a new video, story, or podcast episode every day from now until Giving Tuesday!

SchoolTalk supporters…We need your help this giving season!

LEARN. SHARE. DONATE!

www.schooltalkdc.org/donate

“The morning community-building circles help because we're able to share our emotions and our feelings to our friends so they can get to know us more, and so we're not keeping secrets from each other.” - Youth Participant on RestorativeDC Programming

We’re excited to announce that any donation of $50 or more today and tomorrow will count twice. Double your impact and turn $50 to $100, $100 to $200, and so on, up to $5000! Let's work to make school a welcoming place for EVERY student.

Follow us for a new video, story, or podcast episode every day from now until !

Are you a fan of SchoolTalk? Do you love what we do? We need your help!

LEARN. SHARE. DONATE!

This year, we are looking for our champions to consider becoming Foundational Supporters, transforming their one-time gifts into recurring monthly donations to invest in SchoolTalk’s critical work year-round.

www.schooltalkdc.org/donate

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

- Reached 223 D.C. youth with nearly 8000 hours of SchoolTalk programming.
- Supported 30% of D.C.'s schools in cultivating inclusive and restorative climates.
- Equipped 1200 school staff with the mindsets and tools to better support marginalized students, including those with disabilities.
- Collaborated with 28 local organizations.

Follow us for a new video, story, or podcast episode every day from now until !

This summer, our InclusiveDC team developed the content for the new Secondary Transition Resource Hub for educators on the Office of the State Superintendent of Education's website. The page highlights five key transition strategies: Evidence-Based Practices, Family Partnerships, Professional Learning, Self-Determination, and Strategic Collaboration.

Check it out!

https://osse.dc.gov/page/secondary-transition-resource-hub

Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)!

October is all about recognizing inclusivity and opportunity. Five local businesses were honored at the Rehabilitation Services Administration's NDEAM Annual Celebration for their commitment to providing transitional work experiences through the 2023 JumpStart Program. In total, they supported 30 talented students!

Huge thanks to our dedicated business partners who are making a difference every day:

🌼 City Blossoms
🍎 Marthas Table
💌 Smithsonian National Postal Museum
🏫 Shepherd Elementary School
💪 SPIRIT Club

Let's continue to work together for a more inclusive and equitable workforce! 💼💕

- - - INTEGRATING ARTS WITH RESTORATIVE PRACTICES - - -

www.schooltalkdc.org/circleupdc

Check out our new podcast episode to learn some of the many ways that the arts can be integrated with restorative practices to foster a positive school culture and climate, support student and staff leadership, and develop conflict resolution skills. Our featured guest, Jermar Rountree (2023 DC Teacher of the Year) shares how drama games benefit student voice and self-worth and increase the capacity for social-emotional learning in the classroom.

Featuring: Dr. Carmen White and Dr. Lennie Smith, Dramatic Solutions Inc (SchoolTalk RestorativeDC consultants providing technical assistance and coaching); Jermar Rountree, Center City Public Charter Schools, Brightwood Campus (2023 DC Teacher of the Year)

www.schooltalkdc.org/circleupdc

As we approach the end of this month, we are incredibly grateful for all who have donated their time and money in support of SchoolTalk's Youth Media & Arts Studio, an initiative created in partnership with Asheru (Guerilla Arts Ink), Konshens the MC (Edutainment Unlimited LLC), and Will Starks (Lyarks Films). The support provided by our ever-growing community will allow us to inspire countless D.C. students with disabilities and their peers through the transformative power of art!

Earlier this month we hosted an intimate fundraiser and studio preview where youth were able to share their artwork, including this stop-motion commercial for the studio (https://youtu.be/g1KzGv4P7O8) with audio and visuals created entirely by SchoolTalk youth participants. Special thanks to Edrington for providing the evenings’ beverages and our deepest gratitude to the 30+ individuals whose contributions have propelled us forward!

To date, we've raised $6,359 and received valuable in-kind equipment donations worth $2,380 from Volkswagen of America. We can’t wait to share with you the magic we create within the walls of the studio!

Let's make these final days count... Donate now and be part of the art-filled future we're building together! https://www.gofundme.com/f/music-equipment-for-students-with-disabilities?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer

Konshens Themc, Gabriel Asheru Benn, Lyarks Films, Guerilla Arts Professionals.

Registration deadline extended to September 22 for our Districtwide Secondary Transition Capacity Building Institute 2023! Sign up today!

https://schooltalkdc.org/secondary-transition-cbi

Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC Special Education Cooperative