Boston Beyond

Dear Boston Beyond Partner,

The country is reeling. Centuries of racial injustice have been on full display, most recently with the senseless death of George Floyd and on far too many other occasions.

Our community of youth development organizations and professionals is needed now more than ever to provide young people with connection, conversation, context, and support.

In this difficult context, we remain focused on creating opportunity for young people this summer. To that end, we invite to join our weekly Thursday meetings focused on summer learning and employment from 11:00 to 12:00 PM on Zoom.  On a related note, just this afternoon, Governor Baker released health and safety requirements for child- and youth-serving programs reopening in Phase 2, which may begin as soon as June 8.

Finally, we also hope you take advantage of professional development opportunities this week, which are designed to help programs engage young people in critical thinking and navigating emotions, among other topics.

In solidarity and partnership,
Chris

Dear Boston Beyond Partner,

With Memorial Day weekend in the rear view mirror, summer is just around the corner. That means Boston’s diverse network of summer programs is kicking into high gear with activity plans, student recruitment, and staffing.

We will use this update to share how programs will engage young people in skills-focused, project-based learning, enrichment, and work this summer. You can also join our weekly Thursday meetings from 11:00 to 12:00 PM on Zoom.

In this week’s update, please take note of several professional development opportunities. Although they have been tailored for specific initiatives, they are open to the entire Boston Beyond network. We will follow up with a date for training in Boston Public Schools summer curriculum.

If you have ideas or questions on summer programs, please contact Wil Cardwell at wcardwell@bostonbeyond.org.

Thank you for your partnership,
Chris
csmith@bostonbeyond.org

• May 28 | 1:00-3:00 PM: How do we empower students to be agents of change in their own learning, in their school communities, and in their lives? Attend Empowered Students, facilitated by Transforming Education, to discuss agency, self-awareness, and engagement. This session is suggested for PSELI and BoSTEM direct program service staff, and is open to the Boston Beyond network, especially direct program service staff and their supporting supervisors/program managers. Register here.
• May 29 & June 4th | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Understanding Our Work through a Trauma Sensitive Lens, facilitated by Edgework Consulting, will examine examine how long-term adversity can rewire a person’s thoughts, feelings, and even actions. This session is suggested is designed for programs in the PSELI, BoSTEM, and Summer Learning initiatives. We recommend that organizations bring a team composed of direct service staff, supporting managers and organization leaders. Register here.
• June 2 | 1:00-3:300 PM: Introducing….the BEETLES Project. We are pleased to offer Integrating the Outdoors into Distance Learning with BEETLES. This is ideal if you are planning a summer program or fall program. You will learn how to incorporate phenomena-based and student-centered activities into virtual learning environments. In particular, this session will explore how to make observations and ask critical questions in distance learning settings in order to prompt student engagement and independent thinking. Summer learning programs are highly encouraged to attend. Register here.
• June 12 | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM: Positive Behavior Management: Universal Strategies for Successful Programs, with Judge Baker Children’s Center, will explore effective strategies for behavioral management, in both individual and whole group settings. Built on a foundation of evidence-based principles, participants will have the opportunity to expand their toolbox of effective strategies for enhancing positive interactions while creating safe and consistent learning environments. Summer learning programs are highly encouraged to attend. Register here. 

• Mass Audubon‘s Explore Nature at Home web page lets you expand your nature knowledge and connect with nature in your own neighborhood.
• Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is hosting online distance learning events for elementary and middle school students. Visit their Online Events page for all of their scheduled virtual events.

Visit Enrichment at Home and Upcoming Events Calendar for program updates and live activities from our network. To include update, e-mail awarren@bostonbeyond.org.

Dear Boston Beyond Partner,

Today Governor Baker announced a four-phase plan for re-opening the Massachusetts economy. Summer camps can open as part of Phase Two, which will begin on June 8 at the earliest, and the state will release details in the “coming weeks.” Moving into each successive phase is dependent on meeting certain public health metrics. The Boston Business Journal and Boston Globe provide summaries of the plan.

Boston Beyond is convening weekly meetings of organizations planning to engage young people in learning, enrichment, and work this summer. Programs are devising creative ways to provide skill-focused, project-based learning opportunities. We are supporting this planning process with several forthcoming professional development opportunities, and we look forward to sharing these resources and program ideas in subsequent updates.  

Thank you for your partnership.

Chris Smith
csmith@bostonbeyond.org

• Introducing….the BEETLES Project. We are pleased to offer Integrating the Outdoors into Distance Learning, from 1:00 to 3:30 PM on June 2nd, with BEETLES. This is ideal if you are planning a summer program or fall program. You will learn how to incorporate phenomena-based and student-centered activities into virtual learning environments. In particular, this session will explore how to make observations and ask critical questions in distance learning settings in order to prompt student engagement and independent thinking. Register here.
   
• All families with school-aged children who attend BPS or a Boston charter school will start receiving Pandemic – Electronic Benefits Transfers (P-EBT), a food benefit to support families and students during school closure. Families will get $5.70 per student per day for every day school is closed to buy food. Families should look for a notice in the mail from the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) in May. Families not receiving DTA benefits will get mailed their card separately from the notice. If you do not receive your card by late May, call Project Bread’s FoodSource hotline at 800-645-8333. More information can be found on these one pagers, translated to 9 different languages, and on the MA P-EBT website. 

• Courageous Sailing has launched Courageous at Home where you will find some of their favorite STEM resources and STEM Studio activities for grades 3-8.
• Hale Reservation‘s new Hale at Home web page helps you discover nature in your backyard through hands-on activity guides and video lessons on gardening, composting, and much more.

Dear Boston Beyond Partner,

The Boston School Committee approved a five-year strategic plan for the Boston Public Schools aimed at providing equitable, high quality learning for all Boston students. The plan features six commitments, including one focused on activating partnerships to expand learning beyond the classroom. Your work with young people, as well as your collaboration with one another, informed the development of this commitment.

I am pleased to invite you to visit our new website, which includes our Enrichment at Home page and a variety of resources to enhance our collective work. You can find research and reports, lists of partners, and link to the Insight Center and Partner Portal.

Thank you for your partnership.

Chris Smith
csmith@bostonbeyond.org

YMCA CEO James Morton and Chris Smith described in CommonWealth Magazine how Boston’s summer learning system is well positioned for this moment.

Updates from Our Partners:
Stay updated on the efforts of our partner network at Enrichment at Home and find live activities at Upcoming Events Calendar. Key upcoming activities and resources are listed below. If you would like to include updates on our Enrichment at Home page, please email Alex at awarren@bostonbeyond.org.

• Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) has brought their Pao Arts Center online. Explore their virtual galleries here and rediscover the creative work they have supported.
• Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is offering free 30-minute livestream programs exploring works of art in the museum. Check our Upcoming Events Calendar for listings.

The Boston Public Schools has created a resources web page for students and families which separates learning resources by grade levels.

Dear Boston Beyond Partner,

As public discourse around re-opening business intensifies, more information will be forthcoming about parameters for summer programs. In the meantime, we appreciate the opportunity to plan with you around different scenarios for engaging young people, whether in person or remotely.

This week, we are pleased to convene our partners with Dr. Gil Noam, Founder and Director of the PEAR Institute, to discuss When We Return: The Role of Flexibility and Mental Health in Educational Settings during Uncertain Times. This Zoom event will take place Thursday, May 7 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Please register in advance, and you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you have questions for Gil, please send them to awarren@basb-staging.grrush1n-liquidwebsites.com before the meeting.

Thank you for your partnership.

Chris Smith
csmith@basb-staging.grrush1n-liquidwebsites.com

Updates from Our Network:

Stay updated on the efforts of our partner network at Enrichment at Home and find live activities at Upcoming Events Calendar. Key upcoming activities and resources are listed below.

Please find the recording of last week’s Zoom call with Boston Public Schools Chief Academic Office Andrea Zayas here. Password: 8h%%vp96

Boston Beyond is pleased to share its May calendar of professional development offerings here.

Virtual Open Forum #4: Virtual Learning + Engagement
First up for May is the Partnership for Social and Emotional Learning Initiative (PSELI) on Monday, May 11th at 11 AM. Join this conversation about virtual learning and engagement and learn how programs are creating and sustaining enriching virtual programming, gaining and retaining staff buy-in, and engaging families and students. Register here.

The Mott Foundation developed a new app called Mizzen, designed for youth development professionals to provide engaging learning content, including activity playlists and multi-week modules, at home or in small-group settings. Mizzen may help supplement the activities you are planning for young people.

The Boston Public Schools has created a resources web page for students and families which separates learning resources by grade levels. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has posted updated remote learning guidance, including prerequisite content standards.

Charity Navigator is highlighting the MacArthur Foundation’s 100&Change competition.finalists Boston Beyond is proud to be featured among them on Charity Navigator’s Hot Topic web page.

Dear Boston Beyond Partner,

April vacation is behind us, remote learning is upon us, and we are planning for various summer learning scenarios. We appreciate your active engagement, creativity, and flexibility.

I’d like to call your attention to a comprehensive interview with Superintendent Brenda Cassellius on WGBH’s Boston Public Radio. Dr. Cassellius discusses how “innovation and collaboration” can enhance learning — remotely for the remainder of the school year and in a variety of ways during the summer months.

As follow-up, we will hold a meeting for our partners with BPS Chief Academic Officer Andrea Zayas this Thursday, April 30, from 11:00am to 12:00pm via Zoom. Please register, after which you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Andrea will describe the district’s remote learning plans and preliminary ideas for summer learning. If you have questions for Andrea, please send them to awarren@basb-staging.grrush1n-liquidwebsites.com before the meeting.

We are also pleased to announce a May 7 meeting with Dr. Gil Noam, Founder and Director of PEAR Institute on the mental health needs of young people, and how partners can play a vital role in supporting them.

Thank you for your partnerships. Please feel free to contact me with questions, concerns, and ideas.

Upcoming Partner Zoom Meetings:

Andrea Zayas, Chief Academic Officer, Boston Public Schools
April 30, 2020 | 11:00am-12:00pm

Dr. Gil Noam, Founder and Director of the PEAR Institute
May 7, 2020 | 11:00am-12:00pm

Updates from Our Partners:

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Explore untold stories about the Gardner’s collections through their new Inside the Collection blog.

HMS MEDscience: Tune into the “Healthcare Career Interview” series on HMS MEDscience’s Instagram to hear why healthcare professionals chose their career paths and what a day in the life of their profession looks like.

Stay updated on the efforts of our partner network at Enrichment at Home and find live activities at Upcoming Events Calendar.

The Boston Public SchoolsCoronavirus Updates provide updated information of learning at home, access to food and Chromebooks, and other activities.

Dear Boston Beyond Partner,

Last week, the Boston Public Schools and Boston Teachers Union reached a tentative agreement on standards for remote learning while school buildings are closed. Superintendent Cassellius offered perspective and advice on adapting to our “new reality” in a Boston Globe op-ed.

As we await a decision on whether school buildings will remain closed beyond May 4, our partner network is actively planning for the summer, considering a variety of options to reach the greatest number of young people safely. In an interview with WBGH Radio, Paul Reville describes our efforts to make the most of summer, the next “threshold” of the crisis, through learning, enrichment, and employment.

An update on our network’s efforts follow, adding to to an impressive inventory of activities that stimulate thinking, reflection, creativity, and exercise as part of a routine.

Updates from Our Partners:

Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester: A Dorchester Reporter article shares how BGCD is supporting its youth participants and their families.

YMCA of Greater Boston: Boston 25 News television featured an interview with CEO James Morton on the Y’s citywide food distribution operation and its emergency child care centers for essential workers.

Gil Noam’s recent column in Psychology Today describes PEAR’s balanced approach to social and emotional health through its Clover model, which Boston Beyond has incorporated over the past decade.

In the spirit of Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, use #heartofafterschool in your social media posts and tag someone who makes a difference for kids.

Stay updated on the efforts of our partner network at Enrichment at Home and find live activities at Upcoming Events Calendar.

The Boston Public SchoolsCoronavirus Updates provide updated information of learning at home, access to food and Chromebooks, and other activities.

Dear Boston Beyond Partner,

We are mobilizing partners and resources to ensure that Boston’s summer learning system can reach as many students as possible. We are encouraged by the early response. Many programs are planning to step up in order to ensure that young people learn and are active this summer, pending a green light from public health officials. (You can listen to Superintendent Cassellius’s take in a recent WGBH interview.)

This week, we will continue to gather information on our network’s capacity to serve students, in person and remotely. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the scenarios for which your organization is planning.

LEARNING & ENRICHMENT

Boston’s nationally-recognized cultural institutions are providing engaging content and hands-on activities online. Our Enrichment at Home page now includes links to these resources. The Upcoming Events Calendar features live events.

Institute for Contemporary Art: Each week at Art Lab the ICA posts hands-on art-making activities connected to contemporary art. Try out DIY techniques inspired by renowned artists such as Yayoi Kusama.

New England Aquarium: The Aquarium’s Virtual Visits page offers live presentations from the aquarium and projects to do at home, such as tracking sharks.

Please note recent updates from two boating partners:

Community Rowing: Parents and students can stay active with Community Rowing coaches through live and archived home workouts. Check out its on demand options.

Piers Park Sailing: Join Piers Park for virtual STEM activities through which students can explore and learn about various ocean science topics.

Learn more about practicing Social Emotional Learning using the resource below:

5 Instructional Strategies to Support Social and Emotional Learning: Boston Beyond developed tips and prompts to engage young people more deeply in learning. Try these sentence starters to stimulate thinking and conversation.

The Boston Public Schools’Coronavirus Updates provide updated information of learning at home, access to food and Chromebooks, and other activities.

NON PROFIT RESOURCES

The COVID Relief Coalition offers small businesses and nonprofits access to information on emergency loans, pro bono legal assistance, and other emergency relief options.

Dear Boston Beyond Partner,

Even as we support students, families, and colleagues at home this spring, we are turning our attention to a priority we have been working toward for a decade: Summer for All.

Pending a green light from public health officials, we plan to bring summer learning to life in July and August.

We are working with Superintendent Cassellius and her team to assess our capacity to serve BPS students in person this summer. You will receive our Organization Information Form so that we can continue planning. (You will note that we are also seeking your input on distance learning capabilities in case that is necessary.)

As you complete the survey, or if you do not receive it and would like to participate, please do not hesitate to reach me.

LEARNING & ENRICHMENT

How are you supporting students in establishing routines for learning, enrichment, and physical activity? We are sharing resources from our partner network on our Enrichment at Home page and daily activities on our Upcoming Events calendar. Please note recent updates from our partners:

Boston Scores: Virtual learning is on the Boston Scores Facebook page. Every Monday, Scores will release themed challenges in the following categories: Soccer, Poetry and Service Learning. The remainder of the week includes related lessons to keep students physically and mentally engaged, with a reflection exercise on Friday.

CitySprouts: Check out CitySprouts’ garden-based education, from planting and harvesting ancient grains to using technology in the school garden. Their site includes presentations on diverse subjects from Pre-K to 7th grade.

The Boston Public Schools Coronavirus Updates provides updated information of learning at home, access to food and Chromebooks, and other activities.

FAMILIES’ NEEDS & RESOURCES

As you reach out to families on their needs, consider the following resources:

Boston Beyond’s “family needs tracking form,” tailored for each program in its network to use when checking in on students and families. A sample survey can be found here. To get one for your program, e-mail Lisa at lghui@basb-staging.grrush1n-liquidwebsites.com.

Harvard Medical School’s COVID-19 fact sheets written for children ages 3 to 18 in 35 languages and vetted by physicians and medical school faculty.

Boston Student Advisory Council’s and Youth On Board‘s impressive list of resources for students and families, compiled on a shared Google document.

Dear Boston Beyond Partner,

This week, to support your work with children and families we bring you resources for (1) learning and enrichment, (2) tracking family needs, and (3) policy and funding.

LEARNING AND ENRICHMENT

The Boston Public Schools’ coronavirus resource page includes links to free meals, free Chromebooks, and resources for learning at home. As of Friday, the district distributed more than 20,000 Chromebooks!

As you support families in establishing routines for learning, enrichment, and physical activity, please note the following daily activities from Boston Beyond’s partners:

Zoo New England’s Kids Corner brings an impressive array of engaging activities on animals, games, and arts & crafts. Its Facebook Live program at 1:30 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays showcases animals at both the Stone Zoo and the Franklin Park Zoo. Tune in to learn more about each animal they highlight and to ask questions.

The Museum of Science#MOSathome includes their schedule of “Ask a Scientist” livestreams where children of all ages can ask questions about a given STEM topic. The page also provides more resources for supporting STEM beyond school.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston’s “Club At Home” program brings the best of the club into your home daily at BGCB.org/ClubAtHome, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

We will compile additional partner resources on a new “Enrichment at Home” page and on our Upcoming Events calendar. Please feel free to share with us resources for these platforms.

TRACKING FAMILY NEEDS

Boston Beyond has developed an online COVID-19 Family Needs Tracking Form to support your efforts to gather information from students and families. Staff can complete the form while in conversation with families and, with consent, send it to Boston Beyond. By collecting information centrally, we can identify citywide needs and mobilize resources to address them in a coordinated way.

Forms are customized for each organization, so if you would like a form, please contact Lisa Gomi Hui at lghui@basb-staging.grrush1n-liquidwebsites.com. You can preview the questions in the attached document.

POLICY & FUNDING

The $2 trillion federal stimulus package approved Friday establishes a State Education Stabilization Fund, $13.5 billion of which is dedicated to K-12 education. Federal funds will flow to the states, then at least 90% of the funds will go to school districts to support a wide variety of education expenses, including after-school and summer learning. The package also includes funding for child care providers; loans to small businesses, including nonprofits; and an incentive for charitable contributions.

The $2 trillion federal stimulus package approved Friday establishes a State Education Stabilization Fund, $13.5 billion of which is dedicated to K-12 education. Federal funds will flow to the states, then at least 90% of the funds will go to school districts to support a wide variety of education expenses, including after-school and summer learning. The package also includes funding for child care providers; loans to small businesses, including nonprofits; and an incentive for charitable contributions.

We will share more information next week. In the meantime, please let me know how we can help.

Dear Boston Beyond Partner,

As you focus on the health, safety, and basic needs of your students, families, and colleagues, the Boston Beyond staff are here to help.

Our broad and diverse network includes over 300 programs staffed by hundreds of talented and dedicated staff reaching more than 20,000 young people. Please take advantage of this network by sharing your ideas, questions, and concerns with us.

As you begin the week, please note the following resources for students and families:

Free Meals in the Community
The City of Boston, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Boston, Boston Centers for Youth and Families, and others are providing free meals for Boston youth ages 18 and under. For the map, list, and times of meal distribution, click here.

Learning Technology for Home
The Boston Public Schools (BPS) are distributing Chromebooks to students who do not have consistent access to technology at home. For more information on obtaining a Chromebook for a BPS student visit the BPS Chromebooks page. (BPS is sharing learning materials through digital backpacks. We will provide details in a subsequent e-mail.)

Daily Enrichment at Home
Playworks, which organizes recess and after-school programs in schools across Boston (and the country), will be broadcasting a live stream recess via Facebook Live Monday through Friday at 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM. Activities include stretching, cheers, games, and more! Join the fun here: https://lnkd.in/e3vdY29  For more information visit: playworks.org/playathome.

Financial Assistance to Meet Urgent Needs 
Union Capital Boston is sending $150 Visa gift cards to people in urgent need across Greater Boston. Families in need can fill out this form to be added to the list. They’ve received over 3,500 requests already and are raising money through their GoFundMe page.

We will share more information on a regular basis. In the meantime, please let me know how we can help.