Alley Cat Allies’ Post

Starfish mid-semester progress surveys are still open until Wednesday, March 20. ⚠️ During this period, all #PennState instructors and teaching assistants formally listed as instructors of record for full-semester undergraduate courses in LionPATH will receive an email prompt to share information about students’ course progress using to-dos, flags, and kudos. 💬 Academic advisers are encouraged to discuss concerns with students and to close the loop with instructors by letting them know the result of their efforts. 🔗📓 Students should contact their instructors or academic advisers if they receive a flag or to-do and need help in improving their coursework. They can also seek tutoring or use resources and services suggested in progress survey emails such as learning support, disability services, basic needs support, or personal support through University Health Services or Counseling and Psychological Services. Read more on the mid-semester progress survey at https://lnkd.in/e2aT5twB.

Want to choose what Duval County school your child goes to next year? Here’s what you need to know

Check out our latest reflections by our CEO Rich Harrison about our recently published school dashboard data and the impact we are driving toward in our East Oakland communty!

A nice summary of a few of the many benefits provided by school libraries. These spaces truly de matter in the lives of students, teachers and the wider school community! Links to various research papers around the impact of school libraries. #internationalschools #internationaleducation #libraries #librarians #schoollibraries https://lnkd.in/dpk-ghZu

It’s a relief to see the issue of scorching playgrounds finally taking center stage, but this has been a concern for decades. Over 218,000 children are treated in U.S. emergency rooms each year for playground injuries, many suffering burns from equipment that can heat up to 140°F. (https://lnkd.in/e526Kn-7). Unfortunately, wealthier neighborhoods often see faster safety updates, while poorer areas face years of neglect (https://lnkd.in/eZ-FNHQ6). Now is the time to demand change—through private-public partnerships, grants, and community action, we can make all playgrounds safe, not just those in affluent areas. While federal grants often come with stricter requirements to meet specific standards, the expertise gathered for purpose-driven design can result in transformative solutions for all communities. Whether urban or rural, there’s a path forward, and it begins by being aware of these issues and collaborating with designers to move from prescriptive to transformative solutions. For equipment solutions and coalitions making a difference, check out Kompan ( https://lnkd.in/ewRhXGdj) for heat-resistant playground equipment and The National Program for Playground Safety to learn how to advocate effectively (https://lnkd.in/eDWVSa7S). Feel free to message me directly Cheers!

A good one. Quality education is the key to a growing and safe community.

Growing County

In 1984 E.O. Wilson, a biologist, introduced the idea of “biophilia”-that innate affinity we humans have for other living things. In recent years, many early educators have recognised this affinity in young children and have embraced a philosophy that includes lots of living natural materials in the classroom (such as plants and flowers), nature-based play areas with landscape features that include lots of vegetation, and providing plenty of outdoor time for children. Children can truly thrive when allowed extended periods of time in natural settings that are full of life. A “biocentric” approach to early care and education means more than just providing opportunities for nature play however. It can—and should—include opportunities for children to connect with living animals. Unlike adults who tend to value animals for what they can provide (food, leather, wool), or how they can serve us (as companions), children tend to value animals simply because they are. They recognize the intrinsic value of animals—that simply because they are living creatures, they are important. Three, two, one our Orchard Life sessions offer the opportunity for young children from a very early age to get involved. Family sessions every Thursday 10am until 12 noon. Nursey, toddler or school groups upon request. For more information contact: Email: info@my-life.org.uk Tel: 01257 472900

Great work being done by Trust for Public Land Cooling the urban environment is good for people, animals and the planet

As we observe the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School tragedy, it's important to reflect not just on that day but also on the continued progress and challenges in school safety. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs begins with the most fundamental layer: physiological safety. For learning and growth to occur, this basic need must first be met. Yet, 25 years later, many students still report feeling unsafe at school, which profoundly affects their ability to learn and thrive. The lessons from Columbine have spurred significant advancements in physical security measures and emergency preparedness within educational institutions. However, the emotional and psychological safety of students—critical components of Maslow’s second tier of safety needs—often receive less attention. We all must work to create an environment where all students feel secure, not just from physical threats but also from bullying, discrimination, and anxiety. Only this will truly pave the way for deep learning and development. #SchoolSafety #MaslowsHierarchy #ColumbineAnniversary