Naperville District 203 virtual program centered around positivity, resiliency
Naperville Unit District 203 is in the midst of a three-week virtual program aimed at promoting a positive mindset, building resiliency and fostering social-emotional health.
Optimistic School Community offers a set of six interactive modules containing short videos, activities and resources for students and their families, Superintendent Dan Bridges said. The series began Feb. 1, with two modules released online and a live community engagement session held via Zoom each week.
The goal is to encourage families to prioritize wellness and self-care during a year of "significant challenges" amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Bridges said. As District 203 transitioned from enhanced e-learning to a hybrid schedule last month, he said, administrators hope students will focus on what they have learned and how they have grown from the experience, rather than what has gone wrong.
"For us, it's really about our ability to strengthen our core mission of a commitment to excellence, recognizing that goes beyond academic excellence," Bridges said. "We really want our students and families to develop a mindset that's focused on resiliency, focused on the positive."
The series was designed by Shawn Achor, a positive psychology expert who has recently changed his focus from the corporate world to supporting schools, he said.
The school board in December approved a $36,000 contract for the program, which includes the modules, community engagement sessions, various related resources, and professional development and learning opportunities for the district's leadership team.
"Be the Spark" video topics include happiness and gratitude in challenging times; increasing social connection in a time of social distancing; inoculating your brain about anxiety and stress; being adaptive in the midst of uncertainty and change; uncovering possibilities with a growth mindset; and restarting forward progress - creating a virtuous cycle.
To participate in the modules or register for engagement sessions, visit naperville203.org/domain/1728.