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North School pauses instruction monthly so teachers lead mixed-grade “North Families” to build connections
Summary
A staff member at CCSD 62 described North School’s monthly “North Families” program that pairs each certified teacher with a cross-grade group of students to promote relationships, with fifth graders trained as student leaders.
A staff member at CCSD 62 described a program at North School that pauses regular instruction once a month so every certified teacher leads a mixed-grade “North Family” of students to build relationships and peer support.
The program, called North Families, assigns each certified staff member as head of a family consisting of one certified staff member and about eight to 10 students across all grade levels, the staff member said. During North Family Time, participants focus on team-building activities, positivity and mentoring; older students support younger peers during transitions using a practice the speaker called the “backwards teacher walk.”
The staff member said the district trained fifth graders before launching the program. "During that training, we shared with them their responsibilities, showed them a map of the school, and also how to read that map, and then give them time to practice,” the staff member said. Each fifth grader received a list of family members with room numbers and a corresponding map to follow, the speaker added.
Officials described the monthly transitions as improved through practice. "Since we have started North Families, we have seen more engagement from students, more connections built across the building, and a whole lot of fun," the staff member said. The presenter also said teachers and students often express excitement about North Family Day: "Seeing their excitement and smiling faces is what it is all about."
School staff did not specify enrollment counts for the program, how long each North Family session lasts, or whether the program is districtwide beyond North School. No formal actions or votes were recorded on the transcript excerpts provided.
