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Simsbury schools spotlight student-led "Encouraging Words" campaign to address casual slurs and school climate
Summary
The Simsbury Board of Education heard a detailed strategic-plan update focused on building a "Compassionate and Connected" school culture centered on a student-created Encouraging Words campaign, restorative practices and expanded supports; presenters said focus groups and early data show increased AP participation and reduced suspensions in targeted cohorts.
The Simsbury Board of Education on Monday heard a weeks-long strategic-plan update centered on school climate, student engagement and equity, with district leaders highlighting a student-created "Encouraging Words" campaign and new practices intended to reduce casual use of racial slurs and strengthen supports for harmed students.
Dr. Tyresha Batchelor, the district’s director of equity and access, framed the presentation around the board’s Goal 2 — a "Compassionate and Connected" school culture — and said the campaign grew from student focus groups that identified harmful language and places where that language circulates. "Compassionate and Connected school culture is really about fostering something within our community," Batchelor said, summarizing the district’s approach to prevention, tiered responses and restorative…
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