New this year is Coffee & Conversations, a monthly series open to the public, with the goal of sharing and discussing various educational topics as it pertains to our community. This is also a great chance to connect with current volunteers, mentors, and staff.
Here’s a recap of the fall topics and discussion:
August
Mentor Badges, CCPS School Entry Changes, and Student Benchmarks
This early-bird session reviewed the new security measures of Collier County Public Schools as part of the district’s “Keep Collier Safe” efforts. CCPS has added various layers of security to better protect our students. Here’s what you should be aware of:
- If you have visited a school this year, you likely experienced the new school entry procedure. You can read more about the change here, or watch this video for a demonstration of how to properly enter a school.
- The district has asked that all mentors receive badges. If you are a current mentor have not been issued a badge, please contact Rachel Welch for instructions on how to obtain one.
- Backpacks and large bags are no longer allowed at CCPS athletic events. Click here for more information on appropriate bag guidelines.
We also shared our Student Benchmark Checklists, a resource we developed to help parents and mentors ensure their student is on the right path to personal and professional success. Click to download the checklist.
October
CCPS Emergency Drills with Guest Speaker
Our October session was a continuation of August’s topic, featuring Tim Kutz, Head of Security at Collier County Public Schools. Our topic was a heavy one – emergency drills on campus, including active shooter situations:
- Click here for tips on how to talk to your student about violence.
- CCPS is working to develop resources for the community so anyone who visits a school can be informed of the drills and procedures that may occur. We will update you once these materials are released.
November
CCPS Social and Emotional Learning with Guest Speakers
In November, we were joined by Caroline Brennan and Dr. Heather McElroy of Collier County Public Schools. They walked us through the importance of Social and Emotional Learning, as well as the top five priorities to address the growing need for student mental health support within the schools. Learn more about the five priorities by watching this video.
The district has developed materials to help parents better understand and become advocates for Social and Emotional Learning. These same resources are available to you:
- We Care! Video series — tips on how to talk to a student about difficult topics, such as: Substance Abuse, Dating Violence, Suicide Prevention, and Cyberbullying.
- Parent Toolkit (downloadable PDF) for Social and Emotional Development
Interested in attending?
Coffee & Conversations will return on January 16 and 17, where we’ll discuss financial aid opportunities for students. Please note the new format – our topic will be introduced at 8:30am, with discussion and conversation to follow until 9:30am. Attendees are encouraged to stay and network once our formal conversation concludes.
Whether you’re a parent/grandparent with a child approaching college, a mentor looking, a volunteer interested in helping students complete the FAFSA, or simply someone who would like to become more knowledgeable about financial aid, we invite you to join us! Click here to reserve your spot.