Informational Letter #97, Developmental Asset Work in Schools

INFORMATIONAL LETTER: 97

POLICY CODE: GCID

TO: Superintendents of Schools

FROM: Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner of Education

DATE: February 24, 2005

RE: Developmental Asset Work in Schools

Since last June, we have been working on several projects related to developmental asset work in schools. I want to share news of our progress, as well as information about an opportunity coming up at the end of March.

Marilyn Peplau, a senior trainer with the Search Institute, will be in Maine to provide a two-day Building Developmental Assets in School Communities Training of Trainers for schools in Aroostook County on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 22 and 23. This event has been arranged by Ron Doody at the University of Maine, Presque Isle through Tim Duffey, President of the Search Institute’s Vision Associates training arm. There are 10 places available in this training.

Marilyn could also be available to work with another school district on Thursday and Friday, March 24 and 25 to do this two-day training; or, she could do the Building Developmental Assets in School Communities workshop (one-day, six hours) on Thursday and Friday.

Please let Tim or Donna Duffey, Vision Associates, know if you are interested in any of these possibilities, and they will help arrange these events with Marilyn Peplau (642-6270 or timduff@pivot.net).

Governor Baldacci’s Children’s Cabinet has endorsed an initiative entitled “In Maine, Every Young Person is Known…Nurtured, Loved, Respected.” Communities for Children and Youth staff are currently seeking foundation funding for significant work with at least 10 school/community partnerships throughout the state.

Communities for Children and Youth (C4CY) is planning a “More Reasons for Hope” conference on Wednesday, October 19, 2005, featuring educator and Emmy Award Winner, Mark Scharenbroich. Mark is recognized as one of the top speakers for both students and educators, making 3,500 school presentations over 26 years. His programs have earned the Golden Apple Award, Silver Screen Award, Telly Award, and First Place Family Life Film Award from the National Council on Family Relations. In November, 2004, C4CY sponsored the first “Reasons for Hope” conference, at which Dr. Peter Benson, President of the Search Institute, was the keynote presenter. Dr. Benson and Mark Scharenbroich have worked together for many years, with Mark delivering a powerful asset development message about academic achievement, school climate and character education through both humor and pathos. Save the date!