Juanita Montes de Oca’s Post

Conflict is an opportunity for positive change? Conflict causes stress and mistrust, and tears apart families, friends, and even communities, doesn't it? Nothing good comes from conflict, right? The truth is all too often nothing good does come out of conflict, but it doesn't have to be that way. When we argue it can be hard to listen to what others are saying because we are too busy thinking about how to convince them we are right and they are wrong. But what would happen if we chose instead to listen carefully? When we listen, we work together to build a foundation for positive change and can solve problems that may have seemed insurmountable alone. Learn the tools to help harness the power of Conflict. Join us for our 2-Part in-person workshop on March 20 and 27th, Conflict as an Opportunity for Positive Change, offered through the Nauset Adult and Community Education program in Orleans. To register, visit Nauset Schools at https://lnkd.in/ea6V3tTp. #mediation #mediationtraining #adr #alternativedisputeresolution

Juneteenth is a vital day in American history, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It's a time for celebration, reflection, and education, especially for our younger generations. But how can we approach these conversations with young children in a way that's both informative and age-appropriate? The early childhood education team at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture has created a fantastic resource guide to support young children's understanding and celebration of Juneteenth. This guide includes: Talking Tips: Practical advice on discussing slavery and freedom with children in a way that considers their age and development. Activities for Hope & Action: Engaging activities that inspire young minds to think about freedom, justice, and how they can contribute to a better future. Children's Book & Online Resource Recommendations: A curated list of books and websites that make learning about Juneteenth fun and informative. Empowering our children with knowledge and understanding is crucial for building a more just and equitable society. Let's celebrate Juneteenth together and inspire the next generation! Visit the NMAAHC website: nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth to access these resources and start meaningful conversations with your children about Juneteenth. #Juneteenth #BlackHistory #EarlyChildhoodEducation #LearningThroughPlay #SocialJustice #EmpoweringKids #ColorBraveKids

🕯️✨ Prepare your Catholic School community for the Advent season with our free printable resources. Our latest post for Catholic School leaders, offers an Advent Wreath Kit and Advent Calendar with ideas for using them with your staff, students, and families. Read to learn more: https://lnkd.in/g6gtnE9t #Advent #CatholicSchools #FaithFormation"

Thinking about the gift of Christian education this season? Check out how Soaring Education Services can help you serve your community in the New Year! https://lnkd.in/g-Y3Nd5m

I recently revisited Ta-Nehisi Coates' "Between the World and Me," specifically the first chapter, a poignant letter to his son. Coates describes a place that, despite its physical distance, mirrors my childhood. He is not from Oakland, but the spaces he describes are so similar to it. This reflection brought me to realize how my experiences growing up have shaped my perspective on the persistent dangers faced by Black & Brown bodies. The way that I lead, and certainly my views on education, are also shaped by these experiences. I understand the power of schools to do great harm, & importantly to be spaces of transformation, healing, & ingenuity.In reflecting on the trauma in Gaza, we are consistently confronting the numbness and helplessness that stems from continuous exposure to such tragedies. Reading Coates, I was starkly reminded of another numbness, as we watch videos every day- of harm, & we try to convince the world that our lives matter. Coates reminds us that a Black body can be endangered for simple acts: for selling cigarettes, a child buying skittles, for browsing a department store, for playing music too loudly, for a minor traffic violation, a baby playing pretend in a park. These heartbreaking realities have unfolded during the lifetimes of our children, of your children. This awareness is essential as we navigate our space at Pear Tree. We might find comfort in numbness as a defense, but becoming inured is not a solution. We stand as the buffer for our children, & our vigilance allows them their childhood and a very different path of growth and development - a path many of us were denied as children.Our recent Black Heritage Event was a testament to this path. It was a celebration of our children’s authentic identities, free from the burden of questioning their worth or their safety. Witnessing their creativity and spirit, we glimpse what could be possible in a world unlike any that we adults have known. This witnessing offers healing for our own fragmented educational journeys. Of course we are also plagued with anxiety. Are we doing enough? Are our children prepared? Are they ready to inherit this world?What does it mean to grow up in a Black and Brown body and be reflected, loved, witnessed, supported? What does it mean to know with absolute certainty that you matter, that your life is valuable, that you are a star- just because you’re you? I am blessed to be immersed daily in a space where these questions are being answered.With these reflections, we continue to strengthen and nurture our community here at Pear Tree. We are committed to love, resilience, & to the protection and uplifting of our children. In turn, we get to see what kind of world they can imagine when they are not expending energy defending themselves from the othering that they experience in many spaces. We get to witness what love can do when it is not shackled by fear. PS- Catch a Glimpse of Love in Action Below: https://lnkd.in/gBNX9_jj

🏀"Influenced by my troubled past, I took it upon myself to become that leader and started running the program myself. Just getting that chance to actually do it, it was big for me. I would say I'm the perfect example. What I would say is, even if you could just help one kid, that's why these programs are so important."- Steffon Heyliger, Age 30 Steffon's journey from a program participant to a mentor is a testament to the life-changing impact of community support. Learn more: https://ow.ly/zEi650Q1FxY

An emphasis on serving others, a focus on values, and sense of community and connectedness are among the many benefits of studying at a Catholic school. Check out one of our past blog posts to find even more reasons: https://buff.ly/3jfx3lX #smcsimpact #teachmeGDK

Check out this City Year session with Jim Balfanz SXSW EDU tomorrow!

Parents are the most influential and important mentors in shaping a child’s faith. Here are five ways parents can help keep their kids Catholic. One important way to help your kids stay connected to the faith is to enroll them in our high school outreach program! Learn more and get them set up for success at bit.ly/StudentSignUp-LI. #CatholicParents #CatholicFamily

🌟 **Exciting Update!** 🌟 We’re thrilled to share some of our latest projects and achievements with you. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make a positive impact! #Innovation #Progress #TeamWork #LatestProjects