Fall 2021 Newsletter
INSTRUCTORS TRAINED: 1,149 KIDS REACHED: 19,239
WELCOME TO OUR NEW PARTNER SITES: Harbor Country Day School, NY; Baca/Dlo’ ay azhi Community School, NM; Van Bokkelen Elementary After-School, MD
Have you noticed school districts and parents buzzing about social-emotional learning (SEL) recently? Choose Creativity has landed in the right space at the right time! SEL is an approach to learning that helps students develop healthy identities, manage emotions, and achieve personal and collective goals. In collaboration with Harvard’s EASEL Lab, our Learn with Creative Confidence curriculum has been aligned with the CASEL 5 Framework — one of the leading SEL research organizations. We’re excited to use the program alongside current educational practices to help kids make real and meaningful connections using their creativity.
Our Learn with Creative Confidence whole school curriculum has found itself a new home with Baca/Dlo’ ay azhi Community School, a Bureau of Indian Education school in Northwestern New Mexico. Indian reservations have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, so we feel honored to be working with this resilient community. We will hold the first of two workshops in December. We’re so excited to work with these resilient educators and students.
I think calling the Principles ‘Superpowers’ is the most engaging part. It will help them identify positive things in themselves and others.
— John, The Boys’ Club of New York
Christina Noyes, one of our brilliant creative coaches, brought the 10 Principles and Choose Creativity spirit to a local senior center in Northern California. Creativity is a way for your mind to be open to new things! It was heartwarming to see so many seniors get excited about using their creativity in new ways. What a rewarding experience!
This summer, we welcomed two new members to our Board of Directors — Sonia Sawlani and Casandra Fritzsche.
Sonia is currently the Global Head of Scaled Education at LinkedIn. Her passion and background will provide a strong new voice for the Board. “I am energized by the mission of Choose Creativity, of unlocking potential and turning adversity into opportunity. This resonates with my own personal journey. I immigrated to the United States as a young adult, with no financial resources, but was determined to secure a better life for my family. A focus on positivity and empathy, and exposure to growth opportunities, has helped me overcome personal adversity, and break down socio-economic barriers. I am passionate about education and community impact, and am honored to serve on the Board of the Lulu & Leo Fund.”
Casandra is a Learning and Development Manager at Macquarie. Her experience and authenticity make her a great match for our Board. “Watching others embrace and cultivate their unique talents is my passion, which is why I am thrilled to join an organization focused on developing both young people and adults through creativity.”
We’re excited to bring their experienced and enthusiastic voices to our team.
