What is a Circle?
Trust
This topic helps circle participants build and reflect on their understanding of trust amongst their peers.
Cultural Connection/Unity
Building strategies to encourage inclusiveness by having participants define and analyze unity in our school community.
Financial Literacy
Discussing the difficulties in money management and developing techniques to overcome them.
Youth Violence
Sharing perspectives on causes of youth violence and how it affects the community, as well as violence prevention and alternatives to violence. These conversations aim to end the school-to-prison pipeline.
Life Decisions
Learning to identify and practice decision-making, relationships where it is useful, and how it is affected by societal factors.
COVID-19
Helping us navigate challenges related to the pandemic and reflect on what we can control to maintain peace and positivity.
Virtual circles mirror what is done in person. The circle establishes community agreements in the beginning to ensure respect and a judgement-free zone. The circle keeper creates a safe online space where participants can connect and discuss important topics. The NICE team has found ways to adjust virtually by adopting new tools, interpersonal skills, and expanding on established activities.
Curriculum
The general curriculum was developed to address a wide range of topics, life long lessons, and provide tools that our participants can apply to their own life experiences. The topics that are used in the curriculum fall under New York State SEL benchmarks.
Develop self-awareness and self-management skills essential to success in school and in life.
Use social awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships.
Demonstrate ethical decision-making skills and responsible behaviors in personal, school, and community