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Designing Our Own Learning
DOOL brings students and teachers together. By amplifying the voices of those least heard within schools, DOOL fosters a more equitable experience in schools. With youth at the center, students and educators co-create the sort of inclusive, connected communities that are at the heart of healthy societies. One student shared, “I’ve changed during and after DOOL—I…
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2025 Designing Our Own Learning
DOOL-ing it at the 7th Summer Institute In 2025, our Designing Our Own Learning (DOOL) program has extended its transformative impact with our summer institute held at Talley High School. We now serve students and educators at 75% of the middle schools in the Renton School District – Dimmitt, McKnight, and Risdon! DOOL brings students…
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School Discipline Data Points to the Need for Self-Regulation Skills
Terminal Park Elementary School in Auburn, WA is one of our Whole School partners. They have an active Data Team made up of staff who are leading the implementation of BELONG Partners work at their school. Data Teams in our partner schools gather and analyze discipline data – which is documentation of when a student…
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BELONG Partners Data Teams: Addressing Disproportionality in Discipline
Using Data to Build Safety, Belonging, and Accountability BELONG Partners school Data Teams bring together a representative group of educators and administrators to share leadership and responsibility for school climate. These teams meet regularly to review discipline and climate data through a trauma-responsive, equity-centered lens. Rather than focusing on individual incidents in isolation, Data Teams…
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Start Strong and Set the Tone: Build Routines that Boost Learning and Connection
The shift from summer break to a new school year brings fresh energy and new opportunities! The beginning of the year is the perfect time to help students find their rhythm. When you build consistent routines and set clear expectations from day one you’ll begin to create a learning environment that feels safe, connected, and…
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Designing Our Own Learning
“For a lot of the young people, it’s the first time they get to be in a space side by side with teachers—not about power over, but about sharing what they care about and what they want to see happen in their school.” Alan WongBELONG Partners Facilitator The BELONG Partners DOOL (Designing Our Own Learning)…
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Nooksack Elementary Kindergartners Skillfully Shine During Their Problem-Solving Class Meetings
Phi Bean is a kindergarten teacher at Nooksack Elementary School in Everson, WA, part of the Nooksack Valley School District. She has been teaching kindergarten there for seven years and knows firsthand the importance of social-emotional learning for kids this age. We asked Ms. Bean to share the impact of working with BELONG Partners in…
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Building a Community of Belonging at Midway Elementary
Collaborative Solutions for Emotional Growth Meet Midway Elementary, a Vibrant and Diverse School Located in the Highline School District, Midway Elementary is a vibrant example of diversity and resilience. The school’s principal, Lyon Terry, leads a team dedicated to educating 570 students from pre-K through 5th grade. Their unique dual language program teaches all students…
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Five Ways to Encourage Student Voice and Share Power in the Classroom
As educators, it’s natural to hold onto some control in our classrooms. And, sharing that power with students opens up so many possibilities. By doing so, we not only strengthen their sense of belonging but also create a more positive and equitable classroom environment. When we allow students more ownership, we open the door to…
