Edge of the Schoolyard
Exploring the learning happening at the schoolyard’s edge, where education, policy, and community mingle
Why Write From the Edge of the Schoolyard?
Edge of the Schoolyard is a place to explore how learning happens amidst efforts to meld together education, policy in practice, and community in American schools. Sprinkled throughout are articles about connecting children with nature to strengthen learning and health, for individuals and communities. The writing reflects my experiences as a network strategist and communications consultant in my professional life, and my efforts as an active grassroots activist and school volunteer in the 10th largest school district in America, Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia.
Video tour of a School District’s Outdoor Education Center
Join a 5 minute tour led by @Melanie4Edu, of the Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center (@AEchoEnvEdAACPS) in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Maryland.
Using Marketing and Advocacy to Engage Electeds
Part II of the series, Everyday Advocacy Talking with elected officials is a facet of public life that is ripe for resurrection. We as constituents have the ability to write to, meet with, and attend public meetings with electeds. Here’s the secret to being heard: Be...
3 Ways to Advocate, Any Day
Part I of the series, Everyday Advocacy If you’re working on a cause you are passionate about, YOU are an advocate! Advocacy - effectively communicating about your passion and what is needed to support it - is just as important as implementing the technical work to...
Series: Everyday Advocacy
Are you an advocate? If you’re reading this, it’s likely that YES, YOU ARE, whether you see yourself that way or not. Anyone working for a cause they are passionate about is an advocate. Really! Advocacy - effectively communicating about your passion and what is...
Series: Using a Growth Mindset to Advance Healthy Schools
"Growth mindset" may be a buzz phrase in education and parenting, but for good reason. Helping children orient their thinking and achievement related to growth, rather than achievement measured by a standard, can create motivation and productivity, as noted...
School Champions, Celebrate!
Part IV of the series, Using a Growth Mindset to Advance Healthy Schools Every step is worth a celebration when it comes to greening your school! Make sure to take time to acknowledge your wins, no matter how big or small on the way to your goal! "How about we...
A Small Group of People Can Change the World
Part III of the series, Using a Growth Mindset to Advance Healthy Schools “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead, American Anthropologist. I didn't think a...
Get Started with a Green Intention
Part II of the series, Using a Growth Mindset to Advance Healthy Schools The universe WANTS you to green your school! When you put an intention out into the universe, the universe responds. Well, I'm not saying that intergalactic aliens are going to come help you...
Three Thoughts to Motivate Your School To Go Green
If you’re focused on making your school more sustainable and green, you may also have your own list of ideas and goals for the year. Rock on!
Yet, while you might be energized and ready to go green, others around you might be swimming in the sea of settling into school.
So how do you help others motivate to make the space in the full days to focus on school sustainability?
Why Write From the Edge of the Schoolyard?
Edge of the Schoolyard is a place to explore how learning happens amidst efforts to meld together community, policy in practice, and connections with nature in American schools. The articles reflects my experiences as a network strategist and communications consultant...