TIGER Performances – Peabody Elementary Schools

In February and March, the PEF sponsored TIGER performances at all eight elementary schools for a total of 12 shows! TIGER is a professional theater company out of Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, designed to help children, schools, parents, and communities deal positively and proactively with social issues and concerns facing children in schools today.

“Think Spaces” – Peabody Elementary Schools

“Think Spaces”, small areas in each classroom where students will be able to calm down, think, and reflect when they are anxious or emotional, are now located in all elementary schools. The spaces help address the social-emotional needs of students and are increasingly used across the Commonwealth. The areas are equipped with comfortable furniture, emotions posters, strategy ideas, and fidget tools. The initiative to add “Think Spaces” to each classroom came about as School Adjustment Counselors collaborated and looked across the district to find common needs across schools. Counselors identified that students needed a space to regroup their thoughts and feelings before returning to schoolwork. Adding a “Think Space” to every classroom will make accessing such spaces more convenient and less stigmatizing for children. 

Special thanks to the JB Thomas–Lahey Foundation for funding this program in its entirety!  And special thanks to WBZ TV/Radio for coming to the Burke School to take pictures 

Dr. Adolph Brown speaks to PVMHS students!

On February 3, 2023, the PEF and the Peabody School Department were pleased to bring Dr. Adolph Brown to PVMHS to speak to all High School students. An award-winning author, highly sought- after corporate thought leader, television personality and distinguished master teacher, Dr. Brown’s unconventional approach has been enormously empowering, and it transcends differences of every kind – political, philosophical, religious, socio-economic, generational, gender, lifestyle, etc. Dr. Brown is admired around the world for his simple, yet powerful, universal, timeless teachings.

Core Trainings – Higgins Middle School

At the beginning of May, all 7th graders from the Higgins Middle School participated in a training facilitated by Core Trainings. The programs are designed to enhance one’s relationship with others, one’s leadership potential, increase self-worth, become socially aware of one’s actions, communication, and build intellectually stronger teams through a value-based focus. They reinforce a growth mindset to support becoming behaviorally intelligent and to empower a mindset to practice effective relationships and leadership. 

The customized workshops were interactive and focused on: social and emotional intelligence and how it affects relationships; how to be an effective classmate that understands meaningful relationships with peers, classmates, teammates, staff and community; being mindful of what empathy is and adapting to the needs of others; and becoming socially aware of the value of others and how to really appreciate ALL people. 

Ice Cream Social – Teachers & Staff

On March 17, at the conclusion of Professional Development Day, the PEF hosted an ice cream social at the Higgins Middle School and PVMHS as a thank you to Peabody teachers and staff for all of the work they do throughout the year for our students! Special thanks to Treadwell’s Ice Cream for donating the ice cream and to all of our PEF volunteers!