Making Caring Common
Raising kids who care about others and the common good.
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Research + Programs

Making Caring Common leads a number of research projects and programs. From working directly with schools and educators to spearheading national campaigns, we strive to make caring a priority in homes, schools, and communities.

From working directly with schools and educators to spearheading national campaigns, we strive to make caring a priority in every home, school, and community.

 

Caring Schools Network

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Building community. Caring for others. Creating a more just world.

The Caring Schools Network (CSN), developed by experts at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and educators nationwide, empowers K - 12 schools with the tools they need to cultivate community, caring, and a more just world.

We offer:

  • Easy-to-implement resources. CSN schools have access to a library of evidence-based lessons and classroom activities that are simple for teachers to implement throughout the school year.

  • A focus on caring, community, and student mental health. Our program focuses on the foundations for strong academic and social growth.

  • Support for your school-wide efforts to increase cooperation; improve student relationships and mental health; reduce challenging behaviors; improve academic outcomes; and reduce bullying, harassment, and chronic absenteeism.

  • A Harvard built, educator tested approach. The CSN was created by professors at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and educators from across the country. Our program is grounded in the latest research from the field and feedback from students and teachers about what’s most relevant for schools today.

  • Support + community. You’ll take part in a community support and implementation webinar series with guidance from Harvard staff and time to problem-solve with CSN schools from across the country.

 

Contact
Michael McLaughlin
caringschools@makingcaringcommon.org

 
 

In the spotlight: CSN at Third Street Elementary

“It’s more than a curriculum,” says a Third Street Elementary School parent. “It’s about changing how kids treat each other and teaching them how to care for one another by getting the whole community involved including parents, teachers, and students.”

 
 

Sample resources

Below are a few of the resources that are available to K-12 schools in the CSN. We are always researching, developing, and publishing new strategies.

 

Options & pricing

  • What's included?

    1. CSN Resource Library:

    • 50+ lessons for grades K-5 and 6-12 and 20+ extension activities

    • 20+ community building activities

    • 10+ games

    • 2 relationship mapping tools

    • Educator toolkit to support teen mental health

    2. CSN Support + Community Webinar Series: Five webinars for your school leaders and educators focused on:

    • Support with implementation: Our team will provide guidance as you progress through the year.

    • Expert advice on pressing topics: Experts will share the latest research on creating caring school communities, improving student relationships, and supporting student mental health.

    • Time to connect, collaborate, and problem-solve with other CSN schools from across the country.

    3. Student Connection Program: Opportunity for students to connect with and practice bridging skills with students from other schools in the Caring Schools Network.

    4. Aligned parent resources to deepen the work at home.

    5. A short, simple student survey to understand student needs, track progress, and inform improvement.

    K-5 or 6-12: $2,950 ($950 for Title 1 schools)

    K-8 or K-12: $3,950 ($1,450 for Title 1 schools)

  • What's included?

    A more detailed school climate survey and report as well as an additional webinar to support report understanding, analysis, and action.

    K - 5 or 6 - 12: $950*

    K - 8 or K - 12: $1,250*

  • What's included?

    The Direct Support option includes the annual CSN membership and the advanced survey, in addition to:

    • Four small group conversations with Dr. Rick Weisbourd and other industry experts on school mental health, bridging differences, empathy, and more. Ability to invite parents/educators.

    • Six consulting check-ins with MCC staff to support your school needs and implementation.

    K - 5 or 6 - 12: $9,900*

  • District pricing

    We offer discounts to districts that want several schools to join CSN. Please email caringschools@makingcaringcommon.org for more details.

    Is cost a barrier?

    We want our offerings to be accessible by all school communities. Email caringschools@makingcaringcommon.org if the cost is a barrier for your school, and we’d be happy to work together to find a solution.