Coversheet

Board of Education Meeting Date: 10/10/2019

Action under consideration

	The Administration recommends that the Board of Education authorize The School District of Philadelphia, through the Superintendent or his designee, to execute and perform a contract, subject to funding, as follows:
	With: Niema Golphin
	Purpose: Mindfulness training

	Start date: 11/1/2019
	End date: 6/30/2021

Compensation not to exceed: $156,809

Location:
Schools will be chosen based on SPR score.

Maximum compensation authorized per option period: $156,809

Description:
Niema Golphin will train students and staff in five identified schools in mindfulness. Services will include a series of workshop-style trainings targeting students in grades 5-8 and the staff who work with them. Trainings will focus on the role of mindfulness in reducing stress and managing negative emotions, and on the practice of mindfulness itself. The goal is to support positive relationships between and among students and staff, to support anti-bullying efforts and to minimize aggression. Ms. Golphin will also organize a Summit event in Spring 2020, at which participating students can share their experiences learning about and practicing mindfulness. The work provided will be part of a broader evaluative effort involving all of the district's mindfulness programs. It will be evaluated by analyzing survey results to be administered to schools, as well as comparing baseline data from office discipline referrals at the start of this work and again at the end in an effort to see a reduction in office discipline referrals and bullying/harassment reports. The contract includes funds for the purchase of such items as yoga mats, chimes, and other supplies and materials for the participating schools.

Anchor Goal(s) Supported:

Funding Source(s):
PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Grant

Office Originating Request: Board of Education