by Ernesto Mejía | Feb 25, 2026 | College, Family Engagement, Parents, Programming, Students
At CoolSpeak, we say it all the time: students succeed when the adults in their lives feel confident, connected, and equipped. Family engagement isn’t just a strategy; it’s the heartbeat of student success, especially for first-generation students navigating systems...
by Natasha Carrizosa | Feb 24, 2026 | Classroom, Professional Development, Student Engagement, Students
At CoolSpeak, we believe engagement starts with connection. Before strategies, before outcomes, before the lesson plan even begins, there’s a feeling we create in the room to inspire creativity. For poet, educator, and spoken-word artist Natasha “natty” Carrizosa,...
by Zach Gowen | Dec 3, 2025 | Programming, Student Leadership, Students
Every October, schools across the country come together for Red Ribbon Week, the largest and longest-running drug prevention campaign in the United States. It’s more than just wearing red ribbons; it’s a powerful opportunity to have honest conversations with students...
by Lamarr Womble | Dec 2, 2025 | Classroom, Programming, Student Engagement, Student Leadership, Students
At CoolSpeak, we meet student leaders everywhere, from packed auditoriums to small after-school clubs, and no matter the setting, one truth always stands out: leadership isn’t about having a title, it’s about learning how to take ownership of your own path. That’s why...
by Laura Rizo | Dec 1, 2025 | Classroom, Social Emotional Learning, Student Engagement, Student Leadership, Students
Bullying isn’t “kids being kids.” Bullying happens when someone is repeatedly unkind or hurtful on purpose, especially when there’s a power imbalance. Even the most supportive and attentive educators can’t see everything, which means the students who witness bullying...
by Ernesto Mejía | Nov 20, 2025 | Classroom, Family Engagement, Parents, Programming, Social Emotional Learning, Students
Coming back from holiday break isn’t always easy… for students or educators. Just like adults, students get used to the downtime, the rest, and the freedom. Returning to routine can feel abrupt, and in some cases, neither group is exactly “in the mood” to be back in...
