Berrien RESA and local school districts launch Berrien THRIVES campaign

Berrien Springs - Berrien RESA, in partnership with Berrien County’s public school districts, is launching an awareness campaign designed to help families and residents learn how the education community is working together to achieve three common goals:

1. To build educator capacity around common literacy standards, the Science of Reading, and the delivery of explicitly foundational skills and strategies.
    
2. To build educator capacity around common math standards, the 8 Mathematical Practices and delivery of explicit foundational skills and strategies.
    
3. To build educator capacity around fostering belonging and engagement where ALL are connected and accepted.

“In 2023, Berrien RESA and local superintendents established the three countywide goals with a focus on advancing both educators’ and school administrators’ skills,” said Berrien RESA Superintendent Eric Hoppstock. “In just two years, districts have already adopted new curricula, refocused professional learning, and spent time studying the Science of Reading, the 8 Math Essentials, and positive behavior strategies to strengthen classroom connectedness.” 

To help the community learn more about the goals and the progress being made to achieve them, Berrien County superintendents asked Berrien RESA to develop a countywide awareness campaign. The campaign, called Berrien THRIVES, was launched earlier this month. 

“The key to the campaign is sharing success stories,” said Hoppstock. “Local and countywide efforts tied to the goals will be highlighted, encouraging conversations in every community about how our schools are working collaboratively to address core areas of learning.”

Throughout the school year, Berrien County residents will see stories about this work in their school and community newsletters, on websites, and on social media platforms.

The Berrien THIVES campaign will also feature a realtor guide that can be used to help prospective Berrien County residents learn about the collective efforts of all Berrien County school districts. Additionally, the business community will have the opportunity to learn how these three countywide goals impact their future workforce and understand that, as community pillars themselves, they also play an important role in helping educators achieve these goals.

“When educating students, it is not just what is happening inside the classrooms that helps them excel,” said Hoppstock. “It is a collective effort from everyone to help shape our future leaders, and eventually, our future residents. When individuals feel a sense of belonging or connectedness in their communities, they are more likely to participate in service activities, purchase homes, invest in their neighborhoods, establish businesses, and work in local industries. Building our future starts early, and it begins with a shared commitment to helping every student THRIVE.”

In October, a survey was provided to parents and guardians about their current level of awareness about the three countywide goals. The survey will be issued again in the spring to measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

To learn more about the Berrien THRIVES campaign and the efforts made toward the three countywide goals in their own communities, residents are encouraged to contact their local school district’s superintendent’s office. Contact information for all Berrien County school districts can be found by visiting the Berrien RESA website.