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The Common Thread Behind Attendance, Engagement, Behavior and Achievement
By Nick Yoder, PhD
Associate Vice President, Innovation & ResearchThe Common Thread Behind Attendance, Engagement, Behavior and Achievement
District leaders are facing a long list of pressing issues: youth mental health, chronic absenteeism, student behavior, engagement and belonging, academic achievement and workforce readiness—all while managing tight budgets, staffing pressures and competing priorities.
Many of those pressures share a backdrop of growing disconnection. Young people report high levels of loneliness, and a growing number are turning to AI chatbots for companionship and advice, sometimes in place of the human relationships that help them thrive.
It is tempting to tackle each challenge separately. An attendance initiative for absenteeism. An academic intervention for achievement. A behavior strategy for discipline. A wellness program for mental health.
But these challenges have something important in common: the quality of students’ relationships and their connection to school.
When students feel known by adults, connected to peers and part of their school community, they are better positioned to participate, engage and learn. That makes relationships more than a school-climate issue. They are part of the conditions for student success.
Look for the Common Denominator
For district leaders, a useful question is: What conditions could help us make progress across several priorities at once?
The research tells me that relationships are one of those conditions.
We know that healthy relationships don’t simply happen because students share a classroom. Students need opportunities to connect, skills to build and maintain relationships, and environments that make those connections possible. When those conditions are in place, the effects can extend well beyond whether a student feels like they belong.
Richard Carranza, former Chancellor of New York City Public Schools, has seen that connection at the system level:
“When districts invest in the practices that help adults connect, reflect, and solve problems together, the payoff is real: steadier teams, stronger follow-through, and classrooms where students are more present and ready to succeed.”
Richard Carranza, former Chancellor of New York City Public Schools
What a Decade of Research Has Shown
That is what we have seen in more than a decade of research on Sanford Harmony. As detailed in our new report, Why Harmony Matters in Schools and Communities, randomized controlled trials and other studies have found improvements in peer relationships, prosocial behavior, school connection and academic outcomes, along with reductions in aggression and bullying.
Across studies, the Sanford Harmony approach has been associated with a 6% improvement in both academic achievement and classroom connection, a 10% increase in school enjoyment, and a 34% reduction in aggression and bullying.
And our Buddy Up practice specifically delivered a 67% increase in playing with new classmates and a 54% decrease in aggressive behavior.
The important point for district leaders isn’t any single number. It’s the pattern across the findings.
From Good Classroom Practice to Districtwide Impact
Most districts don’t need to be convinced that relationships matter. The harder question is how to make relationship-building intentional and consistent across classrooms and schools.
As Dr. Ruby Ababio-Fernandez, a former senior leader in New York City Public Schools, has said, building strong school relationships “isn’t just a feeling—it’s something leaders can design for.”
Building strong school relationships “isn’t just a feeling—it’s something leaders can design for.”
Dr. Ruby Ababio-Fernandez, former senior leader in New York City Public Schools
That distinction matters. When relationship-building depends primarily on the instincts and practices of individual educators, students’ experiences can vary considerably from classroom to classroom. A shared approach gives educators common language, strategies and opportunities to build connection while still allowing teachers to respond to the students in front of them.
For superintendents, that also means relationship-building doesn’t have to become one more initiative competing for attention. Done well, it can strengthen work already underway around attendance, engagement, behavior, school climate and academic success.
Sanford Harmony was designed around that idea, giving educators research-based resources to intentionally build relationship skills, peer connections and classroom environments from pre-K through middle school.
Relationships will not solve every challenge facing schools. But when attendance, engagement, behavior and achievement are all on the agenda, the research suggests that strengthening relationships can support progress across them—and offers district leaders a strong place to start.
LEARN MORE
Explore the research and evidence behind this approach in Sanford Harmony’s new report, Why Harmony Matters in Schools and Communities, including findings on student connection, engagement, behavior and academic outcomes.
About Nick Yoder PhD
Nick Yoder, PhD is Associate Vice President of Innovation & Research at Sanford Harmony. A former first-grade teacher and instructional coach, he holds a PhD in Education and Psychology and works with schools to make relationship-building part of everyday learning.
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Harmony Begins in the Early Years
By Dr. Deborah Bergeron
Deputy Director | Community Engagement Innovation
National Head Start AssociationHarmony Begins in the Early Years
At the National Head Start Association (NHSA), we know what our youngest learners need for a strong start and a stronger future. Research shows that teaching relationship-centered skills early – birth to age six – yields improved outcomes in behavior and self-regulation. For Head Start students, those skills become the foundation for healthy learning in elementary school and beyond. Children experiencing poverty, homelessness, or foster care placement typically need more support for healthy development, so program teachers and staff must stay intentional about reaching every child where they are.
Bringing Harmony to Our Classrooms
NHSA is fortunate to work with the Harmony curriculum and resources through Sanford Harmony to enhance our early childhood educator training, including the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Our professional learning prepares teachers to help young children acquire the relationship-focused skills that will serve them for years to come.
Through developmentally appropriate activities, stories, songs, and trust-building routines, children discover how to recognize feelings, show empathy, communicate with others, solve problems, and create positive connections with peers and adults. Sanford Harmony’s practical tools give teachers and families a trusted approach to nurturing belonging, cooperation, and healthy relationships.
Sanford Harmony’s practical tools give teachers and families a trusted approach to nurturing belonging, cooperation, and healthy relationships.
At a time when screens compete for children’s attention, the window for cultivating relationship-focused skills early has never mattered more. Teachers and school leaders have the opportunity to prioritize this development in the classrooms that focus on our earliest learners’ day-to-day experiences. This investment will pave the way for their futures as productive citizens in the communities they will one day shape.
About Dr. B
Dr. Deborah Bergeron, aka “Dr. B,” brings more than 30 years of experience in education and child development to her role as Deputy Director of Community Engagement and Innovation at the National Head Start Association. She previously served as Director of the Office of Head Start and Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Early Childhood Development at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she championed policies supporting the nation’s most vulnerable children. A former classroom teacher and school administrator, Dr. Bergeron holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy and Educational Psychology.
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New Year, New Harmony Experience
New Year, New Harmony Experience
At Sanford Harmony, we know educators and school leaders are balancing increasingly complex demands while working to create supportive, connected learning environments.
Over the past year, we’ve listened closely to our partners about what helps Harmony come to life — and where additional support can make implementation easier and more effective. We’ve taken that feedback to heart and evolved the Harmony experience for the 2026-2027 school year with the Harmony Digital Platform.
As part of this evolution, all Harmony users will experience an improved digital platform with a refreshed look, easier navigation, and enhanced access to resources. Partners with Harmony Plus also gain access to additional tools designed to strengthen implementation, support educators, and extend learning across communities.
When you return for the 2026–2027 school year, you’ll find a refreshed Harmony digital experience designed to make implementation easier, engage students in new ways, and strengthen connections across all learning environments.
What’s New This Fall
A Simplified Experience for Educators
New tools and improvements make it easier to plan, access resources, and bring Harmony into daily practice.
All educators benefit from:
- Streamlined navigation and resource discovery
- Enhanced search functionality & chatbot support
- New ways to organize and save your favorite resources
- Improved curriculum progress tracking
Harmony Plus partners will receive additional features to support implementation, like the new Buddy Up Tool.
The Buddy Up Tool helps educators:
- Manage student buddy pairings
- Keep a history of activities
- Track the quality of connections over time
Flexible rostering options and an easy-to-use pairing tool simplify classroom management, allowing educators to spend less time organizing activities and more time helping students build meaningful relationships.
More Visibility to Support Implementation
Strong implementation requires more than access to resources. The updated Harmony experience provides leaders with greater visibility into how Harmony is being used and where additional support may be needed.
Harmony Plus provides leaders with:
- Role-based dashboards for school and district leaders
- Usage and engagement insights
- Greater visibility into implementation across learning environments
Our new and improved Administrator Dashboard helps leaders better understand engagement patterns and monitor usage across all Harmony surfaces. Especially when paired with guidance from Sanford Harmony Implementation Specialists, these insights help leaders make informed decisions that support educators and strengthen student outcomes.
Expanded Support Beyond the Classroom
Belonging is built across many environments, not just the classroom. Harmony continues to expand opportunities for connection between schools, families, and communities.
Now in Harmony Plus:
- Harmony at Home App access for families
- Harmony Connect educator community
As of this fall, the Harmony at Home App is included in all school- and district-level Harmony Plus partnerships. Harmony at Home extends relationship-building beyond school by providing families with content, activities, and conversation tools that reinforce the same skills students practice in the classroom.
Designed with Educators, for Educators
This updated Harmony experience represents more than a technology upgrade. It reflects our continued commitment to partnering with educators, leaders, and communities to make relationship-building easier, more consistent, and more impactful.
We’re excited for what’s ahead in the 2026–2027 school year and look forward to continuing to support you as you build stronger connections every day.
Access to specific features will vary based on your Harmony license, including Harmony Plus. All users will benefit from an improved Harmony digital experience. To learn more about Harmony Plus and the new features, reach out to harmony@nu.edu
Originally published May 29, 2026. Updated on August 17, 2026
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Welcome Back! Family Strategies for a Strong Start to the New School Year!
Parents and caretakers, there’s no better time than the first weeks of school to build a strong foundation for your child’s personal, social, and academic success.
We’re excited to share our Key Steps for a Successful School Year Toolkit, designed especially for the 2026–2027 school year! It features insights and strategies from experienced educators who are part of our Harmony Educator Advisory Group. These leaders have spent decades positively shaping classrooms and healthy learning across the country.
This toolkit isn’t just another back-to-school checklist. We’re offering practical, research-informed guidance to support your children in meaningful ways. Inside, you’ll find tools and tips to help your child:
- Build strong, healthy relationships
- Develop a sense of belonging at school
- Feel seen, heard, and understood
- Strengthen their overall wellness and mental health
Sanford Harmony at National University draws from years of research and educator experience to create resources that prioritize what truly matters: relationships, belonging, and well-being. These foundational factors pave the way for lifelong success in school and beyond.
We hope you use our toolkit – available in both English and Spanish – to help your children thrive both in and outside of the classroom.
Special thanks to our educators who contributed their voices and expertise to our toolkit:
- Daryl Williams Jr., K–12 School Leader, Charlotte, NC
- Cristy Fernandez, Grades 4–8 Teacher, Reno, NV
- Claudine James, ELA Middle School Teacher
- Tom Whisinnand, 5th Grade Teacher, Omaha, NE
Now Available: Harmony at Home App!
Get ready to spark connection and fun for the whole family! This new, innovative app makes it easy for busy families to support skill-building, strengthen connection, and enjoy quick, meaningful interactions every day. Learn More!
Originally published on 08/06/2025, updated on 08/05/2026
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Back to School With Harmony!
Back to School With Harmony!
By: Miriam Blanc-Gonnet, Sr. Manager of User Strategy at Sanford Harmony
It’s that time of year again: notebooks, binders, and pencil pouches in vibrant colors and designs line the entryway of store aisles across the country. “Back to school” is upon us. Some of you may even already have your first week or two behind you.
As a former educator, I always felt equal parts excited and anxious in the weeks leading up to the first day of school. I could not wait to meet my students, and I planned all sorts of fun “get to know you” activities for us to do together. At the same time, I also couldn’t stop thinking about how that first day might go. Worries like, “Do I still remember how to teach?” or “When that 8 a.m. bell rings, will I still know what to do?” would race through my mind.
As we approach the beginning of another year, I want to remind you of something: your students are both excited and anxious, too — you are in this together. I encourage you to take this first week of school slowly and use it to foster relationships, develop community, put routines into place, and take care of yourself in the process. And if you’re looking for support for creating the best healthy learning environment, Sanford Harmony has resources to help you do just that.
Building a Community
To make the start of your school year a bit smoother, the Harmony Curriculum includes a Building Community Pre-Unit to guide you through your first ten days of school. The lessons within this unit offer simple relationship-building routines and activities designed to help both you and your students settle in and connect with each other.
During the first week, you’ll introduce Meet-Up, starting with simple steps like Greeting and Sharing and Responding.
For example, on Day One, your students might use the “25 Ways to Say Hello” resource to greet each other in creative ways. You could also model “Sharing” by telling a short story about how you felt preparing for the first day — then invite students to share and respond in return. As the week progresses, you’ll introduce the additional components of Meet-Up: Checking-In and Connecting.Another key practice introduced early on is Harmony Goals, where students create both class and personal goals. These help build ownership and shared expectations, contributing to a sense of belonging and collaboration in your learning environment. Goal-setting also becomes a powerful tool for reflection and accountability as the year unfolds.
You’ll also introduce Buddy Up, a practice that encourages students to connect and collaborate with peers through age-appropriate prompts. Harmony’s updated Quick Connection Cards — designed for both classroom and out-of-school time — make this easy. Try one on the first day to help new buddy pairs break the ice:
Remember to Prioritize YOU!
In addition to this focus on developing community and establishing a routine, through the first few weeks (and the entire school year, really), you must prioritize filling your cup. 2019 National University Teacher of the Year and Educator Advisory Group member Tom Whisinnand (aka Mr. Whiz), has some great advice on this:
“Starting another school year can be a stressful time. There are many tasks that need to be accomplished and there is limited time to accomplish them. Starting a year by keeping YOUR personal worth in mind is mega-important!”
“Starting another school year can be a stressful time. There are many tasks that need to be accomplished and there is limited time to accomplish them. Starting a year by keeping YOUR personal worth in mind is mega-important! Teachers MUST look after their own well-being Just as we set up routines in our classrooms that empower students to embrace social, emotional, and academic learning, we MUST start the year by embedding these practices in our personal lives.”
Additionally, Mr. Whiz shares his tips for educator self-care during the upcoming school year.
“During this upcoming year, I will be looking after my own well-being in the following ways: 1) I will be visiting a gym on a regular basis; 2) I will create and maintain professional/personal work boundaries; AND 3) I will engage in a creative activity (painting/writing/drawing/producing YouTubes) at least once during any given weekend.”
Mr. Whiz is spot-on. You need to consider how you will maintain your own mental, emotional, and physical health during what is often a chaotic time.
Want a Little Extra?
Everything you need to implement Harmony is available to you at no cost through our Online Learning Portal — including full access to the Building Community unit, Everyday Practices, and digital storybooks.
We also know that many educators appreciate having ready-to-use and printed materials. That’s why we offer a selection of premium resources, designed to make implementation even easier.
Harmony Classroom Kit:
If you prefer having ready-to-use materials on hand, the Harmony Classroom Kit offers printed resources to support your implementation. It includes over 200 Quick Connection Cards for peer conversations, engaging story books for Pre-K–5th, a plush Z doll to help bring lessons to life, and grade-level literature guides developed to integrate relationship skills into literacy instruction. These tools help make Harmony even more accessible in your classroom.
Coming Soon! Harmony at Home App
We can’t wait to share our new app with you this fall! You will soon be able to encourage families to support their child’s development of essential skills, promote well-being, and strengthen relationships at home with the Harmony at Home app — designed to make it easy to extend classroom learning into everyday family life through quick, on-the-go activities. Follow us on social media for the launch date!
You’ve Got This!
Starting a new school year is a big deal — for you and your students. Remember to give yourself grace, celebrate the small wins, and prioritize connection over perfection. The learning will come — what matters most right now is helping your students feel like they belong.
We encourage you to get started exploring our Harmony Curriculum in the Harmony Online Learning Portal, and follow us on social media for more exciting updates this fall.
We hope you have an amazing start to the new school year!
Miriam Blanc-Gonnet, Sr. Manager of User Strategy at Sanford Harmony
Originally published on 08/06/2025, updated on 07/17/2026
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Build Stronger Connections Beyond the School Day with Harmony
Build Stronger Connections Beyond the School Day with Harmony
At Harmony, we believe learning doesn’t stop when the school bell rings. Harmony Out-of-School Time (OST) provides students with meaningful opportunities to develop and apply personal, relational, and academic skills in enriching, real-world environments.
Whether it’s during after-school programs, summer camps, or youth sports, Harmony OST empowers youth to build healthy relationships and strengthen skills beyond the classroom.
Through a collaboration with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, we discovered they had a similar focus on supporting champions on and off the field.
“Sport has limitless power to transform youth by fostering impactful, healthful connections with mentors and building life skills that extend beyond the game.”
– Audrey Shaw-Edwards, Director, Content & Education, U.S. Soccer Foundation
We know that strong teams start with strong relationships. Young people thrive when they have consistent, supportive opportunities to practice relationship-building and teamwork. Sports-based programs offer a unique space where youth can grow in confidence, connect with peers and mentors, and apply what they’ve learned in new and exciting ways.
That’s why Harmony offers flexible, engaging Everyday Practices and Lessons & Activities specifically designed for OST and sports-based program settings. These tools help youth develop essential skills for building healthy team dynamics on and off the field while nurturing a sense of belonging and community.
“Sport has limitless power to transform youth by fostering impactful, healthful connections with mentors and building life skills that extend beyond the game. Tapping into this potential by empowering leaders with the tools they need to build meaningful, lasting relationships with the youth they serve builds a foundation from which the next generation can experience success and growth.” — Audrey Shaw-Edwards, Director, Content & Education, U.S. Soccer Foundation
NEW This Summer!
In our continued collaboration with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Harmony has developed sports-based activities to help coaches, mentors, and sports educators promote teamwork, empathy, and respect — on and off the field.
These activities feature:
- Custom Quick Connection Cards for sports settings
- A focus on building strong peer and adult relationships
- Adaptability for various OST and athletic programs
To support our focus on fostering a growth mindset, youth mentors and staff can view our co-created module, Mentoring In Sports: Coach Mentor Blueprint.
Ready to Bring Harmony to Your Program?
Whether you’re a coach, after-school coordinator, camp leader, or volunteer, Harmony OST provides everything you need to create a more connected, compassionate community for youth.
Explore activities for Lower Grades and Upper Grades
Access resources on the Online Learning PortalOriginally published on 07/09/2025, updated on 07/09/2026
- Custom Quick Connection Cards for sports settings
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Welcome Back to School: Teacher Tips from Harmony Educators!
Back to School is such an exciting time of year! As you prepare to greet and welcome students into new environments, establishing strong new school year routines and prioritizing classroom community building can set the tone for success. Our Harmony Educator Advisory members have gathered practical advice and words of encouragement to support you along the way.
From thoughtful classroom prep to must-use Harmony resources, these back-to-school tips for teachers are designed to help you foster strong relationships and healthy school climates that last throughout the school year.
Aimee Gallant
1st Grade Teacher
Hopewell, VAMy best educator tip for back to school: Ensure you are ready for the first day of school. Make sure you have your procedures written down and make a list of everything you need to go over with your students during the first week. Here’s how:
Prepare Your Classroom
Spend time setting up your classroom for your students. It is essential to have a classroom that is inviting and welcoming to both students and parents. When you are preparing your classroom, take the time to organize materials and the classroom in a way that will be helpful for both you and your students.
Build Relationships
During the first week of school, get to know your students. You can use Harmony’s Quick Connection Cards to help facilitate this activity. Send out a Home-to-School Connection letter to help engage with families. Share information about the Harmony program with parents in your Back-to-School Night presentation.
Establish Procedures
It is important to establish procedures, routines, and expectations from the first day of school. Harmony Professional Learning provides a great series of modules that educators can watch on-demand about setting up and establishing procedures in their classroom. I recommend spending the first 20 days reviewing procedures daily. Practice, practice, practice!
Anderson Manuel
1st Grade Teacher
Sudbury, MassachusettsMy best educator tip for back to school: The first week of school is a whirlwind of emotions and expectations. It’s crucial to set the stage for a positive, nurturing learning environment. Here’s how to make it unforgettable:
Prepare Your Space
A welcoming classroom is essential. Spend a few days before school starts to transform your room into a vibrant and inviting space. Create engaging bulletin boards that preview your upcoming units. Organize materials efficiently to maximize your time.
Welcome Your Students Before They Arrive
I love to send a video of me reading a story and welcoming them, so they can hear my voice and start building trust early. Because when students feel like they know you, school feels less scary. That first connection sets the tone for everything. Students who feel safe and seen are more willing to take risks, engage, and learn. If you want to start your year strong, start with connection.
Build Strong Connections
Harmony’s Building Community Pre-Unit is a fantastic starting point. Use Quick Connection Cards to initiate meaningful conversations and to foster a sense of belonging. Remember, relationships are the foundation of effective teaching.
Embrace the Journey
The first day of school can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. By prioritizing student well-being, creating a positive classroom environment, and utilizing the power of Harmony, you will lay a strong foundation for a successful school year. Remember, every child deserves a teacher who believes in them. You’ve got this!
Olivia Leone
5th Grade Teacher
Millburn, New JerseyMy best educator tip for back to school: Consistency, communication, and courage are the foundations of a classroom where strong, compassionate, and empathetic learners can thrive. When returning to school, reflect on the previous year and think back to all the great things you did as an educator. Make a list of what you want to continue doing and think of areas that you can strengthen.
Family Connection
Making time to speak to parents and families in the first month of school is critical! One tip for returning to school is taking the time to call parents for a 1–2 minute phone conversation. Taking the time to build a school-to-home connection will make for a more successful school year. Invite parents for an event, such as Back-to-School Night, and include information about Sanford Harmony so they could be aware of how their child is learning how to build healthy relationships. Include the Home Letter from Harmony and modify it for your parents and community.
Every Day, Every Student
Harmony lessons should be incorporated into everyday activities. Creating classroom community and connections is important to focus on in the beginning weeks of school. Use the Harmony Everyday Practices to help drive your classroom routines and procedures. Include the language that the lessons incorporate to keep it consistent for all students. Remember, consistency is key and Harmony has the vocabulary that is imperative for healthy learning!
Z Makes a Difference!
The Z mascot is not just a stuffed animal. Z represents so much more! In addition to the Storybooks where Z shares his adventures, Z can be used as an object for “one person talking at a time.” Z represents all of the healthy learning competencies and allows students to relate the stories to real-life situations.
Jessica Martinez
5th Grade Teacher
El Cajon, CaliforniaMy best educator tip for back to school: Take a look around and see your students for who they really are! Start here:
Plan and Prepare
You can never be too prepared. Decide what you want your kids to see when they walk in the room. What environment do you want to create? How do you see yourself teaching in your classroom? Is there flexible seating? Is there relationship building? Kids will see that you are focused on them and their success for the year. Curriculum will come as you assess students, but be sure to focus on creating a safe space in your class routines and environment. Add a bit of academics each week and you will be helping the whole child in your room.
Relationships, Relationships, Relationships!
If you haven’t heard it enough, the relationships you build with your students the first few weeks of school can continue well past the school year. Harmony is very useful in creating the class culture you want. As you work through the first section of activities and create your Class Harmony Goals, focus on students’ backgrounds, hopes, dreams, and how they like to learn and interact. You will be on your way to understanding the community you serve. Using Quick Connection Cards and Buddy Up resources will allow students to find a safe space to learn and grow. They won’t know everything right away, and neither will you. Be patient and take your time to build the relationship skills that will last a lifetime.
Share Your Success
We all hear about the teacher that “doesn’t smile before Thanksgiving.” Don’t be that teacher! Share your mistakes and your triumphs with your students, and help them share theirs with each other. Enjoy the amazing accomplishments that happen in the classroom with students. For example, you can cheer each other on in the Harmony morning circle. You can bring in some of the administration, too! Students like to hear that we are all one team. The shared goals and support makes them feel like their community will always be there for them.
Invite Parents
Please take the time to get to know your parents. They are your students’ first teachers. Bring them in! At Back-to-School Night, have a quick Harmony Circle and invite the parents to share their hopes and dreams for their kids. They want what is best for them! Parents are a partner in their education, so treat them as such.
Always Look Forward
Don’t forget to let the day go after events happen. If something goes wrong, learn from it and start again the next day. Keep coming in with a positive attitude and know your students count on you! Good luck this year and enjoy a job where you get to learn and grow every day!
Originally published 08/15/2024. Update on 07/08/2026
