Social & Emotional Learning
As a community rooted in the values of inclusivity, kindness, respect and compassion, we believe in fostering meaningful relationships and teaching the skills for social and emotional development beginning in Preschool and continuing through Eighth Grade.
Daily best practices and our commitment to carrying out the School’s Mission and Community Code are supplemented with a schoolwide Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program to practice skills for social awareness, develop interpersonal intelligence, and learn responsible decision-making, led by School Counselor and LPC, Kate Childs.
Daily Lesson Integration & School-wide Theme of the Month
CharacterStrong Curriculum
We focus on connecting and building relationships with each student. Social and Emotional Learning provides our students skills to manage emotions, resolve conflict and improve self-awareness, guided by the CharacterStrong program. Along with ongoing training and support from Kate Childs, teachers intentionally integrate SEL education through specific lessons and weave the themes into the daily interactions within the community. Kindness, respect, empathy, and creativity are among the school-wide, monthly themes teachers incorporate to foster a positive, connected, community of learners.
WELLNESS WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS
In September, SPS offered a virtual parent workshop on anxiety and the emotional health of children led by Dr. Margot Burke of Milestones Psychology and Wellness. If you missed this event, you can still watch a recording of the Zoom.
SEL for our Younger Students
In our Early Childhood Division and Lower School, teachers employ methods including “Baby Doll Circle Time” and “Zones of Regulation” to teach impulse control and calming strategies.
SEL in the Upper School
In the Upper School, students meet in Advisory groups and engage in more student-driven and teacher-guided SEL conversations about leadership, learning styles, personal accountability, cultural competence, and other relevant topics.