SEL Program Information

December 6, 2021

Dear Jr/Sr HS Families, 

We understand just how challenging the past 20 months of the pandemic have been for the education of our students. This school year as we transitioned to all in-person daily instruction, we have seen an increased need to review Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)/Character Education with our students. While a common practice in grades k-8, this will be rather new for grades 9-12. More than two decades of research shows that SEL leads to increased academic achievement, good behavior practices, and a strong return on investment. Please click here for an overview flyer from the NYS Dept of Education regarding the use of SEL in schools.  

SEL includes developing relationship skills, self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness and optimistic thinking. In addition, SEL programming assists students and adults to interact both in the classroom and out of it and helps to provide an equitable, supportive, and welcoming school environment. To support our student’s academic success, we are moving forward with social and emotional or character education activities to assist our students to navigate their educational career.

We offer our students two distinct programs to accomplish this goal. Both programs assist in the foundation of our school mission statement to be safe, respectful, responsible, and kind. 
 

The grade 7 & 8 program (Jr HS) is called Second Step.

Please click here for an example of a 7th grade activity video overview on positive self-talk...

This program is currently running and has been offered to grades 7 & 8 for the past 3 years. It is a continuation of the Second Step elementary program that has been running for over 15 years. There are 4 key areas to this program offered as a part of our Jr High School advisory period. They are:

• Mindsets & Goals: Students learn how to develop a growth mindset and apply research-based goal-setting strategies to their social and academic lives.

• Recognizing Bullying & Harassment: Students learn how to recognize bullying and harassment, stand up safely to bullying, and respond appropriately.

• Thoughts, Emotions & Decisions: Students learn how to recognize strong emotions and unhelpful thoughts, and they learn to apply strategies for managing their emotions and reducing stress.

• Managing Relationships & Social Conflict: Students learn strategies for developing and maintaining healthy relationships, perspective-taking, and dealing with conflict.

The grade 9-12 program (Sr HS) is called Character Strong. 

Please click here for an example of a 9th grade activity video overview on helpful supports…

This is a new program to assist our older students with good decision-making skills, empathy, and goal-setting. There are 4 key areas to this program that are planned to be offered as a part of our Sr High School English classes starting in January 2022. They are:

• Belonging: How can we create a place where everyone feels like they belong?

• Well-being: How can I cultivate well-being in my life and the lives of others?

• Engagement: What can I do to fully engage in my life now that prepares me for a meaningful life after high school?

• Leadership: How can we work to build a better world through personal influence and effective teamwork?

For more information on the Jr/Sr High School SEL initiative and how families can support our work in school, please join us via Zoom for a Community Advisory Council (CAC) meeting on Thursday, December 16 at 5:00pm. To join the meeting, please use the details below...

Topic: SC Jr/Sr High School CAC Zoom Meeting
Time: Dec 16, 2021 5:00-6:00PM
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96454525268
Meeting Passcode will be emailed to families on December 8, 2021.

We thank you for your continued partnership with us as we prepare your child for high school graduation and post-secondary planning. Our work together is more important than ever as we strive to ensure your child is successful this school year and beyond.

Best Regards,
Luke Carnicelli, Principal
Southern Cayuga Jr/Sr High School