These lessons and resources are not new–they have been a part of our community for at least as long as I have been at STM (since 2009).
Using resident experts like our school nurses and our counselor will add extra value to our educational lessons so that students hear consistent messaging not only from their teachers, but also from different and “expert” voices.
Mrs. Marcus is collaborating with classroom teachers and is available to classrooms once per month to enrich the teacher’s lessons and provide that “extra and expert” voice. This is on par with what your children have experienced in the past with Ms. Jones-Washington, Mrs. Burnside, and Mrs. Crawford, all specialists in their own areas. For example, past lessons have included the special “handwashing and germs” lesson, a review on how to sneeze and cough into our elbows, a reminder of how to be a good friend, or what skills and strategies might help our children be more successful in their kickball game at recess.
Why is this a focus for STM? I have not seen the acronym SEL used at STM before.
Identifying what STM is already doing specifically as Social Emotional Learning (SEL) comes from the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). One of the standards within our re-accreditation process (DFE) requires that we provide evidence that we are fulfilling this part of our mission–partnering with parents on the social and emotional growth of your child.
While STM has always provided these lessons and resources as part of the Diocesan Health Curriculum Guidelines, we did not specifically name them as SEL within lesson plans and documentation. Without that specific and intentional designation in our evidence for DFE, we were then only able to MEET the expectation instead of EXCEEDING it.
As you know, STM is Designed for More–so we will continue to work using the provided language from the NCEA to make our amazing school even more exceptional!
Questions? Let’s set up a time to talk.
Emily Stocker
(703) 528-6781 x232