Since March 2020, students and their families have demonstrated remarkable resilience and flexibility during unprecedented times caused by the ever-changing demands of the pandemic. After returning to school full-time, and in person, there remains some uncertainty about the long-term outcomes of student social, emotional, learning, and well-being.  

While the pandemic's impact on student development and well-being will be studied for many years to come,  some research teams are beginning to publish their current findings.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) published Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of Children and Adolescents: A systematic Review of Survey Studies and not surprisingly, discovered " the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and well-being of children and adolescents is multifaceted and substantial".  As researchers also explore interventions that focus on enhancing student well-being post-pandemic, programs that support the overall mental health and well-being of students can start now!

Mary of Nazareth is excited to introduce The Leadership and Development and MoN Success Program to students in grades 4-8. The program provides positive social (how we relate to others), emotional (how we feel), and behavioral (how we act) support to promote overall well-being and enhance academic achievement.  The Leadership and Development and MoN Success Program focuses on helping students develop honest self-awareness as a foundation on which they can develop healthy social, emotional, and academic skills that enhance confidence, competence, and self-control.   Strategies that help develop self-awareness include; asking for feedback, self-reflecting, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses (without judgment), and postponing gratification. 

Both Leadership and Development and MoN Success blend study skills and social-emotional skills to support the whole child. Weekly sessions are geared toward the specific developmental needs of students in grades 4-5 (MoN Success) and grades 6-8 (Leadership Development). Along with a foundation is self-awareness, both programs emphasize the importance of developing personal strengths to increase self-management, social awareness, problem-solving, responsibility, and academic achievement.

The most successful students are those who have strong foundational skills and often this comes from a partnership between school and home.  Leadership Starts At Home—How Parents Can Set Kids Up For Success 

• Ask your child what s/he described as their strengths and weakness in class. What are some things that they avoid doing or find difficult?  Knowing weaknesses helps students better understand their strengths and gives them a clearer understanding of the things that might be holding them back.  Although weaknesses can be viewed as negative, they represent opportunities to develop and build new skills. Why is it Important to Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses?