Health & WelLness

North Country Supervisory Union and its district schools address the many issues of social and emotional school climate (SESC). SESC refers to the psychosocial aspects of students’ educational experience that influence their social and emotional development. The social and emotional climate of a school can impact student engagement in school activities; relationships with other students, staff, family, and community; and academic performance. A positive social and emotional school climate is conducive to effective teaching and learning. Such climates promote health, growth, and development by providing a safe and supportive learning environment. NCSU follows the law 16 V.S.A. § 131 subset 8 that reads “ Human growth and development, including understanding the physical, emotional, and social elements of individual development and interpersonal relationships, including instruction in parenting methods and styles. This shall include information regarding the possible outcomes of premature sexual activity, contraceptives, adolescent pregnancy, childbirth, and adoption.

• The Technical Assistance Resource Guide (TARG), created by the Sexual Violence Prevention Task Force pursuant to ACT 1 of 2009 and updated in 2014, provides guidance for schools to build their capacity for and knowledge of sexual violence prevention. Additional resources for schools and educators: http://education.vermont.gov/sites/aoe/files/documents/edu-health-education-best-practice-flow.pdf
• The Vermont Agency of Education offers various links to help with school climate such as suicide prevention. http://education.vermont.gov/search/node/Suicide%20Prevention and on school climate and bullying or harassment at: http://education.vermont.gov/search/node/bullying%20prevention
• Contact your local school to learn of the many clubs and activities that promote a positive school climate. https://www.ncsuvt.org/about-ncsu/our-schools
• NCSU offers various curriculums in the High School and Junior High School that addresses sexual health and relationship building.
• NCSU has many areas of social and emotional school climate policies that support students and enhances their learning potential.