The value of belonging is part of the fabric of RPS, not stand alone words, events or a single experience. Thus it is evident in the RPS Mission and Vision of the Graduate.
Foster academic, social and emotional growth for all students
Promote wellness of body and mind
Build an inclusive climate of trust, safety, and respect
Value diversity by cultivating global competencies
Attract, support and retain talented educators who embrace continuous learning
Graduates who are mindful embrace empathy and advocate respect for themselves and others.
Through self-reflection and awareness, they understand diverse cultures and perspectives.
They model the conviction that ethics, leadership, and service to others are critical elements of responsible citizenship.”
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That being said, these words should embody our mission on a daily basis, ensuring that our students not only feel welcome but also seen, heard, and valued. We achieve this through:
Developing social and emotional skills that facilitate the establishment and sustenance of healthy relationships.
Fostering environments that encourage open and respectful discourse.
Providing authentic opportunities, embedded in the approved curriculum, for students to take risks and express their perspectives.
Nurturing environments of care and empathy continuously.
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While the focus is primarily on student programming, we, as a learning organization, firmly believe that by enhancing the knowledge of adults in our schools, we can consistently strive for improvement. Our leadership teams actively seek meaningful, relevant, and authentic opportunities for our staff to learn from experts in the field. This commitment is rooted in our dedication to creating inclusive environments for RPS students every single day.
Self-Awareness: “The abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, values and how they influence behavior across contexts.
Self-Management: "The abilities to manage one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations and to achieve goals and aspirations."
Social Awareness: "The abilities to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contexts."
Relationship Skills: “The abilities to establish and maintain healthy and supportive relationships and to effectively navigate settings with diverse individuals and groups.”
Responsible Decision-Making: "The abilities to make caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations."
K-5 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
and Belonging Programs
Rooted in CASEL Competencies
Classroom teachers, administrators, and other staff members integrate principles into every facet of our school community. At the elementary schools SEL programs and practices are part of the core experience. The competencies are taught through stand alone lessons and at times is embedded in the core curriculum. For example, teachers plan lessons where students need to analyze literary characters based on RULER principles. As you look at the Principals and Practices below, you can also see which of the CASEL competencies are addressed by each tool/approach.
Aligned with our mission statement and core values, Ridgefield High School's Social Emotional Learning and Belonging initiatives foster a dynamic and supportive learning community. Grounded in our core values of Collaboration, Innovation, Mindfulness, Communication, Knowledge, and Resilience, we are committed to cultivating an environment that promotes growth, empathy, and citizenship. Through initiatives like the No Place for Hate program and the Human Rights Institute, we empower students to champion inclusivity. Through our programming, we create spaces for open dialogue, critical reflection, and meaningful action to ensure the safety and well-being of all.
Our Developmental School Counseling Program further reinforces these values, providing students with personalized support and guidance to navigate challenges, and make responsible decisions. Our comprehensive Social Emotional Learning and Belonging programs underscore our dedication to nurturing self-awareness, social awareness, and meaningful relationships, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
At Ridgefield High School, we believe that by cultivating a culture of belonging and emotional well-being, we empower our students to become compassionate leaders and changemakers in their communities and beyond.