Cougar PRIDE

Seymour Middle School is committed to enhancing the spirit of our students. As a school community where respect for self and others is highly valued, it is important to teach students to utilize high standards when making good academic and personal choices. To assist students with this process, SMS employs a combination of programs grounded in Social Emotional Learning (SEL), including Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) and Restorative Practices.

SEL is an educational approach that focuses on teaching students the skills to understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

PBIS is an approach to teaching and supporting positive behaviors to meet the needs of all students. This school-wide approach to discipline focuses on building a safe and positive environment where all students can learn. Additionally, SMS utilizes Restorative Practices, an approach that seeks to build community and manage conflict by repairing harm and restoring relationships. Restorative Practices empower students and staff to resolve conflicts peacefully and respectfully through circles, conversations, and other restorative techniques, fostering a sense of accountability and understanding among students and promoting a positive school climate.

The foundation of our SEL efforts at SMS is the acronym PRIDE, which represents the following characteristics:

P– Perseverance   R – Respect   I - Integrity   D – Dependability   E – Empathy