According to CASEL, the five competencies of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) are self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills.  SEL helps students to set and achieve positive goals,  understand and manage emotions, feel and show empathy for others, resolve conflicts in constructive ways, and communicate and interact effectively with each other.  In a 2014 brief on Teaching the Whole Child, Dr. Nicholas Yoder cites research  indicating that social-emotional competencies not only prepare students to be able to participate in learning experiences, they also increase students’ capacity to learn.  SEL is embedded in our classrooms and schools, in lessons and activities designed to support physical, emotional, and academic wellness.  It is one of the many ways, outlined below, that the district prioritizes a healthy school community.

Stay well,

Dr. G

Board agendas/minutes, meeting schedules and highlights, recordings, policies, presentations and much more are posted on the Board tab at www.westfieldnjk12.org.