Social Emotional Learning

Social and emotional learning (SEL) describes a set of competencies and skills that enhances students’ capacity to integrate skills, attitudes, and behaviors to deal effectively and ethically with daily tasks and challenges.

As Jeffco Social Emotional Learning Specialists, our mission is to create and maintain a positive climate and culture that is inclusive and safe for students, families, and staff. While cultivating and empowering the whole child through tiered, evidence-based implementation of social emotional learning programming in order to empower successful, productive citizens and actualize the Jeffco Generations. 

At Kendrick Lakes Elementary School, every classroom enforces and supports SEL with the Second Step Curriculum. Classroom teachers teach weekly lessons to the whole class that are focused on the 5 CASEL Competencies:

• Self-awareness
• Self-management
• Social awareness
• Responsible decision-making
• Relationship skills

In addition to these lessons, all students have access to additional lessons and activities related to mindfulness, diversity, equity and inclusion, disability awareness and emotional regulation. 

Learning

At Kendrick Lakes Elementary School, we focus on the whole child and family. We partner with families to ensure that students' individual needs are met on a daily basis. The climate and culture of the building elevates belonging and connection, where each student is seen and heard. 

Classrooms are set up to provide support for all students with tools and resources focused on the following areas: 

• Executive functioning
• Coping tools
• Conflict management and problem solving
• Sensory needs
• Flexible seating options
• Community building, etc. 

We support students in their overall learning of how to be human in our ever-changing world by teaching them how to manage their big feelings, get along with others and handle situations that come up at school or at home. 

School wide behavior matrix

School Wide Behavior Expectations Matrix

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) 

Because our approach to discipline is focused on positive behavior beliefs, we implement a PBIS System of Support. PBIS is an organized, data-driven system of interventions, strategies and supports that positively impact school wide and individualized behavior planning.

Jeffco Public Schools creates and maintains a positive climate and culture in schools that is inclusive and safe for students, families and staff. With a commitment to empowering successful and productive citizens,  the district supports the growth of students through leveled, evidence-based implementation of social emotional learning programming.

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which students and adults gain and apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to deal effectively with daily tasks and challenges.

Jeffco has adopted the five core competencies of SEL outlined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL). 

• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness
• Relationship Skills
• Responsible Decision-Making (CASEL, 2020)

SEL happens in safe and supportive school, family and community environments that support development and provide opportunities and recognition for successfully applying skills.