SEL IN ACTION
SEPTEMBER 2020
Message from our Executive Director
Dear Friends,
In this last month, we have had over 600 administrators and over 3,000 teachers participate in our live, online Social and Emotional Learning training sessions. I am beyond ecstatic to know that students and staff at all campuses will be experiencing SEL throughout their days. Virtual or physically distant in-person, we have found creative ways to ensure that our students and staff can safely connect with fun and engaging practices. One excellent resource, SEL Competencies- Strategies and Practices to Support Learning, has recently been co-developed by one of our SEL Coordinators, Priti Ahuja, and Principal Michael Ruiz and the team at Geneva Heights!
As we begin the school year, please review our list of assigned SEL Coordinators by campus and network; and Principals, please let us know how we can support your campus by completing this survey (Bit.ly link: https://bit.ly/SELSupportSurvey) by the end of the first six weeks of school. Administrators may select from different support options as outlined in the survey when determining the level of support needed for their campus.
There is no doubt that the 2020 -2021 school year is bringing lots of excitement and learning as we prepare for this new experience in education. Our students are just as eager to get back into a routine, to learn, and to see you and their friends. With all this excitement, we know that there is also a certain level of stress and anxiety. That said, I encourage you to start a self-care routine if you don’t already have one. For example, I invite you to join us every Wednesday, August 26th – December 16th, at 7:00 pm for 60 minute Mindfulness sessions. Cameras and mics off! This session is strictly an opportunity for you to practice some mindfulness strategies for your own health and well-being. Register with this form if you are interested in participating. If this session doesn’t interest you, take a couple minutes to read this article by the Harvard Business Review for some very practical tips on self-care. Why? Because we care.
Stay safe and connected.
- Juany Valdespino-Gaytan
Executive Director of Engagement Services
This Month's Focus: Self-Care!
Self-care connects with our five social and emotional learning competencies in the following ways:
- Self-awareness: understanding your stress points as well as knowing specific activities / strategies help you to find balance and joy
- Self-management: understanding positive ways for you to manage stress while still cultivating your own resilience
- Social awareness: recognizing others' needs for self-care and being empathetic
- Relationship skills: seeking help when needed and asking others for their support and guidance
- Responsible decision making: making positive choices for yourself, including knowing when to say "no" to certain tasks if you don't have the capacity for them at this time
Chemicals in the Brain the Affect Mood
Psychologies article, "Boost your natural 'feelgood' chemicals" gives more context about these brain chemicals and processes.
NPR's Life Kit
Training & Learning Opportunities
Reminder: Start of Year Professional Development
- The PDL team has developed a principal-focused website as well as a teacher-focused website with training information.
- Note that you need to be logged into your Google account with your district email (EAD log-in / password) to access the websites and related resources.
- To find our SEL Department's self-paced course, visit Cornerstone and search for "Module 9: SEL & Trauma Informed Care-Campus Culture Priorities." There are two options: one for elementary teachers and one for secondary teachers, and participants will receive credit upon completing the course.
Districtwide Opportunity: Mastermind Sessions
Sessions will focus on science-based mindfulness strategies for cultivating self-awareness and self-management. Each session will include information and teachings on emotional intelligence, formal and informal mindfulness exercises, and key takeaways for daily life.
Join us every Wednesday at 7:00 pm, beginning August 26th - December 16th.
- Register here to join the class. We are excited to share this transformative practice with you!
Mark Your Calendar- Excellence through Equity: Fostering Positive Learning Experiences
Every year, the Department of Language, Literacy, and Social Studies at Dallas ISD supports our teachers by hosting a Fall Conference for Professional Development.
This year, with the theme “Excellence through Equity: Fostering Positive Learning Experiences,” the Language, Literacy, and Social Studies Department is joined by multiple Dallas ISD departments to come together in a virtual conference to explore how to bring excellence through equity for all students.
Teachers are invited to attend this exciting event to learn from our support staff, teachers, and guest speakers.
Save the date in your calendar and click here to register!
Resources for SEL Explicit Skills Instruction
Sanford Harmony (Elementary School)
Random Acts of Kindness (Middle School)
Facing History and Ourselves (High School)
Family & Caregiver Resources
Self-Care Resources for Families
Feel free to copy / paste / share any of these resources in emails to families, campus newsletters, or post on classroom or campus websites!
Self-Care at Home
Self-care is going to look different for everyone. As parents and caregivers navigate through distance learning, and stressful times, they will need support in addressing their family’s mental and health wellbeing as well as their own. The following resource includes healthy ways to relax, have fun, exercise, and socialize at home.
Elementary School (English/Spanish)
Distance Learning - Tips for Parents
Sign Up for Our Upcoming Family Newsletter!
Parents and caregivers can submit their contact information via our sign-up form. We also have a Spanish version of the sign-up form as well!
Please share both language versions widely with any parents who may be interested in signing up for our family-focused newsletter!
SEL Dallas
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING DEPARTMENT
Email: SEL@dallasisd.org
Website: Dallasisd.org/sel
Location: 2909 North Buckner Boulevard, Dallas, TX, USA
Phone: 972-925-8951
Twitter: @DallasisdSEL