April S.E.L.F. Newsletter
Your Monthly Toolbox for Social & Emotional Learning
Tools and Resources to Nurture a Remote Learning Community
Dear educators,
There was life before COVID-19, and there will be life after.
We didn’t choose to have our schools and colleges closed; our carefully constructed routines halted in their tracks; our field trips, concerts, sporting events, fundraisers and finals all canceled. We didn’t expect this and had little warning.
We weren’t ready for this either. Or were we?
At this very moment, there are so many questions swirling through our own heads and the education ecosystem across the globe. So what can we do to support ourselves and our students in getting through these difficult times? We need to look to social and emotional learning (SEL) for evidence-based practices to help us now and to support us when we eventually return to school.
SEL is for everyone. It’s especially critical for students with the greatest needs—the ones who will be severely impacted by the psychosocial and fiscal effects of this pandemic. But it’s also for teachers and students in the most well-resourced districts and institutions.
Now is when we need to apply everything we’ve learned about SEL. Recognizing your emotions and leveraging the science of SEL is more important now than ever. SEL skills are real skills that can support us in managing the roller coaster of emotions we will be having over the coming days and months. For many of us it’s dealing with daily uncertainty and new ways of interacting socially.
For tips on Leaning in to SEL During the COVID-19 crisis, click here.
So, how are you feeling? Respond here.
"When physical distancing is deemed necessary, social and emotional connectedness is even more critical."
-Karen Niemi
Staff from Lakewood Park had a honk and wave parade to connect with their students and families
Staff from Dan McCarty and Saint Lucie Elementary created a "Honk Train" to visit with students and families
Allapattah Flats K8 shared a student video of morning announcements that included the pledge
School-Wide Ideas
Elementary Resources
Important Dates This Month
Parent Connection
Department of Social & Emotional Learning
Email: sel@stlucieschools.org
Website: https://www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/departments/student-services/social-emotional-learning/
Location: 9461 Brandywine Lane Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Phone: 7724685804
Facebook: facebook.com/stluciesel