We recognize that the social emotional well-being of our students and staff during these challenging times is critically important. The district has made available resources and referrals to address mental health, behavioral, and emotional needs of students, faculty, and staff when school reopens for in-person instructions. The district has done or plans to do this by:
- Professional development for faculty and staff on social emotional health and wellbeing for both children and adults
- Continue the district’s work with the social-emotional learning committee to disseminate information from our PEAR partnership and other outside resources
- Regular social-emotional lessons for all elementary classes by school counselor
- Reintegration lessons re: COVID-19 changes to routines and procedures
- Video or photo segments on various quick strategies for anxiety, depression, conflict resolution, etc.
- Counseling check-ins or more, depending on student need
- Academic lessons incorporating social-emotional health and wellness
The district has established an advisory council that involves shared decision-making and is comprised of families, students, members of the board of education, school building and/or district/charter leaders, community-based service providers, teachers, certified school counselors, and other pupil personnel service providers. The advisory council will inform the comprehensive developmental school counseling program plan. This program plan has been reviewed and updated to meet current needs.
The district addresses professional development opportunities for faculty and staff on how to talk with and support students during and after the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, as well as provide support for developing coping and resilience skills for students, faculty, and staff. This will be addressed on the staff development days prior to the start of school as well as regularly scheduled professional development sessions throughout the year focused specifically on COVID-19 topics.