Needham students, teachers, and staff knocked it out of the park this week with two programs designed to empower student voice and strengthen school culture and community.
First some
context: Needham’s educators are
committed to promoting the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) of each student
in grades PreK-12. We believe that a
learning environment which emphasizes the skills, experiences, and
relationships required for children and young people to thrive and grow into
competent, caring, aware, giving, and resilient adults is critical to the
Needham Public Schools experience. We
believe that SEL enriches and empowers young people and is fundamental to their
academic and personal growth and success.
SEL has long been
a critical component of our elementary curriculum, including, for example, the
use of Responsive Classroom to build a classroom community and develop
students’ social skills. In addition, our
Physical Education & Wellness Program incorporates the domains of Emotional
Wellbeing, Physical Wellbeing, Intellectual Wellbeing, Occupational/Leisure,
Social and Spiritual Wellbeing into the curriculum for all students.
This past week
two amazing SEL opportunities for our 7-12 students occurred at Pollard Middle
School and Needham High School. I
attended both programs and came away amazed at the level of creativity, energy,
and opportunity for young people to learn about and engage in important and current
issues and ideas that impact their lives and schools.
At Pollard Middle
School, all students participated in Make
Your Move Day: Know Thy Selfie! Students attended classes and workshops
designed to develop relationship skills, self-awareness, responsible decision
making, and self-management, all with a emphasis on the use of technology and
social media. Workshop titles included,
FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and Don’t be MEME.
Students also worked in their advisories to unpack what they had learned
and share ideas for making small changes to online and social media behaviors.
At Needham High
School, students helped organize and plan for One Day, a program designed to
complement this year’s all school read, The
Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. A variety
of workshops, lectures, and performances focused on the theme of Finding Power in Your Voice—a major
theme in the book—provided students and teachers with opportunities to explore issues
related to equity, race, social media, and substance abuse. Additionally, students led and explored
workshops focused on the development of athletic leadership skills, climbing,
speech and debate, history, and poetry.
Musical performances by the Sons of Serendip, the creation of art and
sculptures, and TED Talks rounded out the program. In many cases students developed and led the
workshops, an important way in which to include their personal experiences and
stories.
We believe
students need opportunities to strengthen relationships, empathize with a
different point of view, and build confidence and resilience. We believe the academic curriculum and
classroom experiences are enriched and reinforced by vibrant SEL practices and
programs that boost learning. We believe
that young people grow and the broader community strengthened and enriched when
we empower student voices. Thanks and congratulations to all involved who continue to develop these
amazing learning experiences in the Needham Public Schools.
To learn more
about the District’s SEL programs, check out our website: Social and Emotional Learning in the NPS
