Monday evening was a very special night for our Scottie Singers and their teacher Mrs. Satterwhite. Approximately 40 students, along with their parents, traveled to the AISD boardroom to sing for AISD Board of Trustees in recognition of Board Appreciation Month. This group of 4th and 5th graders sang three songs, had some terrific movements with Stand By Me, and really got me when they finished with Scotties All the Way, our school song. Wonderful duet in the program by Janaye and Gabby, as well as a very well done solo by Georgia Kay. Loved it!
I've had several discussions this week regarding our SEL curriculum on campus. Many good things happening, though it's still in its infancy on our campus and vertical team. We're thrilled SEL time is scheduled in grade level classrooms and our hope over time is that the social/emotional lessons become ingrained in our school culture. Feedback from teachers so far indicate that they like the Second Step curriculum components and the common language it gives to them and to students. Time is always a factor for delivery at schools, but really, the lessons of SEL dovetail with other initiatives and other research so well. When I reflect on our creative classroom initiative, or the lectures I was privileged to attend by Dan Siegel and Sonia Nieto this year, I come to a very basic conclusion. The work being done supports and embraces a common message at the end of the day. Valuing diversity, giving students tools to build empathy, to work cooperatively, and to problem solve. Taking information when given and doing something productive, meaningful, creative, and transformative with it for the good of themselves and others. College, Career, and Life ready as they say...
Part of the SEL initiative is the development of peace areas within the classrooms and campus. Areas where students walk and talk and come to accord within the peace area. Or as AISD's SEL site states, embark on a"journey towards student empowerment to self-regulate and solve their problems". Cari Land recently installed our campus peace area near the all important playground area. She tells me students are not quite there yet with using these areas consistently or independently. Not there yet, but when we are, imagine the power those areas will hold for all.
Part of the SEL initiative is the development of peace areas within the classrooms and campus. Areas where students walk and talk and come to accord within the peace area. Or as AISD's SEL site states, embark on a"journey towards student empowerment to self-regulate and solve their problems". Cari Land recently installed our campus peace area near the all important playground area. She tells me students are not quite there yet with using these areas consistently or independently. Not there yet, but when we are, imagine the power those areas will hold for all.
