Berkley School District issued the following announcement on Oct 19.
We know that students need to feel safe and supported in order to be ready to learn. We also know that the idea of safety goes beyond the physical spaces of the building. Students need to feel emotionally safe and that they belong in order to fully engage in their learning as well. As a District we have focused a lot of attention on the social emotional well-being of our students, especially due to the ongoing pandemic.
Last year we began implementing the Second Step social-emotional curriculum at all buildings, TK-8, to teach children how to manage their emotions and where to turn for support. This curriculum continues this year. The Second Step programs are research-based to promote the social-emotional development, safety, and well-being of children. At the high school, they have adopted the Sources of Strength program. Sources of Strength is a youth suicide prevention project designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse. It evokes peers to lead the learning, while also letting students know there are trusted adults in the building to help them at any time. Berkley High School also has the Bear Den inside of the counseling office. The Bear Den is a space for students to better manage their stress and anxiety at school. It gives students a safe place to gather themselves and practice mindfulness strategies.
We have many resources on our Emotional Health and Wellness webpage, for parents and students on mindfulness, managing anxiety, inclusiveness, keeping kids safe online and much more.
Tomorrow we will be testing our Communications System as part of Safe Schools Week. Look for those messages around 6 pm.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up