Social Emotional Learning
Social Emotional Learning at Bergen Elementary
At Bergen Elementary, we educate and empower the whole child for success.
Social Emotional Learning in Jeffco
Jeffco Public Schools creates and maintains a positive climate and culture in schools that is inclusive and safe for students, families and staff. With a commitment to empowering successful and productive citizens, the district supports the growth of students through leveled, evidence-based implementation of social emotional learning programming.
What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which students and adults gain and apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to deal effectively with daily tasks and challenges.
Jeffco has adopted the five core competencies of SEL outlined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL).
- Self-Awareness
- Self-Management
- Social Awareness
- Relationship Skills
- Responsible Decision-Making (CASEL, 2020)
SEL happens in safe and supportive school, family and community environments that support development and provide opportunities and recognition for successfully applying skills.
Social Emotional Supports
Bergen Elementary uses the “Second Step” curriculum as a whole school to teach social-emotional skills. Second Step is implemented district-wide. It is an evidence-based curriculum based on the CASEL standards for social-emotional learning. Second Step teaches a growth mindset and goal setting, emotion management, empathy and kindness and problem-solving skills. Each class teaches one 20-minute lesson weekly for 20 weeks. At Bergen Elementary there is a morning meeting and positive behavior reinforcement.
Be on the lookout for unit updates in your Friday folders for ways to implement this learning at home.
Check-in and Check-out (CICO)
The Check-In, Check-Out (CICO) program is for those students who would benefit from additional emotional support and reinforcement. Students who are part of the CICO program will have brief check-ins with their teacher(s) and CICO coordinator multiple times per day to share clear expectations and feedback and to celebrate their day. Students will also earn “free time” at the end of the day on Wednesdays and Fridays. Any discipline will occur separately from the CICO program as deemed appropriate per the Jeffco School code of conduct.
If your student participates in the CICO program you will be notified about receiving this extra support.
Want to learn more about CICO?
Contact: Carrie Elste
Email: carrie.elste@jeffco.k12.co.us
Restorative Practices
Restorative practices in schools are based on restorative justice principles instead of punishment. They aim first to build classroom communities that are supported by clear agreements, authentic communication, and specific tools to bring issues and conflicts forward in a helpful way. They provide specific pathways to repair harm by bringing together those who are affected by the misbehavior in a dialogue to address concerns, achieve understanding and agree on setting things right. In addition to serving the cause of fairness and justice, restorative approaches make schools safer and reinforce social and emotional learning.
Restorative conferences and circles
Restorative conferences and circles are used to repair the harm between students for minor behavioral concerns (i.e. unkind words, exclusion, etc.) so that all students can feel safe and connected at school. Students or teachers can request a restorative circle when there has been harm done.