Florida Mesa Elementary School
Social Emotional Learning  Program

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a process for helping children develop positive social skills necessary to succeed at school and in life.  Those skills include effective communication, problem solving, responsible decision making and conflict resolution.  SEL plays a significant role in healthy development and academic success.  SEL also reduces behaviors that can interfere with learning.

The Discovery Model  teaches strategies for social emotional learning.  This model gives teachers and staff a common language to use when addressing behaviors throughout the school.  The objectives of the program are: 

• To develop a strong sense of community and establish positive support systems for allstudents.
• To teach, practice, and provide feedback on positive social skills.
• To reinforce the culture of the classroom/school and ensure that all students realize what is expected of them and what they can expect from the staff.

Two of the components of the Discovery Model are the 6 P’s and the 5 A’s.  The components give us a common language to teach expected behaviors to all our students.

The 6 P’s

• Polite - being respectful of others, listening when others are talking
• Prompt - on time
• Prepared - focused on the task at hand, ready to learn, have what you need
• Positive Mental Attitude - Neck up Check up...Smile, look for the bright side in any situation
• Participate - to be involved, take initiative
• Produce - to create quality work, finish assignments

The 5 A’s

• Attitude - being in the moment, being open to what the other person has to say
• Appropriate Eye Contact - nose and toes pointed at the speaker, look them in the eye
• Appropriate Feedback - listen and respond, be honest and genuine
• Appropriate Body Language - calm stance, sitting at attention
• Ask Questions - ask questions to find out more,  understand what is being said

Filter Word

A filter word is a guide for students and staff to make sure our behavior supports ourlearning culture.  Our filter word is INTEGRITY.  When dealing with behavior issues, we ask the question, “Did you act with integrity?”

SEL is a Partnership

When families and schools work together, the social, emotional and academic benefits for students increase.  You can create a positive environment for success by showing an interest in your child’s education, setting high expectations for achievement and letting your child know that you believe in his or her abilities.  Here are a few ways to support social emotional learning at home.

1. Focus on children’s strengths. 
2. Follow up on consequences for misbehaviors.
3. Ask children how they feel.
4. Find ways to stay calm when angry.
5. Be willing to apologize.
6. Give children choices and respect their wishes.
7. Ask questions that help children solve their own problems.
8. Read books together.
9. Encourage sharing and helping.

For more information about the Florida Mesa Elementary SEL program, please contact Principal Cindy Smart at (970)247-4250.        

                             Culture Statement:  The Florida Mesa learning culture embraces INTEGRITY.

                                          Integrity - Doing the right thing even when no one is looking