Fundamentals of social and emotional learning (SEL) have been worked into Geneseo High School’s curriculum to help students learn skills that support healthy relationships and achieve success in school, work, and life.
The high school’s Brooke Emmerson and Janea Oaks shared an overview of what is taking place with Geneseo’s Board of Education at its November meeting. As one of its four goals for the current school year, the BOE is committed to providing “awareness of available social and emotional learning and mental health services for students and staff.”
The main ways so far that social-emotional learning has been implemented at GHS is through Tier 1 Core SEL instruction using School Connect Curriculum and a CARES classroom.
"The GHS Counseling Department and our school social worker, Mrs. Norberg, have done a wonderful job of using the School Connect SEL Curriculum to develop Tier 1 instruction that all freshmen received this year,” said Mrs. Emmerson, Assistant Principal. “They are currently working to expand Tier 1 instruction to the additional grade levels.”
Emmerson added, “Our social emotional curriculum development will be ongoing, as we will need to re-evaluate the topics and skills addressed each year based on student need and student voice. In this way, the content remains relevant and supportive to their post-secondary endeavors and goals."
The GHS counseling team developed the Tier 1 instruction, which took place for all freshmen students in late August when the school year began. Topics included study tips, self-care, starting off on the right foot, and resources for support. Follow-up lessons are given on a monthly basis and have focused on healthy relationships and conflict resolution.
Mrs. Oaks oversees the CARES classroom, which currently has seven students in the program with three more via referrals. The class provides an individualized schedule for each student and features a group counseling session from Youth Services Bureau in addition to instruction by Mrs. Oaks using School Connect.
“I love this new, unique program and how it focuses on qualifying students’ mental health needs,” said Mrs. Oaks. “I get to work with amazing students in a relaxed, smaller class setting. This allows for individualized and small group instruction, which is just one of the great aspects of this class.”
Oaks continued, “My favorite part is seeing the achievements and the growing confidence in the students.”
The CARES classroom has been well received by the students as well, several of which offered positive feedback:
“Coming here has helped give the extra time for work, along with giving a place to go when school is rough. The class is really quiet and peaceful while working, which helps a lot.”
“The class is nice and the atmosphere is cozy. The class makes it less stressful to show up because it helps you get caught up on work. The atmosphere is calming and nice. The teachers are nice and always ready to help students that need it.”
“The CARES classroom has really helped with my attendance since I know it's something I anticipate and with my work I’m completely in control of my pace.”
“I’m really enjoying the CARES classroom. I love the vibe, and the seating and decorations really make me feel at ease and relaxed. I think it’s really benefiting my mental health.”
Geneseo Superintendent Dr. Adam Brumbaugh applauded the high school’s SEL efforts and awarded Emmerson and Oaks with Maple Leaf Medallions following their BOE presentation.
“I’m thankful that the Geneseo Board of Education is committed to providing staff and students resources that allow them to strengthen their ability to meet life where they’re at while building their capacity to overcome challenges that they face on a daily basis,” said Dr. Brumbaugh. “We are working hard to be proactive rather than reactive, and I feel we are getting there with initiatives such as those highlighted by Mrs. Oaks and Mrs. Emmerson.”