This year teachers will begin the year by prioritizing building community within classrooms and helping students get back into the school routine. We want our students to feel supported and feel they are all a part of the school community. As a district, we implement the Second Step Program which promotes the social-emotional development and well-being of students and has also provided staff with information about implementing the Zones of Regulation, which is a framework designed to foster self-regulation and emotional control. An additional part of community building will include ongoing communication with families as partners in social-emotional development.

Professional development for staff will focus on creating safe and supportive environments, trauma-informed practices, and equitable learning practices. Our counseling staff will work closely with teachers and administrators to ensure social-emotional strategies and practices are in place to support all learners. We will continue to support staff as they come back to school by providing professional development and resources on wellness, mindfulness, and positive self-help strategies.