 Last year Peacemaker Resources secured a grant that allowed one of our teachers to provide SEL classes to all of the kindergarten students at the Paul Bunyan Elementary. This is what the Principal shared with us:
“It seems each week I hear of another story that reinforces the positive impact that the SEL program has on our students, teachers/staff and our school. Let me begin by giving an example from my perspective on our school culture. During our daily announcements everyone in the school breathes together, using our chime to begin. I note to students the importance of slowing down and breathing when anxious, angry, or frustrated. All staff, teachers and students hear the same message. I use the SEL instructor’s language of “Circle of Peace”, “Circle of Hurt” and “Stop and Think” during announcements. For myself, I notice I stop and think of how to talk with a student when an infraction is made; I slow down, breathe, and think about the student, not the policies, but the student. I’ve also noticed that staff and students seem to be more relaxed in their demeanor and we seem to have more cooperation from students. I can’t express enough the positive impact the SEL instructor and lessons have brought to our school. We are a typical elementary school. I understand my colleagues are having a great deal of difficulty with young students, and I share that we just do not. Because of the impact of SEL instruction and our Trauma Sensitivity information and guidance, I believe we are making a difference in the lives of young children and possibly their families and dare I hope, also for our community.” We have had requests from 3 other schools for SEL classes, but the schools do not have the funding to provide this teaching, nor do we have any grant money for this. We have set a Give-to-the-Max-Day Goal of raising enough money to provide SEL to 3 classrooms in other area schools. If you would like to help, please go to our Give to the Max Day page HERE
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