The ACES trainings stress the need for today’s students to be
taught social and emotional skills with a research-based curriculum. The
district is using, “Second Step: Skills for Social and Academic Success” in
grades K-8.
The Second Step program promotes school
success, school connectedness, and a safe and respectful school climate. Each
week, homeroom teachers spend an instructional period directly teaching
students these social and emotional skills that can strengthen their ability to
learn, manage emotions, have increased empathy, and solve problems.
The curriculum
focuses on helping students to prevent problem behaviors, peer rejection,
impulsivity, antisocial behavior, and low academic achievement. Students are
taught self-regulation skills, social-emotional competencies, and school
connectedness during the Second Step lessons.
Students who
self-regulate are better able to participate in and benefit from classroom
instruction. Second Step provides
common vocabulary across all the grades and teaches students proactive
strategies that help prevent strong emotions from escalating into negative
behaviors. Students are taught skills for identifying emotions in themselves
and others. Being able to feel or understand what another person is feeling
prepares students to manage their own emotions and solve interpersonal problems
with others.
Our mission
addresses preparing students to be successful adults in the society. This
professional development and program furthers our efforts to help all children
experience success! Be watching for more about these skills on our school
calendars and website. We welcome your
feedback and input to help make our schools safer and more welcoming to all!
-Dr. Paula Sissel
[email protected]
Garden County Schools
Superintendent/Elementary
Principal