Social Emotional Learning

TAOS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Social Emotional Learning

Schools are in the business of providing an education, however, we need to look at this in a different way as we begin to welcome our students back into our school community. We have began addressing the basic needs of our students and staff, while working with families during this time of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Taos Municipal Schools is creating and implementing a framework to provide social and emotional support to all students and staff. Abraham Maslow developed the “Hierarchy of Needs” which was later adapted by Steve Guditus as “Maslow’s Hierarchy of School Needs”.

MASLOW’S HIERARCHY OF SCHOOL NEEDS

SELF-ACTUALIZATION

ESTEEM

BELONGING

SAFETY

PHYSIOLOGICAL Student is Available to Learn Positive Classroom Culture Present

(positive feedback, time for reflection, encouragement to take risks)

Forming Relationships

(advisory, adult role models, friendship groups, peer relationships)

Emotional and Physical Safety

(clear school/class routines, access to counselors/nurse, ok to take risks)

Basic Needs are Met

(eats breakfast, has clean clothing, safe place to go home, able to sleep)

“I respect and value the team of mental health providers that are my colleagues. I will support the students, their families and our school community as needed as we move into a new way of life. Providing social and emotional support in order for our student to succeed academically.”

Florence

Social Worker, Taos Municipal Schools “ Taos Municipal schools is

committed to providing a safe and positive school

learning environment. To this end, the district has social workers in every school who are ready to support the social/emotional growth of students in order to foster/support academic success.”

David Hyatt, LCSW

Social Worker, Taos High School

“To ensure successful communication with families: ‘Starting next week, each building is going to assign staff to call each student’s parents directly to verify email, phone, physical and mailing addresses.”’ I think that says a lot!!! Awesome.” — Miles Bonny

“As a Home Visitor I think the most important piece of information parents and teachers need to hear is that kids need to feel safe, close and known in order to be able to relax, feel connected and be ready to learn.” – Beth Enson Taos Municipal Schools is adopting Critical Practices that include: 1. Taking time to cultivate and deepen relationships, build partnerships, and plan for Social Emotional Learning. Taos Municipal Schools has staff who have extensive expertise in the area of social emotional support coordinating services from community agencies and professionals. There are community agencies who improve the communication between the schools and families, by verifying the contact information on record with the district is correct. 2. Using the CASEL model for social emotional support of our students and staff.

3. Design opportunities where adults can connect, heal, and build their capacity to support students. There is a focus on providing all staff with additional training on Trauma Informed Care, Social Emotional Supports, etc. Community agencies are willing to provide supports for staff which could include mindfulness.

4. Create safe, supportive, and equitable learning environments that promote all students’ social and emotional development. Adopt “Maslow’s Hierarchy of School Needs”. Adopt social emotional curriculums specific to the age group of the students in the building.

5. Use data as an opportunity to deepen relationships and continuously improve support the students, families, and staff. There is also a plan to support families to implement a successful home learning environment. Open communication with families. Complete regular checks with students to see how they are feeling, provide coping strategies at the classroom level to help promote positive social emotional skills within the Taos Municipal Schools.