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The Merton Community School District has developed and implemented Social Emotional Learning (SEL) through the instructional resource, Second Step. Whole child development has always been a priority for our Merton students. Social-Emotional Learning comprises an essential component in the foundation of building positive mental health and a reduction in mental health issues. We have long understood that a number of both risk and protective factors contribute to our children’s well-being. Protective factors such as connectedness to school and home, emotional self-regulation, and coping skills, all serve to mitigate and reduce the adverse impact of traumatic experiences, like the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
The purpose of providing SEL in the District is to provide system-wide expectations for behavior and to empower students with skills for life. Students throughout the District participate in grade appropriate SEL instruction through Second Step lessons. The District creates a safe and caring environment by teaching students how to collaborate and problem solve in order to promote lifelong skills such as prioritizing tasks, setting personal goals, sharing responsibility, and accepting feedback to be successful in the future.
No student will be required to divulge, defend, or refute personal/family attitudes, values, or behaviors regarding any social emotional learning topics.
The District recognizes that parents/guardians play a vital role in their student’s social, emotional, and academic development. Together, teachers and parents can help each student accomplish these important social-emotional skills. In accordance with Board Policy, parents/guardians can have the opportunity to review the SEL curriculum that is being taught to their children. Due to the nature of our Second Step Program and copyright, Parents/Guardians can schedule an appointment with the Superintendent or review links below for details. If there is a concern after a review of the curriculum, parents/guardians should contact the building principal explaining the area of concern with an instructional resource.
Families in grades 6th-8th have the option to “opt out” of the Second Step curriculum. This is done through the registration process or contacting the Intermediate School Principal and requesting your child(ren) to be “opted out” of the program and placed into a study hall. The lessons in 6th-8th grade occur once a week and vary between 15-30 minutes.
SEL Adoption Information (2020)
5K-5th Grade Second Step Unit Outlines (2014 Kit Version)
6th - 8th Grade Second Step Unit Outlines (2017/2020) - Parental Optional
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