Supporting Ourselves and Each Other

Dear RPS Families,

The last few years have been difficult—the ongoing pandemic, civil unrest, partisan divides and social media feeds have left so many of us (and our students) overwhelmed, stressed and hurting.

Research shows that when a person is experiencing fear, anxiety, insecurity or other emotions related to their safety or connection to peers, they are not in a place to learn or to support others.

This year, we are focusing on a multi-tiered approach to supporting the social-emotional health and well-being of both staff and students here at RPS. 

Staff

• When our teachers and support staff have the tools and resources they need to feel connected to their colleagues and supported by our community, they are in a better place to teach and support students. 
• We are using a program this year called Conscious Discipline, that supports staff in practicing skills to be present and calm so they can support student learning. Specific skills include brain state knowledge, active calming through breathing strategies and self-affirmation, as well as creating a safe place for students in their classroom.

Students

• Like adults, students need to feel safe, welcome and connected when they are at school in order to learn. 
• At the elementary level, students will be learning emotion management, problem-solving, empathy and kindness. 
• At the secondary level, students will be learning self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship skills.

You can support these efforts by talking with your child(ren) about what they are learning or by reviewing some of the resources listed at the bottom of this email. 

In addition to this work, we are also introducing districtwide behavior expectations: Our students are kind, safe and responsible. Teachers and support staff will be working with students at all schools and grade levels to teach what this means and what this looks like in different places. Posters have been created and we attached three samples to this email for you to view. 

If you have any questions about Conscious Discipline or the districtwide behavior standards, please contact your child’s school.
 

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Resources

• Second Step - Parent
• Conscious Discipline YouTube Channel
• Conscious Discipline - Free Resources
• Support SEL at home
• 7 consejos para ayudar a los estudiantes a desarrollar la inteligencia emocional

Sample Posters