Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a county initiative. Glenelg has decided to use this time to work on how we can learn and grow as a community. Sometimes, these lessons include having hard conversations centering on Personal Responsibility, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy (P.R.I.D.E). Always, they are centered on the fact that we are GLENELG STRONG, a community who lifts up and supports one another.

Here is the “history” and the “why” that lead to the beginning of the year lessons that we are currently focused on:

Student Voice:

• Belonging survey results & group feedback from GHS students from 2019-2020 school year.
• June 2020 Petition to the BOE, spearheaded by recent GHS alumni which made 7 demands for change including “an increase in the number of opportunities for students/faculty/staff to discuss race and culture.” https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uFg1_XGjGz9IObEglEDNWmHznKj7v17N/view?usp=sharing

In Response:

• HCPSS created a new policy to review curriculum and school resources. (Ed Equity Policy 1080)
• GHS created lessons for SEL distance learning to start the conversations.

We are committed to finishing this arc within the next few weeks based on the aforementioned information. Other models for SEL time or topics will be introduced later depending on feedback and student need.

The SEL groups were determined by students’ second period classes, but it is a separate course and time slot. SEL time is every Monday from 10:50 – 11:20 am. Attendance is taken separate from second period and there is no grade attached to these sessions.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to build a foundation around making sure all of our students fill dignified, connected, and a sense of belonging at Glenelg High School.

Sincerely,

David P. Burton, Principal