SEL & Student Wellness
Social-Emotional Learning
Building character in a purposeful way has been an integral part of a St. Matthew’s education since its founding in 1949. The School incorporates five core values laid out in the Character Covenant signed by every student: Empathy, Fairness, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. In addition to these core values, St. Matthew’s has made it a priority to support the healthy social and emotional growth and development of its students. Social-emotional intelligence increases academic performance.
When students and teachers learn to recognize, understand, and address emotions such as fear, anger, shame, disappointment, frustration, joy, and pride, they can increase a child’s ability to engage in learning and a teacher’s ability to teach. Along with classroom teachers, our school counselor incorporates social and emotional learning throughout the curriculum at each grade level.
SEL Toolbox
Students in Lower School (K-4) are taught vocabulary and skill development related to the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Toolbox, a series of twelve foundational skills, to provide a common language for discussion in and out of the classroom.
Toolbox skills include breathing, listening, empathy, letting go, apologizing and forgiving, and others. Students learn how to use these tools and practice identifying situations in which they would be helpful. Students learn to de-escalate conflict and communicate effectively to achieve positive connections with peers.
Other programs like the Zones of Regulation and Kelso’s Choices are also used to support SEL in the Lower School.
Wayfinder
In Middle School, advisory teachers use the SEL program Wayfinder to help students develop 5 social and emotional competencies: self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills.
Advisory teachers also work to create a warm and welcoming home base where students engage in open and honest discussion about life and navigating the complex world of middle school. Peers are encouraged to respond by sharing their perspectives and offering support. 5th Grade teachers also use the Toolbox language taught in Lower School to help students with the transition into Middle School. The counselor also meets with students in small groups to talk through issues related to friendship, peer pressure, stress management, and any other challenges they may be experiencing.
Advisory Program
All Middle School students are assigned to a small group grade-level advisory team of approximately 12 students mentored by a faculty advisor. Advisors advocate for and assist students with academic, social, and emotional growth as well as get them ready at the start of each day with Landing Pad.
Advisory provides personalized support for Middle School students. Each student is paired with an advisor, who tracks their progress across all classes, ensuring a holistic approach to their education. A standout feature of the program is the student-parent conferences, where advisors, students, and parents come together to discuss achievements, challenges, and goals. This collaborative environment empowers students to take an active role in their academic journey, fostering accountability and communication. With this innovative approach, we create a strong support network that encourages growth and success for every student!
Social-emotional learning is woven in throughout the day with regular morning meetings and direct lessons in both intra- and interpersonal skills.
Mr. Monteith, Guidance Counselor
Human Development
St. Matthew’s wellness program emphasizes human development and decision-making skills during the critical Middle School years, spanning grades 5 through 8. This program is designed as a developmental sequence that supports students as they navigate these formative years.
5th Grade
In 5th Grade, students learn about human reproduction and sexuality with an emphasis placed on the biology of reproduction and the physical and emotional changes of puberty.
6th Grade
In 6th Grade, there is a continued emphasis placed on human development and decision-making in academic and social contexts. Building positive online communities is also emphasized in the curriculum.
7th Grade
7th Grade focuses on identity development within the social world of the Middle School. Students explore issues related to race, gender, sexuality, popularity, and fitting in. Additionally, students participate in the first half of drug and alcohol prevention education.
8th Grade
8th Grade revisits the concepts of reproduction and sexuality with a stronger focus on the social and emotional aspects of sexuality rather than reproductive biology. Additional topics related to high school preparation are explored, including the second half of drug and alcohol prevention as well as assertiveness training and self-defense.
At each grade level, specific assignments are designed to encourage communication between our students and their parents. Furthermore, each grade level program has a parent education component so families can be informed about what the students are learning and be better able to discuss these topics at home.
Contact Timber Monteith, School Counselor, for more information at tmonteith@stmatthewsschool.com.
