Social Emotional Learning

Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) is a process to create a safe, positive and productive learning environment for all students.

PBIS is an evidence based three-tiered framework that improves and integrates our system and practices that affect student outcomes every day. PBIS creates schools where all students succeed. 

Dennison Elementary uses SOAR, which stands for: 

• S – Be Safe
• O – Be an Outstanding Learner
• A – Always be Respectful
• R – Show Responsibility

Rewards and celebrations occur in classrooms and throughout the building to let students know that the teachers see how amazing they are and how hard they are working every day to model these behavior expectations!

How can you support your student at home?

• A core principle of PBIS that you can use at home is the 5:1 rule. For every corrective statement made, provide five positive statements or praises of your child's behavior. 
• Use your school's acronym and expectations to reinforce student behavior at home.
• Talk to your student about what these behavior expectations look like at home and in the community.

Here are additional PBIS tips and strategies for home.

Second Step is a research-based, social emotional curriculum that is taught at Dennison. Lessons are taught weekly by the classroom teacher. They provide instruction in social and emotional learning with units on skills for learning, empathy, emotion management, friendship skills and problem-solving.

Second Step curriculum uses four key strategies to support skill development: 

• Brain builder games,
• Weekly theme activities
• Reinforcing activities
• Home links. 
  • Overview of the lessons covered in your student’s class.
  • Tips and practice opportunities for you at home.

Second Step also has additional resources for families, including podcasts, mindfulness apps, videos and other SEL activities on their website.