Wellness Center
November Newsletter
Welcome to the Wellness Center!
Hi Parents,
We hope this newsletter finds you well as we move out of the month of November. It's been an exciting time of growth and exploration in our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) classes, and we can't wait to share some highlights with you.
SEL Class Highlights
Lower Elementary
In Lower Elementary, we've been focusing on the importance of apologies and the art of self-forgiveness. Students have engaged in discussions about how saying sorry is a powerful tool in building and maintaining positive relationships. We continued learning about the 4-square apology tool (attached below), providing a structured way for students to navigate the process of apologizing. The most important quadrant of the 4 is number 3, which focuses on "What I can do next time". This week, we also had a lovely discussion on self-forgiveness.
Recognizing the challenge of forgiving ourselves, we suggested seeking support from a friend to gauge if they could forgive the situation causing us distress. If this approach proves difficult, we advised offering sincere apologies to those we may have wronged or seeking comfort through a hug from a caring individual. Surprisingly, many students shared instances where self-forgiveness was a struggle, prompting a collective class agreement to grant permission for each student to forgive themselves for those challenging moments.
Upper Elementary
In Upper Elementary, our recent discussions centered around assertiveness. Students explored assertiveness in various aspects of their lives, gaining valuable skills to express their thoughts and needs confidently. We encourage you to check in with your student about their assertiveness project, which they worked hard on for a couple of weeks. It may also be helpful to remind them about using courage when they are afraid of being assertiveness in different situations. Next week, we'll delve into the concept of self-forgiveness, emphasizing the value of learning and growing from our experiences.
A Short Story
These moments happen everyday at Ridgeline, but we want to highlight this one:
A crying student wasn't able to be consoled. Several of us attempted to help calm her down using various techniques until her teacher walked up and calmly engaged her by talking about the keychain around his neck. It took another five minutes, but the student gradually calmed down thanks to the teacher's calm, kind approach.
This is a wonderful example of the daily work Ridgeline teachers engage in with students and a great example of how to engage an upset child by engaging their brain.
Thanks everyone and have a wonderful weekend.
Your Feedback Matters!
Comments, questions, suggestions, praise? Please use our virtual comment’s box in "About Us" below.
If this is an urgent matter regarding student safety, please contact SafeOregon by call or text at 844-472-3367 or utilize one of these help/crisis lines: Local and national help/crisis lines.
Links to some of the K-6 SEL curriculums we use:
Kelso’s choice docs: Parent Page
Thank you for your continued support, and let's make December a month of growth, empathy, and celebration!