YES Prep Public Schools

Social & Emotional Learning

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Introduction to Social-Emotional Learning

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)  is the process of developing the self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success.​

People with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday challenges and benefit academically, professionally, and socially. From effective problem-solving to self-discipline, from impulse control to emotion management and more, SEL provides a foundation for positive, long-term effects on kids, adults, and communities.

Elementary Schools

YES Prep Social-Emotional Learning Commitment

At YES Prep, we commit to transformative social and emotional learning where all community members build strong relationships founded on strong self-concept, an appreciation of similarities and differences, explore concepts of race and identity, learn to critically examine root causes of inequity, and develop collaborative solutions to school and community problems. We do this to ensure all community members can find success and lead choice-filled lives.

At Harmony SEL Family Resources, you will find a completely free online toolkit to help you and your child practice social and emotional learning skills at home, including interactive Sanford Harmony easy and interactive lessons that you and your child can explore together.  

  • YES Prep Social and Emotional Learning Program Components
  • Direct Instruction - Direct Instruction is explicit teaching of Social and Emotional values and actions. This occurs within Core Enrichment time.
  • Classroom Connections - Classroom Connections are the first touchpoint of the day in which students can receive reinforcement of a Sprint’s value.
  • Closing Routines - Closing Routines are the last touchpoint of the day in which students can receive reinforcement or reflection time in relation to a Sprint’s value.
  • Buddy Up - Buddy Up is a peer buddy system that intentionally creates opportunities for students to get to know one another, form connections, collaborate, and learn together.
  • Classroom Agreements- Classroom Agreements, created by the class, are similar to group agreements, expectations, or a class pledge. The goals reflect how everyone wants to interact and be treated by one another.  These goals guide the class every moment of the day.
  • Family Communication- At YES Prep, we recognize that families are a students’ first teacher. We partner with families to help our students build their social-emotional skills and achieve SEL goals.  Unit letters will be sent home for every SEL unit.  Please look for a letter from your school with each unit’s concepts, learning goals and activities that can be completed to reinforce skills at home!

Secondary Schools

One of the aims at our school is to equip young people for all the realities of today’s world. With that in mind, we have partnered with CharacterStrong – an organization that provides training for educators and curricula for students. Their work in grades 6-12 focus on 3 main outcomes: increasing a sense of belonging for all students, improving skills that support student well-being, and deepening student engagement in their academics, in their school, and in their community. 

Here’s what the data tells us:

  • A sense of belonging in school is one of the most important conditions for learning and a fundamental support for social and emotional well-being. Nearly ⅓ of all students report a weak sense of belonging in their schools. Roughly half of 6th – 12th grade students say they don’t enjoy coming to school most of the time.
  • Mental health challenges for teens have been increasing and 7 out of 10 teens in the U.S. (between 13 and 17 years old) have named anxiety or depression as a major problem among their peers.
  • Student engagement drives learning and supports school success.

This curriculum was created to support school communities as they engage in the work of preparing young people to thrive in the 21st century. The research supports the effectiveness of this content to increase student’s academic success and college & career readiness. The lessons focus on developing skills and mindsets around building positive habits, understanding our emotions, improving teamwork, and increasing empathy.  More information can be found here: FamilyStrong | CharacterStrong

CharacterStrong Programming (MS & HS)