We are excited to be part of a new initiative in Austin ISD! Our school, as part of the Austin High Vertical team, is implementing curriculum in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). The district is partnering with CASEL, the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning in this important work.

SEL is a process for helping children, and even adults, develop the fundamental skills for life effectiveness. SEL teaches the skills we all need to handle ourselves, our relationships, and our work, effectively and ethically. These skills include recognizing and managing our emotions, developing caring and concern for others, establishing positive relationships, making responsible decisions, and handling challenging situations constructively and ethically. They are the skills that allow children to calm themselves when angry, make friends, resolve conflicts respectfully, and make ethical and safe choices.

The primary resource we are using is Second Step, from the Committee for Children (www.cfchildren.org). Each week classes will have a lesson that will be followed up on throughout the week. Please watch for home-school connection information to come home following these lessons. Grade levels are also highlighting and modeling the SEL competencies of self and social awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision making at morning assemblies. Please join us for an SEL presentation facilitated by Becky Flynn, our district SEL vertical team coach, at the next Principal's Coffee on Monday, September 26, in the Multipurpose Room following morning assembly at 8:00 a.m.

For more information, please check out the CASEL website, www.casel.org, or the Department of SEL website, http://archive.austinisd.org/academics/oa_sel.phtml.
Bryker Woods Forever!
Jane Kronke, Interim Principal