Social & Emotional Learning

The New York Education Law requires elementary and secondary health education programs in public and private schools to include instruction in mental health. Our belief is that student’s learning and social and emotional development are dependent on their being mentally healthy. The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes their potential and can cope with normal life stresses. Specifically, the law requires that school health programs embrace a multi- dimensional view of health and thus instruct students in both physical health and mental health. Therefore, here at SBES, we incorporate the Every Monday Matters social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum into weekly instruction for Grades K–8. This program empowers students to build self-awareness, develop empathy, and strengthen their sense of purpose. Through engaging lessons and activities, students learn the importance of kindness, responsibility, and making meaningful contributions to their community and beyond.Learning healthy social skills and the ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues are among the desired outcome to be achieved. With the Advancement of “Mental Health Literacy” it is believed the stigma attached to mental health problems will decrease and the ability to seek help throughout the life cycle will increase.

Did you know?

• Half of all chronic mental illness begins before age 14. (National Alliance on Mental Health)
• Study conducted with over 10,000 13/18 yr. old found over 22% had a serious mental illness. (Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
• According to the CDC establishing healthy behaviors during childhood is more effective than trying to change unhealthy behaviors in adulthood.

This is compelling evidence for the inclusion of mental health instruction within schools. Efforts to care for the emotional well-being of children and youth can extend beyond the classroom and into the entire school. Our mental health curriculum program will focus on promoting mental wellness, preventing mental health problems, and providing treatment.

The Mental Health Curriculum objectives include:

• To provide school staff with consistent, reliable and easy-to-use information to help promote basic understanding of mental health and mental illness in the classroom;
• To provide students with a basic introduction to normal brain functioning to help them better understand mental health and mental illness;
• Provide a safe and supportive environment in which all students can maximize their learning;
• Promote students’ awareness of mental health issues and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness;
• To help young people understand that seeking help for mental health problems is very important, and to suggest strategies for seeking help;
• To reinforce the importance of positive mental health and develop effective ways of coping with challenges stress;
• To provide information about recovery from mental illness, and the factors which help keep people well.