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Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) continues to be a focus at Glendive Public Schools. Research shows that SEL is one of the best investments a school can make into educating students towards a bright future. SEL helps students grow in the following five areas:

• Self-Awareness

• Self-Management

• Social Awareness

• Relationship Skills

• Responsible Decision-Making

Moving forward, you can expect a Quarterly SEL Report to be published here on our website. This report will provide a snapshot of what’s happening in our buildings, so that you can better understand how GPS is utilizing SEL to educate students and shape campus culture. It is our aim to be known as the leading district for SEL, in the state of Montana.

We know that this past year has been especially challenging. The many disruptions and disappointments associated with COVID-19 has had a drastic impact on mental health, for adults and kids. To better understand the challenges facing our children, all students in grades 1-12 will complete a Resilience Test during the second quarter. Elementary students will take a simple 10-question survey about managing emotions and social situations. The middle and high school test includes five additional questions, which focus on depression and suicide. Once completed, test results will be shared with each building’s principal and counselor. This data will allow us to strategically plan lessons that can increase students' resilience where they are most vulnerable.

In the coming weeks, we will reveal an expanded Resource Hub with free tools for parents, staff, and students. This hub makes it possible for you to join us in this process, using resources from local providers and contributions from national youth experts. We can’t wait to share this with Glendive families and staff!

Schools across the country are continuing to see some students struggle with the transition back to school. Glendive is no different. Please note that it is common to see increased feelings of anxiety, depression and even some acting out behaviors at this time. If this is happening with your child, please know that you're not alone.

As grownups, it's easy to want to discipline negative behaviors, however it's important to recognize that what kids don't talk out, they act out. It's much more common for a child (even your teenager) to communicate a need through behavior versus words. The best way to help is to validate their feelings, teach them how to cope, and challenge them to work through the situation (with support). Utilizing the SEL Resources on this website can be a great help. Additionally, you can learn what your child's school is doing to help.

The challenges that we're all facing offers us all a unique opportunity to grow. We're stronger together!

OUR SEL SNAPSHOT

Jefferson Elementary School
Teachers are constantly teaching and reinforcing social skills., as younger students have had less opportunities to practice these skills in a school setting. Staff are being retrained on initiatives to help students, to bring consistency.

👉 Ask your student to identify 3 safe adults that they can go to for help and have them practice how to ask for help.

Lincoln Elementary School

Ms. Myran is continuing to use a mix of classroom curriculum and small groups to teach and reinforce SEL skills. Through this students are practicing goal-setting, conflict resolution, and managing feelings. One of the focuses has been to help boys understand appropriate social behavior and how they can have fun, while still respecting other's boundaries and school rules.

👉 Ask your student what their goals are and what step they need to take next to accomplish one.

Washington Middle School

Many students at Washington have asked Ms. Nissley for stress management techniques. In addition to teaching coping skills, students are practicing conflict resolution skills. Additionally, they're learning peer mediation techniques so that they can feel more confident handling relational squabbles.

Mr. Pinkston has been teaching relationship-building and goal-setting skills. When asking students what they've been enjoying most about school, the new mentoring program with Dawson Community College has been a highlight.

👉 Ask your student what they've learned from their DCC mentor.

Dawson County High School

DCHS students are feeling more confident about the future, now that COVID is impacting their day-to-day activities less each week. Overall, students have been looking out for each other and reaching out to peers that may be struggling. The new Link Crew program offers a unique leadership opportunity for students. Juniors and seniors demonstrated leadership further by hosting an orientation for freshmen. Some students really value the in-school services program and benefit from the individualized instruction. This is just another way that GPS is working to reach students where they're at and provide excellence in education.

👉 Ask your student how they're being a leader and what differences are being made

During this quarter, all students in 1st - 12th grade completed a Resilience Test, provided by SQUABBLES®.  This is an assessment that measures a student's ability to navigate potential social and emotional stressors in 10 different categories.  In addition to this, middle and high school students were given additional questions to help assess depression, suicidal ideation, and coping skills.  School counselors used this data to offer help to students that may be struggling and inform parents of mental health concerns.

Going forward, GPS will use this data in planning lessons and small groups.  Knowing areas where students are most resilient and least resilient tells educators which SEL skills are most needed to help students thrive.

As we move into fourth quarter and summer break, GPS is forming an SEL Committee.  This group will include the voices of school staff, parents, and students.  Together, they will review and lead initiatives to support the social and emotional needs of GPS families.  

OUR SEL SNAPSHOT

Jefferson Elementary School
Mr. G has been teaching students about important character qualities such as respect, responsibility, and kindness.  Second graders will soon be introduced to a new series on joyfulness.  Through these lessons, students learn that it's possible to control their thoughts and speak out the positive qualities that they want to see in life.

👉 Remind your student to use positive put-ups such as "I am a hard worker.  I am smart.  I can do it!"

Lincoln Elementary School

Ms. Myran is focusing on perseverance and resilience.  Students have been learning the importance of coping skills and how to increase their confidence and self-esteem. 

👉 Ask your student what it means to persevere and why it's important.

Washington Middle School

Ms. Nissley has focused on suicide prevention.  All 7th and 8th graders have been provided with ACT cards.  These cards remind students to Acknowledge, Care, and Tell if someone shares that they are struggling with wanting to end their life.  The 6th graders experienced classroom visits for specific social and emotional learning lessons.  Additionally, many students are engaged through small groups focused on conflict resolution, emotion regulation, and growing in emotional resilience.

👉 Ask your student to identify two trusted adults they can reach out to if someone needs help.  

Dawson County High School

Ms. Hoffer's health enhancement curriculum is helping high school students focus on mental health and relationship skills.  Students have learned how to be self-aware, manage their emotions, and regularly practice these skills during school time as well as extracurricular activities.  Key Club has specifically focused on mental health activities and suicide awareness. 

👉 Ask your student how you can help them navigate end of the year stressors and transitions.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) continues to be a focus at Glendive Public Schools. Research shows that SEL is one of the best investments a school can make into educating students towards a bright future. SEL helps students grow in the following five areas:

• Self-Awareness

• Self-Management

• Social Awareness

• Relationship Skills

• Responsible Decision-Making

Moving forward, you can expect a Quarterly SEL Report to be published here on our website. This report will provide a snapshot of what’s happening in our buildings, so that you can better understand how GPS is utilizing SEL to educate students and shape campus culture. It is our aim to be known as the leading district for SEL, in the state of Montana.

We know that this past year has been especially challenging. The many disruptions and disappointments associated with COVID-19 has had a drastic impact on mental health, for adults and kids. To better understand the challenges facing our children, all students in grades 1-12 will complete a Resilience Test during the second quarter. Elementary students will take a simple 10-question survey about managing emotions and social situations. The middle and high school test includes five additional questions, which focus on depression and suicide. Once completed, test results will be shared with each building’s principal and counselor. This data will allow us to strategically plan lessons that can increase students' resilience where they are most vulnerable.

In the coming weeks, we will reveal an expanded Resource Hub with free tools for parents, staff, and students. This hub makes it possible for you to join us in this process, using resources from local providers and contributions from national youth experts. We can’t wait to share this with Glendive families and staff!

Jefferson Elementary School
Mr. G has been sharing some real-life conflicts with Jefferson students. Through this, students are learning how to manage emotions and handle challenges like yelling and rude name-calling.

👉 Ask your student about the Peace Sign (how to stop mean behavior in two simple steps).

Lincoln Elementary School

Ms. Myran is helping students learn new ways to cope and be kind to others. Students are learning how to deal with negative emotions and use kindness with friends and enemies.

👉 Ask your student one fun way to release stress (when they feel upset).

Washington Middle School

Ms. Nissley is covering a wide-range of topics in classroom lessons. Students have participated in suicide prevention, substance abuse, and conflict resolution curriculum (to name a few). Additionally, small groups, clubs, and mentoring continue to provide more individualized support.

👉 Ask your student to name one SOS (Sign of Suicide) and what they would do if a friend was in that situation.

Dawson County High School

Staff at DCHS have guided students in making responsible decisions This has included navigating conflicts of interest and helping them prioritize their academic goals. Support has been provided for students experiencing stress.

👉 Ask your student what they need to help release stress and manage transitions.