Lemmon Valley Elementary Recognized For Social and Emotional Learning Program

Lemmon Valley Elementary School is being recognized by the Washoe County School District as a Beacon School for their social and emotional learning program in their classes. 

One of seven school's in the district to be given this award, they are doing an exemplary job of teaching kids life skills on respecting others and dealing with adversity. 

Principal Erin Lane says they have been working hard the past two years to fully implement social and emotional learning into all of their classes. 

"There is more to life than sitting in a desk and doing academics all day, but you need to learn how to actually have friendships with people and how to get along with others. If you have a disagreement with someone, then how do you work with those disagreements," said Erin Lane, Principal of Lemmon Valley Elementary.

During a typical class that focuses in on social and emotional learning, students are asked to discuss different pictures or problems and give their opinions while remaining respectful. Students are being taught to say things like "I like what you said, but I think this..." or "That is my perspective..."

"What I've learned is that you should really try to put yourself into someone else's shoes so you can help them if they're feeling sad or angry," said ten year-old Mikey Thomas, 5th grader at Lemmon Valley Elementary.

Though not an entirely new concept, Trish Shaffer, the Coordinator for Social and Emotional Learning for WCSD says that through the training of teachers, administrators, and even parents, students are already showing results. 

"We are already seeing great outcomes from our students. We're seeing students with strong social and emotional skills with higher GPAs...they're suspended less often and they also have higher rates of attendance," said Shaffer.

Principal Lane says she has seen less incidents of bullying and disciplinary actions with her students because of this program. 

Next Monday, February 1, the State of Education is being held at Damonte Ranch High School. The district will be giving a presentation on the effectiveness of this program and how they can lead efforts nationally. 

Shaffer said that though 70 schools in the district have social and emotional learning programs implemented, the remaining 26 schools will see implementation by fall of 2016. 

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