Childhood is arguably the most pivotal time in a person’s life, as it is filled with experiences and lessons that shape the trajectory of their growth and development. Since childhood is so foundational, we, as a public charter school, prioritize the integration of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in the classroom – and invite our families to embrace their role as partners in their child’s academic journey.
SEL prepares students for a rich and varied array of options in their academic and personal development through these areas:
- Fostering emotional intelligence
- Effectively managing responsibilities
- Cultivating beneficial relationships
SEL in Action at Two Rivers
Students indulge in daily Crew, where they reflect, connect, and practice Scholarly Habits, such as ‘I know myself’ and ‘I Am Independent & Resilient.’ Additionally, students identify and learn to control their emotions through a designated Zones of Regulation space in the classroom. A major factor of our SEL teachings includes accountability, with students participating in restorative circles with their peers.
“Social Emotional Learning (SEL) gives students the skills they need to regulate emotions, navigate relationships, and respond to challenges with resilience and empathy. But more than that, SEL is central to building equitable, inclusive school communities that support the whole child. Students do best when they feel safe, known, and valued, and this is not just a belief; it’s a research-backed truth. Our SEL implementation is designed not as an add-on, but as a core element of how we teach, lead, and learn.”
~Director of Social-Emotional Learning, Corey Caroll
SEL practices in the classroom teach students how to guide their behavior through responsive practices, but also promote their social and emotional growth, positioning them to one day become responsible and compassionate members of society.
Tracking the Impact of Our SEL Approach
The decrease in behavioral incidents across the network is a clear indication that the implementation of SEL is working. Based on early-year reflections, there was a significant decrease in behavioral incidents between SY 24-25 and SY 25-26.
FSW: 08/26–10/05 + October: 10/07–11/02:
School leadership also conducts Crew and classroom fidelity walkthroughs, during which they observe and document how well the SEL practices are implemented in the classroom.
Through these observations, SEL approaches are refined and adjusted accordingly to further support each student.
Unsure of how to support your child’s SEL journey? Keep reading:
- Prioritize thought-provoking conversations while simultaneously using Zones of Regulation language:
2. When you sense that your child may be feeling uneasy, reinforce regulation strategies, such as deep breathing, positive affirmations, and break times.
3. Be sure to model empathy, openly communicate, and celebrate all achievements and strides toward growth.
Moving forward
We are committed to strengthening the alignment and consistency of Social-Emotional Learning across the network. Moving forward, 100% of classrooms will implement Zones of Regulation routines wherever educators see fit, and 90% of Crew lessons will integrate Scholarly Habits. Additionally, there will be a greater focus on positioning families as partners through hosting SEL workshops and providing beneficial resources to families.
As we sail towards these goals, we invite the whole Two Rivers community to continue to affirm and nurture students, ensuring they feel supported, seen, and heard.
Let us come together and truly embody the phrase, “We are crew, not passengers.”
~Isa Walker, Communications Associate
