The Allegheny Valley School District promotes a safe, positive environment for students and staff that is free from bullying. Bullying activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational goals of the District and are prohibited at all times. School Board policy #249 guides the District in its procedures and decisions concerning matters that deal with bullying.
The elementary buildings reinforce positive behavior through PATHS® and Emozi® programs, which stress Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as a critical component of the educational experience. It has proven to lead to improvements in student behavior, reductions in classroom disruption, and greater academic achievement. It does so by going beyond traditional academic skills and teaching students how to resolve conflicts, handle emotions, empathize, and make responsible decisions.
Students learn the five distinct categories of social-emotional learning:-
Self Awareness is the ability to understand and manage your feelings and to know your strengths and weaknesses.
-
Self Management is the ability to manage your behavior and impulses, to have integrity, and to act according to your values.
-
Social Awareness is the ability to understand and have empathy for others.
-
Relationship Management is knowing how to work with others and get along effectively.
-
Responsible Decision Making is the ability to make good decisions and know how to problem-solve effectively both alone and in groups.
The PATHS® and Emozi® programs take students through each of these areas in stages; each unit is organized around one or more of these areas, while integrating aspects from all five. Supplemental and at-home activities are included for parents and children to do together.
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a critical component of the educational experience that is proven to lead to improvements in student behavior, reductions in classroom disruption, and greater academic achievement. It does so by going beyond traditional academic skills and teaching students how to resolve conflicts, handle emotions, empathize, and make responsible decisions. Again and again, the evidence shows that to develop healthier school climates and improved academic results, schools must teach the whole student.
For additional information, please see Allegheny Valley School District Bullying Policy #249