Dear Townsend Community, 
 
As the school intervention counselor, I wanted to take a moment to address an important aspect of our students' education - social emotional learning (SEL). SEL plays a crucial role in the overall development and well-being of our students, and it is essential that we prioritize and support their social and emotional growth. 
 
Social emotional learning refers to the process through which individuals acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. It encompasses various aspects of personal development, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. 
 
At Townsend, we recognize the significance of SEL in fostering a positive school climate and enhancing academic achievement. Research has consistently shown that students who receive comprehensive SEL instruction demonstrate improved academic performance, increased motivation to learn, better classroom behavior, reduced emotional distress, and enhanced social skills. By addressing the social and emotional needs of our students, we can create a supportive environment that promotes their overall well-being. 
 
To ensure that our students receive the necessary support for their social emotional development, we have implemented several initiatives at Townsend. These initiatives include: 
 
1. Curriculum Integration: Through Second Step and counselor push-in guidance lessons we have integrated SEL into our curriculum across all grade levels. By incorporating SEL into various subjects such as language arts, social studies, and even math, we provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their social emotional skills in real-life contexts. 
 
2. Counseling Services: Our school counseling department offers individual counseling sessions as well as group counseling programs focused on specific social emotional needs. These services aim to provide students with a safe space to express their emotions, develop coping strategies, build resilience, and strengthen their interpersonal skills. 
 
3. Professional Development: We prioritize the professional development of our staff to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to support students' social emotional growth. Our teachers participate in ongoing training sessions and workshops that focus on implementing effective SEL strategies in the classroom, fostering positive relationships with students, and creating a nurturing learning environment. 
 
In addition to these initiatives, we also encourage parental involvement in supporting their student’s social emotional development. We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential for the holistic growth of our students. We provide resources and workshops for parents to enhance their understanding of SEL and offer guidance on how they can reinforce these skills at home. 
 
As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by the current educational landscape, it is crucial that we prioritize social emotional learning. By equipping our students with the necessary social and emotional skills, we empower them to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. 
 
Thank you for your continued support in fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment at Townsend. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our students. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
Seth Davis 
School Intervention Counselor 

Please feel free to contact me at: seth_davis@chino.k12.ca.us