New Social Emotional Learning Curriculum Approved For Mendham Schools

MENDHAM, NJ — At the start of the next school year, Mendham Township Elementary School will implement a social-emotional learning curriculum (SEL) for all students in grades PK through 4.

The new curriculum was approved at the Mendham Township Board of Education meeting this week.

According to the school board, the goal of Mendham Township Elementary School is to integrate SEL at all three levels of school functioning. Curriculum and instruction are included in this integration, as are school-wide practices and policies, as well as community and family partnerships.

"SEL is an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions," school officials said.

The curriculum units in Mendham Township will be divided into sections such as "self-awareness," "self-management," "social awareness," "responsible decision-making," and "relationship skills."

Although the SEL curriculum is new to Mendham Elementary, the state adopted the SEL curriculum standards in 2017.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has created different types of traumatic experiences and high levels of stress for many of our students, educators, and families. Individuals may have lost loved ones, have family members who lost jobs, or may have experienced abuse or neglect. As we work to support students, the importance of SEL and attending to student and educator well-being has become even more critical," NJDOE said.

According to school officials, by promoting social and emotional learning, Mendham Township Elementary School hopes to improve the development of positive school climates and the healthy development of students.

Even though the subject matter will be the same, the lesson plans will be tailored to each grade level, according to the school board.

The entire SEL curriculum and approved lesson plans are available for review by all parents on the school district's website.