Rocky Mountain Elementary School held their Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Day during April’s late start. “The idea of the SEL day stemmed from a discussion about giving students test-taking tips for the CMAS,” shared Jennifer Parmeter, counselor at Rocky Mountain. “We wanted to build excitement for the upcoming testing season and to ensure students were equipped with the tools and the motivation to do their very best.”
Aligning with Rocky Mountain’s core values and mission of creating a positive and nurturing environment, SEL Day exemplified the school’s commitment to student well-being. “Our goal is to ensure our students’ social, emotional, and academic success,” stated Parmeter. “This event perfectly embodies our mission, in creating a caring, collaborative, and academically focused environment.”
SEL Day was designed to offer students a variety of activities tailored to enhance their social and emotional skills while developing connections within the school community. Parmeter elaborated, “We firmly believe that nurturing the social and emotional well-being of our students is fundamental to their overall development and success. This event provided unique opportunities for students to engage in self-expression, relaxation, and bonding.” Activities ranged from outdoor mindfulness walks, painting, bracelet making, yoga, drum circles, board games, and more. Additionally, students in grades three through five had dedicated time to prepare for their CMAS exams with the guidance and support of teachers and staff.
Furthermore, SEL Day at Rocky Mountain carries a deeper significance beyond its immediate activities. Parmeter explained, “The CMAS test relies on students effectively utilizing their working memory. Everything we require of students in school is linked to their memory, encompassing the physiological aspect as they continuously acquire and apply new information. By promoting social-emotional learning (SEL) on occasions like these, students not only enhance their academic performance but also cultivate essential life skills such as self-awareness and relationship building.”
Throughout the day’s events, students expressed positivity about their experiences. Fifth-grader Aylin Nunez, who participated in a painting session with friends, shared, “I like that we can be creative and paint whatever we want.” For Parmeter, “the day SEL was about equipping our students with the tools necessary to succeed in their relationships and feel valued as part of a caring community.”