The social and emotional well-being of students remains a priority for North Penn School District regardless of the location of instruction. Whether students attend school in person or virtually, social and emotional supports are available to all students.
The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum across all levels is designed to provide a developmental framework for instruction to support positive mental health, community building, cultural proficiency, and connectedness for our students. K-Fifth grades utilize the Second Step program as the primary universal social/emotional instructional resource. Sixth grade uses portions of Second Step as well as other supplementary materials. The research-based Second Step curriculum provides students direct and explicit instruction in social-emotional skills. Opportunities for practice are incorporated throughout the week. Kindergarten students also use techniques from the Responsive Classroom program to support social-emotional health as well.
At the secondary level, middle schools utilize Penn Time to provide social-emotional learning. Additionally, school counselors work with students and teachers to provide developmental guidance lessons. Each month encompasses a different theme such as self-respect and self-care, compassion and empathy, kindness and honesty, and more. At North Penn High School, the social-emotional learning plan seeks to create continuity across grade levels, provide organic support for students via social-emotional learning & MTSS best practices, support college and career readiness goals, integrate culturally responsive practices, teach life-long skills, and to create a standardized basis for community norms. Weekly and monthly activities have been planned.
In addition to school counselors, North Penn School District works with outside providers to provide services to students in need of support beyond the core program. A Student Assistance Program (SAP) Team is available to provide students with small group counseling and risk assessments. Additional counseling services are available individually as well. These supports are available to students both in-person and virtually.