Social Emotional Wellness (SEL)
Welcome to the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Wellness Program page for Orinda Union School District. We believe that the heart of academic success starts with a student who feels safe, connected, and understood. Our program is dedicated to helping every student develop the essential "human skills" they need to thrive in school and throughout life.
We are committed to the California Department of Education's guiding principles for SEL, ensuring an equitable and supportive learning environment for all our students.
What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social-Emotional Learning is the process through which children and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to manage emotions, achieve goals, feel and show empathy for others, maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
We focus on teaching the five core SEL competencies in all grades:
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Self-Awareness: Recognizing one's own emotions, strengths, and values.
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Self-Management: Managing emotions, controlling impulses, and setting and achieving personal and collective goals.
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Social Awareness: Taking the perspective of and empathizing with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
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Relationship Skills: Establishing and maintaining healthy and supportive relationships, and collaborating effectively.
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Responsible Decision-Making: Making constructive and caring choices about personal behavior and social interactions.
Second Step Curriculum
To ensure a consistent, research-based approach to teaching these vital skills, Orinda Union School District uses the Second Step curriculum across all elementary grades (Kindergarten through Grade 5).
Second Step is a leading evidence-based program designed to increase students' school success and social competence. Through weekly, age-appropriate lessons, our students receive direct instruction in four essential units:
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Unit Focus
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Students Learn To...
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Growth Mindset & Goal-Setting
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Believe in their ability to learn, set positive goals, and learn from mistakes and challenges.
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| Emotion Management | Identify their own feelings and the feelings of others, label emotions, and use calming strategies. |
| Empathy & Kindness | Understand and share the feelings of others, take different perspectives, and practice kindness in the classroom and playground. |
| Problem-Solving | Use a clear, step-by-step process to handle strong feelings, resolve conflicts constructively, and explore the outcomes of different solutions. |
These lessons are delivered by our dedicated classroom teachers and reinforced through school-wide practices and announcements.
Wellness and Support
Beyond the curriculum, our SEL program is a holistic part of our school's commitment to wellness. We foster a positive school climate where students feel safe, known, and valued every day.
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Mindfulness: We incorporate short mindfulness and "brain break" exercises throughout the day to help students manage stress and refocus their attention.
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Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS): Our school-wide expectations reinforce the skills students learn in Second Step, promoting kindness, respect, and responsibility in all areas of campus.
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Wellness Counselors: Every elementary school within the Orinda Union School District has a dedicated Wellness Counselor to provide targeted, short-term support, and small-group counseling for students who need additional social or emotional assistance.
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Orinda Intermediate School (OIS) Wellness Center: For our older students, OIS features a dedicated Wellness Center located in the Student Services building. This center is staffed by guidance counselors and focused on promoting mental well-being, providing crisis intervention, and offering comprehensive support as students navigate middle school.
