Social and Emotional Learning
At Village School we believe that purposeful social emotional education is vital to the success of all students.
Village's social emotional programming extend to every member of our community: students, parents, and faculty. We look for opportunities to naturally incorporate these programs throughout the school day and week, making them integral with academics, individual and interpersonal activities, play and special events.
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Resources & Programs
Director of Social and Emotional Learning
Known to students as the Friendship Coach, our Director of Social and Emotional Learning supports students, faculty, and families through friendship and conflict coaching, character development, resilience-building, classroom lessons, and social-emotional skill development, as well as ongoing parent education and support.
COMMUNITY CIRCLE
Weekly class meetings to practice communication skills, problem-solving, and reflection through the lens of the Village Values: caring, courage, fairness, integrity, respect, responsibility, and trust. These gatherings create an environment of inclusion, cooperation, introspection, and accountability.
FAMILY CIRCLE
A bi-weekly opportunity for a group of children from each grade level and two or three faculty or staff to come together and participate in community building activities that are reflective of our Character Education Program. It’s also a fun and welcoming way for students and adults to get to know one another across grades and roles.
MONDAY MORNING MEETING
A weekly school-wide assembly where students, teachers, and parents come together to build community, celebrate inclusivity, and engage with topics that reflect the values and interests of our entire Village School community.
NAVIGATION (UPPER DIVISION)
A dedicated class led by our Director of Social and Emotional Learning for our older students focused on identity, relationships, resilience, life-skills, and self-awareness.
Restorative Approach to Conflict Resolution
Our restorative approach to conflict resolution focuses on empathy, accountability, and repairing harm through open dialogue. We teach conflict resolution skills, encourage reflection, and thereby foster safe spaces for honest expression and growth.
Parent Education
great minds speaker series
Village's Parent Education program also offers the opportunity for families to engage with expert voices and timely topics through our Great Minds speaker series. These presentations provide meaningful opportunities to strengthen the partnership between home and school, a foundational aspect of the Village experience and essential to every student’s success in the classroom and beyond.
SEL COFFEE TALKS
Hosted by Ms. Unger, Village’s Director of Social and Emotional Learning, Village's Parent Coffee Talks offer a supportive space for reflection, connection, and open conversation. Parents are invited to explore the challenges and joys of parenting with honesty and vulnerability, while learning evidence-based strategies to strengthen their relationships with their children. Topics have included:
- Understanding developmental stages and using that knowledge to navigate conflict more effectively
- Exploring the building blocks of healthy attachment: safety, attunement, trust, and repair
- Building resilience in children
