Social Emotional Learning

OVERVIEW OF SEL AT THE CRAIG SCHOOL
The social-emotional learning (SEL) program at The Craig School is designed to integrate various competencies from the CASEL framework, providing essential support for our students both inside and outside the classroom. These competencies encompass self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and decision-making.

Beginning in 2nd grade, students participate in SEL classes that extend through their senior year of high school. The curriculum covers important topics such as communication skills, empathy, bullying prevention, nonverbal communication, and internet safety.

To ensure that students can effectively understand and apply this knowledge in their daily lives, we employ a diverse range of strategies and skills. Our overarching goal is for all students at The Craig School to build upon these competencies each year, fostering their growth as strong, independent individuals beyond academics.

BUDDY PROGRAM
The Buddy Program is an optional initiative for students in 7th and 8th grade, offering them the opportunity to become a Big Buddy. Each Big Buddy is paired with a younger student, who becomes their Younger Buddy.
The primary goal of the Buddy Program is to foster a sense of inclusion, support, and mentorship throughout the school year. Big Buddies serve as positive role models, helping to guide and encourage their Younger Buddies both socially and emotionally.

Together, buddy pairs participate in structured activities centered around the SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) model. These activities are designed to strengthen age-appropriate social skills and deepen each student’s emotional intelligence and interpersonal connections.

CRAIG CONNEX PROGRAM
The Craig ConneX Program is an extension of The Craig School designed to support the social and emotional development of current and former 9th and 10th grade students. Through bi-weekly virtual group sessions led by a Craig School Clinician, students engage in guided discussions aimed at helping them navigate the social and emotional challenges they may face in their daily lives.

Rooted in the principles of the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) model, the program incorporates monthly planned activities that encourage students to apply their learning in real-life contexts.

Social-emotional development is as important to address with teenagers as it is with younger students. When teens feel valued in their community, feel competent, and have a sense of autonomy, they are more likely to engage fully in the high school experience.

The COACH program is a dynamic relationship between a student and a faculty member built upon the principles of guidance, personal relationships, and individual growth. Students are assigned a faculty COACH who serves as a mentor, executive coach, and content specialist, throughout the student’s tenure at The Craig School. This carefully selected “point-person” is matched up based on relationship dynamics, personality, and the individual needs of the student. The COACH becomes a personal resource to that student, their parents, and other faculty members and is most familiar with the learning profile and current needs of the student. Students have the option of working with their COACH daily and at key junctures of the trimesters. Additionally, they review progress reports and report cards, set and plan personal and academic goals, and work together to formulate the action steps necessary to achieve these goals.