NEISD teams focus on Social Emotional Learning

How are you feeling?

That’s a question that may not be asked enough but has become increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are all going through a collective trauma due to COVID-19, changes in our lifestyles, and various other changes in our world,” said Madison High School’s Family Specialist Veronica Villegas. “It is important now more than ever to keep bringing resources to our students, parents, staff and community.”

Villegas not only serves Madison as its Family Specialist; she is also a social-emotional learning liaison. District leadership over the years has encouraged her to soak up as much professional development as she can to serve her students best.

“I was provided the opportunity for our department to create and coordinate a Social Emotional Learning committee and create workshop content for our parents. Now, we are going to be able to help provide strategies for our colleagues to be able to cope with the changing times,” she said.

Part of her strategy is something Villegas calls Wellness Wednesdays. She posts clickable encouragement and mental health information to help her Madison students and the greater community.

“Knowing our strengths, learning about the resources in our community, and helping hold space to talk about mental health will lessen the stigma and helps us create a toolkit of strategies to cope with the changing times,” she said.

She recently posted a video from WebMD, helping put the coronavirus in context for children to help them build resilience. 

To find out more about Madison’s Wellness Wednesdays, check out their Facebook Page by clicking here.

And for more on NEISD’s commitment to Social Emotional Learning, click here.