- by Elyse Manteris, Ph.D., School Counselor
Here at Watershed School, we are committed to preparing our students to take on the world’s greatest challenges-- we strive to educate the whole child. In addition to our academic program, Watershed focuses on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) to help our students acquire and effectively apply the knowledge and skills necessary to make responsible decisions, maintain positive interpersonal relationships, set and achieve positive goals, manage emotions in healthy ways, and contribute in a positive way to our society. Each quarter, social emotional themes relating to Tom Vander Ark’s list of 25 of the “World’s Greatest Challenges” are explored in advisory to help students gain a deeper understanding of self-awareness, social-awareness, and impactful citizenship.
In the first quarter our students explored issues and ideas of diversity, identity and inclusion. Through discussion of current and historical events, videos, text, and guest speakers, students were able to explore ways to help create and maintain inclusive, safe, resilient communities, both locally and globally. They were challenged to envision ways in which we can all get along in order to promote “dignity and difference making in a diverse society”, one of the 25 listed great challenges.
Communication was the theme in quarter two; students took a deep dive into the various aspects of healthy and effective communication. This included ways to make their needs and wants known, sharpening their ability to understand the thoughts and perspectives of others, and developing problem-solving skills and conflict resolution techniques. Students learned how art, music, literature, film, and other creative mediums are used for expression and communication and can be a means of connection to people around the world. This theme aligned with Vander Ark’s great challenge of Powerful Expressions and the need to “extend the quality of and access to human expression” which “help people to interpret the world and each other.”
Perhaps one of the defining features of humanity is our ability to empathize with one another. Many assert that empathy is hard-wired in the human brain and gives us a unique capacity for love and understanding. Now, in quarter three, Watershed students are learning about empathy and collaboration. By putting ourselves in another’s situation, fostering compassion for all those around us, and working together, we can enjoy healthier relationships and stronger communities. “Understanding the Brain”, including our incredible ability to empathize with each other, is another great challenge that our young people face today. Our social-emotional learning activities are another way of providing a deeper and wider educational experience here at Watershed.
I cannot express how incredibly impressed I am by the students and educators at Watershed School. They are so willing to engage in SEL topics with passion and honesty, have taken risks to deeply explore the concepts, and have created a safe space where students and staff feel comfortable sharing ideas and experiences. Watershed is a wonderful example of the way schools should be!
