Talking to Students about Bullying & Violence
Acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who are concerned that they, their friends or loved-ones are at risk. At Abby Kelley, our Mission it to work in partnership with our families, to support our students, especially when they look to the adults in their lives for information and guidance on how to react. Assuring our students feel safe talking about their fears and providing them a environment where they feel safe, physically and emotionally, is extremely important.
Below are some recommended recourses provided Dr. Cole, the District’s Psychologist for families and staff to review.
Bully Prevention-101- A Quick Guide for Parents
Talking To Children About Violence
Guiding you through your Child’s Mental Health Journey
Food Insecurity
Abby Kelley is able to provide two meals a day in school (breakfast and lunch) for our students, FREE of charge for all students. While this is a significant help to families, there are needs beyond the school day for food for many. Our Guidance Counselors have resources for families and families are encouraged to contact their student’s counselor.
Food resources available with in the City of Worcester:
A listing of food pantries throughout the City. Please contact the organization directly to confirm dates and times.
Worcester Community Fridges are open 24/7, leaving no barriers in the way of someone accessing free, fresh food throughout the City. Donations are accepted at any fridge any time as well.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Abby Kelley has put a strong focus on supporting our student’s educational success and recovery this year by implementing the District wide goal of Social Emotional Learning. Throughout the year students will be asked to participate in a survey on how they are currently doing with topics such as social awareness, self-awareness, empathy, responsible decision making, and self-management.
The survey will help measure the cumulative data across the District and work to improve student experiences and needed resources. Samples surveys for students in Grades 3-12 have been provided below. Students in Kindergarten – Grade 2 will be assessed with teacher observation and the student’s survey will be completed by the teacher.
Beginning Tuesday, January 25, 2022 Abby Kelley begin a series of SEL Series with families. Preregistration is required and translation services will be available.
If a parent/guardian has questions or concerns regarding their student(s), please contact the Guidance Counselor for your school. You can find their contact information using the School’s Staff Directory for your student’s school; Elementary School Middle School High School
Samples of the SEL Surveys
Students in Kindergarten – Grade 2 will be assessed with teacher observation and their survey will be completed by the student’s teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the SEL Survey
The survey provides information on social and emotional learning (social awareness, self-awareness, empathy, responsible decision making, and self-management), school climate, and school satisfaction. The survey helps the district measure data on SEL and to act on that data to improve student experiences and to help identify any social emotional needs of the student.
Student perceptions of their classroom and school experience helps identify teacher’s strengths and areas for growth as well as the school’s strengths and areas for growth.
AKFCS selected the following scales for the Student Survey:
-
- School Belonging – How much students feel that they are valued members of the school community. Example Question: How connected do you feel to the adults at your school?
- Emotional Regulation: How well students regulate their emotions. Example Question: How often are you able to control your emotions when you need to?
-
- Self-Management: How well students manage their emotions, thoughts, behaviors in different situations. Example Question: During the past 30 days, how often did you come to class prepared?
- Growth Mindset – student perceptions of whether they have the potential to change those factors that are central to their performance in school. Example Question: In school, how possible is it for you to change how easily you give up?
Students in grades 3-12 will take the survey online in school. A link will be sent to them via email and they will be asked to take the survey during class. The survey should only take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Teachers, guidance counselors and staff will be available to assist the students.
For students in grades K-2, the teacher will complete perception surveys of the student.
Teachers, principals, and other school staff will not be able to access individual student responses. The data that is collected through the survey indicate if additional attention should be made to a student’s social emotional skills as they relate to self- awareness, self-management, empathy, responsible decision making, and social awareness.
No, but if you do not want your student(s) to take the survey, please contact Dr. Carrie Cole or Mrs. Heidi Paluk. If the School does not hear from you, your student(s) is/are expected to take the survey.
If a parent/guardian has questions or concerns regarding their student(s), please contact your student’s Guidance Counselor using the staff directory for your student’s school; Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Yes, the surveys for grades 3-12 are posted on this webpage. Families are encouraged to review the student surveys prior to the surveys being completed by your student.
On Wednesday, November 3, 2021 families attended an online workshop presented by Jim Dunn, MS, CMC, CCSP and Dr. Cole which will defined what Social Emotional Learning is and how it benefits and relates to a student’s executive functioning and academic functioning. The slide presentation from this presentation is available to review.
