Home Engagement
Developing a District Plan & Strategies for Home Engagement
Home Engagement references the development of a strategic and intentional plan to support the mental health and wellness of the student by those at home. Special note should be taken that the term “Home Engagement” was chosen with the understanding that the word “home” encompasses not only immediate family, but extended family, as some children are cared for by other relatives such as aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents, or older siblings. “Home” also includes non-traditional “home” settings, for children who are living in foster care or in shelters.
With that being understood, a strategic plan for Home Engagement takes on a critical role for the long-term benefit and support of all children. As such, a school district should create a Home Engagement Strategic Plan (HESP). (NC Mental Health & Wellness Strategic Plan, 2021, p.29)
Mental Health Workshop for Parents
Merrick UFSD - Slideshow
This mental health workshop for elementary parents provides:
- an introduction to how thoughts, feelings, and actions are all related and how this applies to children,
- actionable strategies for positive parent - student communication,
- ways to support children with mental health concerns, and
- language and responses to use to promote a healthy dialogue between parents and their children about mental health, self-harm, and suicide.
Communicating our SEL Continuum
Center Moriches Schools
The common thread between the District’s mission and philosophy of Social-Emotional LearningSEL in all schools is the focus on educating the whole child. The CASEL Framework takes a systematic approach that emphasizes the importance of establishing equitable learning environments and coordinating practices across four key settings: classrooms, schools, homes and communities.
Throughout the District’s three school buildings, staff members focus on positive, responsible and healthy decision-making. Students are encouraged to form positive peer relationships, participate in effective conflict resolution, and are held to high standards of academic and social responsibility, and accountability. At the secondary level, the advisory programs serve as a catalyst to further promote these goals. Additionally, the development of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, self-management, self-respect, self-confidence, and independence are highly supported.
Parent Academy Book Club: The Self-Driven Child
Center Moriches School District
In The Self-Driven Child, A clinical neuropsychologist and test-prep guru combine cutting-edge brain science with insights from their work with families to make a radical case for giving kids more agency to unleash their full potential. During the 2022 - 2023 school year our community engaged in a book club centered around this work. This book club culminated with a visit from the book's authors, William Stixrud, Ph.D. and Ned Johnson.
SEL & Wellness Community Website
Center Moriches School District
This website is intended to serve educators, families & caregivers, and other youth-serving community members by providing high quality resources for SEL and cultivating self-care. Take a look around and use anything you like!