BRIDGEWATER – Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) community members were instrumental in having March 8, 2024, proclaimed as Social Emotional Learning Day by the Franklin Township Council.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to the processes that people of all ages use to acquire the tools that lead to self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, positive relationships, and responsible decision-making. For school-age children, this is accomplished by developing school communities that promote a culture and climate of positive character traits. At SCVTHS, as in many other schools, the elements of SEL are integrated into the curriculum. In addition to developing skills that will help students become positive contributors to society, studies have shown that there is an increase in academic achievement when SEL is introduced at the classroom level.
Ms. Maria Santiago, a Learning Disability Teacher Consultant at SCVTHS, and a Township of Franklin resident, reached out to the Council to suggest that they in some way honor SEL Day. “Many towns across the nation make resolutions to acknowledge the day” she said, adding that the proclamation adopted by the Council shows they are “committed to promoting SEL in the community.” She was very pleased when she was told of the decision to declare SEL Day in her town, particularly because of the number of students from Franklin who attend SCVTHS.
The proclamation was presented to Ms. Santiago and Mr. Chris Lemongelli, Supervisor of Alternative Education at SCVTHS, by Deputy Mayor Ed Potosnak at the March 12 Franklin Township Committee Meeting. It notes the importance of the skillset developed as part of SEL to the success of “schools, workplaces, homes, and communities.” It also “encourages all community members to learn about and share their knowledge of the importance and impact” of SEL. In his remarks, Mr. Potosnak acknowledged the work done by educators at SCVTHS, stating “This is something they’re working on every day in our school districts and in our communities.”
Mr. Lemongelli thanked the Township Committee for their action. “It’s very important to have officials on board for SEL Day to show support for and highlight its importance for the students in our communities,” he said.
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