Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Program
Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5) participated in Neurodiversity Celebration Week from November 17 to 21, 2025. This special event, led by Ms. Alexis Blydenburgh (Learning Support Specialist) and Dr. María Alonso (Grades 3-6 Counselor), aims to raise awareness about the strengths and talents of people who think and learn differently.
Students learned about various neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyscalculia. Classes explored new facts and perspectives on the topic:
- It is a natural variation: Neurodiversity is now widely understood as a natural variation in human brain function.
- Global Perspective: Research suggests that approximately 15-20% of the global population is neurodivergent, meaning these learning differences are a common and vital part of our shared human experience
- Unique Strengths: Neurodivergent individuals often possess exceptional skills in areas such as creative problem-solving, pattern recognition, and lateral thinking.
Morning meetings and the weekly Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) period featured engaging conversations on these themes, fostering empathy and understanding.
