Ben Franklin Elementary School named an SEL Model School
From left to right: April Morealli and Dr. Angela McMasters, IASD School Psychologists/MTSS Facilitators; Dorothy Morelli, SEL-W CEO; Michael Vuckovich, IASD Superintendent; Kelly Urbani, Ben Franklin Principal; Dr. Mark Greenberg, SEL-W Senior Advisor; and Justin Zahorchak, IASD Director of Special Education & Pupil Services. (Photo by Josh Widdowson)
On Tuesday, October 18, 2022, they visited the school to present the award in a school-wide assembly with remarks by Dr. Greenberg. Invited guests also had the opportunity to tour the school’s new Outdoor Learning Space and visit indoor classrooms to experience what a PATHS lesson looks, feels and sounds like.
“PATHS” stands for “Promoting alternative thinking strategies” and is an intervention that aims to improve young children’s social and emotional competence, promote self-control, and reduce problem behaviors.
The process through which young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, and achieve goals is a vital part of preparing students to be college and/or career ready.
Superintendent Michael Vuckovich is proud of the work that is being done district-wide to help kids understand their emotions and feelings and to learn how to appropriately communicate them. “The Indiana, PA school district has become a leader in the implementation of addressing the needs of the whole child,” noted Ms. Morelli. “Congratulations to all!”