Social-Emotional and Character Development

At Gordon Parks Elementary School, we prioritize Social-Emotional and Character Development alongside academic growth. We create a supportive environment where students learn to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions. Inspired by Gordon Parks' core values, we foster respect, integrity, empathy, and perseverance.

Through interactive lessons and cooperative activities, we equip students with tools to navigate challenges and exhibit empathy. We integrate character development into the curriculum, discussing ethical dilemmas in literature and engaging in service-learning projects. Our goal is to develop well-rounded individuals who excel academically while demonstrating kindness, resilience, and leadership. At Gordon Parks Elementary School, we cultivate an inclusive community where students flourish personally and academically, carrying Gordon Parks' legacy forward.

SECD (Social Emotional Learning/Character Development) is about teaching, practicing, modeling and encouraging universal personal life habits.  It is about learning with our heads, our hearts, and our hands to be caring and civil, to make healthy decisions, to effectively problem solve, to be respectful and responsible, to be good citizens and to be empathic and ethical individuals. At Gordon Parks Elementary, SECD can be seen in service learning, emotional literacy, bullying and violence prevention, Our Friends of Gordon Parks, the Mentor Program, Trauma Smart Training, the Student Engagement Committee, and daily activities from a highly recommended program called Move this World. 

Responsive classroom

Responsive Classroom proves highly effective in the elementary school setting by fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere that promotes both academic and social-emotional growth. Through its evidence-based strategies, teachers create a supportive learning environment where students feel valued and engaged. The emphasis on building a strong sense of community and teaching social skills equips students with the foundation for success not only academically but also in their overall well-being.

Move this world

Move This World is exceptionally effective in the elementary school setting, providing a transformative approach to social-emotional learning. By integrating dynamic activities and exercises into the daily routine, the program cultivates emotional intelligence and resilience in students. The emphasis on fostering a positive and inclusive school culture helps create a supportive environment where students feel empowered to express themselves, ultimately contributing to improved overall well-being and a more harmonious learning atmosphere.