Fallon Middle School held a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Day on November 8, 2023. This dedicated day aimed at raising a culture of empathy, creating amends, and fostering a better community. The day commenced with a focused lesson on bullying, where students identified the signs of bullying and learned to be proactive upstanders. Some signs of bullying are foul language, physical abuse, and online abuse. The objective was clear: create a school community where every student feels supported and safe.

     The power of language took center stage as students delved into a powerful poem that underscored the profound impact of words on emotional well-being. In a creative activity involving paper and feelings, students translated these lessons into tangible expressions, creating the idea that words hurt. 

     One of the highlights of SEL Day was a thought-provoking lecture featuring representatives from Team Esteem. The speakers shared real-world experiences, shedding light on educators’ challenges, and the importance of cultivating trust within the school community. The discussion also explored sensitive topics, initiating an open dialogue about suicide and death.

     Ms. Buckley, a vital person in creating the SEL DAY, recalls, “[I] needed this opportunity to bring all the students together to really let everyone understand how words hurt and that they never go away. Teen Esteem and PFC funded the assembly. The counseling team has also seen more students come and talk to them.”  The assembly and the cross-the-line activity empowered students. The Cross the Line activity is when teachers ask questions and students cross the line to see if others are also going through the same things as you. Students were able to experience firsthand the revelations made by their classmates, and they saw that they were not alone in going through or dealing with some tough issues.

     Ms. Buckley added, “ We [Ms. Buckley and Ms. Lewis] really wanted to raise awareness. The assembly really resonated with many students, and opened their eyes to the fact that others could struggle [with things] that they aren’t aware of. The Cross the Line activity, students had really big realizations, where they are not the only one feeling a certain way.” 

     A poll sent out to Fallon students  after SEL to reflect on the activities, showed that over 81% of respondents felt that the SEL day was a valuable or powerful experience, and 70% felt the Cross the Line activity was a valuable or powerful experience.  SEL Day marks a pivotal moment for Fallon, reinforcing the importance of empathy, resilience, and positive connections within our school community.