Janet Hornberger

“The 1st Responders project will enhance student's social and emotional learning through student-led (teacher supported) hands-on activities that will prepare them to be 1st responders to their own needs, as well as others. The project will focus on Self-Management, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Responsible Decision Making, and Relationship Skills. Students will become critical thinkers and problem solvers to a variety of life experiences that affect themselves, and others, both socially and emotionally. Students will work through concerns they deal with and how to navigate through those big emotions by identifying their own strengths and what is in their locus of control at this time in their lives. The students will keep notes and artifacts throughout the duration of the group. They will gain confidence in taking action that is within their power to plan and prepare for possible life scenarios and emotions that may accompany them. The group will conclude with the creation of a book, written and illustrated by students for students. All members of our group will receive copies of the book, which will also be placed in school libraries throughout the Springdale School District, for the purpose of educating others. The project will include community partners as guest hosts for activities such as an Ozark Guidance counselor, school counselor, health care provider, social worker, Fire Department, TV weather personality and other local experts.”