Loren Myers

“This grant would support Christopher House's continued implementation of a holistic SEL approach in grades K-8 to achieve long-term success in high school. Supporting students' success looks different because of Covid-19. Recognizing that our students and their families were disproportionately affected by Covid-19, which exacerbated low-income communities' adverse traumatic experiences like hunger and homelessness, SEL supports are a critical tool in supporting our students' academic success. Research shows the clear connection to SEL and academic success; SEL skills are essential to learning and life outcomes, including physical and mental wellbeing, academic, and postsecondary success. We prioritize scholars' social-emotional wellbeing in addition to their academic performance. We are unique in that we assess every scholar on their social-emotional growth annually and provide access to behavioral health supports for every scholar. We have three social workers and one middle school counselor. Every teacher is certified in SEL and we were the first school-based provider in Chicago to ensure that staff were trained in Positive Discipline. Our teachers receive annual PD around culturally responsive, trauma-informed SEL and mental health supports and supporting students who identify as LGBTQIA+ and ELL. Student voice and choice lead classroom lessons as we prioritize student ownership of their learning. Our teachers incorporate social emotional curricula daily into lessons; middle school implements Success Bound. Additionally, two key programs reinforce our school's SEL programs: 1) Parent School, which offers parent workshops and resources for all families enrolled in our school; 2) After School focuses on SEL skills needed for success.”