Character Education Focus for 2025-2026:
At Aspen Elementary School, we are dedicated to equipping our students with the skills necessary to thrive both academically and personally. Based on our analysis of Panorama data, teacher feedback, and PBIS data, we have identified three key focus areas to enhance our students' social and emotional development: kindness/empathy, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. These areas will be emphasized through the implementation of the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum developed by In Focus Education Group. This program is designed to support the holistic development of our students by enhancing their social and emotional skills, which are crucial for academic success and overall well-being.
- Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It involves putting oneself in someone else's shoes and responding with kindness and understanding. Empathy is crucial for building strong, supportive relationships and fostering a compassionate community.
- Emotional Regulation refers to the ability to manage and respond to one's emotions in a healthy and constructive manner. This skill enables students to navigate their feelings, cope with challenges, and make thoughtful decisions, contributing to overall emotional well-being.
- Conflict Resolution is the process of resolving a dispute or disagreement. It involves understanding different perspectives, communicating effectively, and finding a peaceful solution that satisfies all parties involved. Mastering conflict resolution skills helps students maintain positive relationships and create a harmonious school environment.
Implementation through "In Focus" Lessons
Our "In Focus" lessons are designed to support the development of these skills and others by empowering students to become strong, capable individuals. Through engaging activities and guided discussions, students will:
- Explore empathy by engaging in role-playing scenarios and reflecting on diverse perspectives.
- Practice emotional regulation through mindfulness exercises and emotional recognition activities.
- Develop conflict resolution skills by learning effective communication techniques and problem-solving strategies.
Our Commitment
At Aspen Elementary, our goal is to guide students towards becoming successful, compassionate humans. By focusing on these essential social-emotional skills, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive school culture where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. We believe each student is a strong, capable individual, and we are dedicated to nurturing their growth and development. Please follow along with our lessons each week to be a part of these conversations. Below, you will find links to weekly parent guides that review the lessons being taught in Character Ed.
WEEKLY PARENT GUIDE
Please note that the same lesson is taught in two grades. This to allow consistency across our school and allow teachers and staff to support concepts within their classrooms.
August 20-23, 2025: Creating a Learning Community
| Grade Level (s) | English | Spanish |
| Kindergarten | ||
| 1st/2nd Grade | ||
| 3rd/4th Grade | ||
| 5th/6th Grade |
Parental involvement is essential to the success of all students. To learn more about the In Focus Curriculum or to follow along with lessons, please visit the Parent Portal and fill out the information box at the bottom of the screen: In Focus Parent Guides.
Together, we can create a supportive and nurturing environment that helps our students thrive both academically and personally.