Milton Hershey School to Celebrate Global “Character Day” with Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum
HERSHEY, Pa. (PRWEB) September 20, 2016 -- Milton Hershey School® is participating in “Character Day” on Sept. 22, a global character-building celebration organized by Let it Ripple, a film-making organization that works to engage people in conversation through 21st century lens.
On Character Day, MHS teachers and staff will lead engaging classroom discussions about important character strengths like loyalty, integrity, courage, and determination. These traits are the foundation of the school’s award-winning social and emotional learning (SEL) program, which was designed to help students build strong character and leadership skills. Through experiential lessons, MHS students learn how to deal with different cultural and social situations and build their social intelligence.
“Skills can be taught and talent can be improved, but character is really the essence and core of who a person is,” said Deanna Slamans, MHS Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum Supervisor. “Each lesson has real, intentional SEL concepts that paint the picture of someone who has strong character.”
Goal-setting is another important component of the SEL program at MHS. Through self-reflection and self esteem development, students have the desire to grow, stay curious, and regularly improve themselves. MHS teachers and staff also build connections with students and serve as role models, so they can imagine the type of leader they want to be.
“It’s not a matter of if a student is going to lead later in life, it’s when. Whether they lead their home, their family or volunteer in a group, they’re going to lead,” explained Slamans. “We want to shape leaders with SEL skills, so when a student is placed in a leadership position, they’ll respect others and know how to compromise.”
Over 75,000 groups in 96 countries—including schools, companies, congregations and families—are celebrating Character Day by hosting group discussions, playing films about character development, and joining the global conversation.
In 2016, Milton Hershey School’s SEL program was recognized by Character.org as a National Promising Practice. More information about the school’s social and emotional learning program can be found at mhskids.org.
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ABOUT MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL
Milton Hershey School® is one of the world’s best private schools, offering a top-notch education and positive home life to children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade from families of lower income at no charge.
Keri Straub, Milton Hershey School, http://www.mhskids.org, +1 (717) 520-2212, [email protected]
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