Laredo Independent School District implemented a monthly mental health activity at the new LISD Administration Building as staff are offered social emotional learning.
During this activity, staff was received with a festive table by the entrance of the building. With a sharpie in hand, they are asked to answer the simplest of questions: what brings you joy, what you are grateful for?
As Committee for Children website says, Social-emotional learning is the process of developing the self-awareness, self-control and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work and life success.
The Committee for Children further explains that people with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday challenges and benefit academically, professionally and socially. From effective problem-solving to self-discipline, from impulse control to emotion management and more, SEL provides a foundation for positive, long-term effects on kids, adults and communities.
LISD Guidance and Counseling Department Director Rosina Silva stated that having this activity at the district will bring a beneficial outcomes for employees to continue their duties in a healthy mental state.
“The purpose of SEL is to build relationships in the classroom,” Silva said. “LISD is taking it a step forward by initiating a monthly SEL activity with a Kindness Tree.
“In order to strengthen relationships in this building, it’s important to create communication between each department and maintain a positive work environment.”
LISD said that each month it will have a decorative post with a theme to help employees continue being motivated. It will have employees answer a monthly question and fill the artistic tree with positive notes and affirmations.
Additionally, LISD also preserves its Youth Mental Health First Aid training for employees and community members.
According to the district, Youth MHFA is the initial help given to someone experiencing a mental health problem before appropriate treatment and support are obtained. The course serves to demystify the important topic of mental illness.
The participants in this course are taught how to recognize the symptoms of mental health problems; how to offer and provide initial help; and how to guide the individual to professional help, if appropriate, by trained LISD coordinators, administrators, counselors and behavioral specialists, stated LISD.
“This training has really been inspirational, educational and informative, because now more than ever our youth are going through mental health issues because of the pandemic,” Silva said. “By taking this course, it sheds some light on what the children are feeling and how we, as adults, can help them.”
For more information, please contact the Guidance and Counseling Director Rosina Silva at 956-273-1262.
karol.garcia@lmtonline.com
