Counseling Guidance Lessons

Aloha Families,

There are over 30 years of research showing the benefits of teaching SEL. Students who actively participate, practice, and apply skills and concepts learned in SEL programs have higher self-esteem, stronger communication and relationship skills, greater prosocial behavior, better class participation and attitude, and an increase in academic performance and test scores. We do this by teaching Self-Management, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills and Responsible Decision-Making Skills. For further information on SEL please visit the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) website at http://www.casel.org.

Throughout this school year, we will introduce students to the Choose Aloha Program.  The Choose Aloha Program teaches 4 character values and SEL skills that cultivate optimism, resiliency, and personal responsibility Each unit provides lessons that include important concepts and skills associated with SEL. There are connections to neuroscience and the brain, and activities for students to put learning into action. 

For more information about this program visit the Choose Aloha website at  https://www.jesselewischooselove.org/

The 4 character values include:

• Courage: - Students will learn what it means to have courage in any situation. They will develop confidence to help them face adversity and do the right thing, even when it is hard.

• Gratitude: - Students will learn what it means to be grateful for all of the good in their lives. They will discover the many people and things they are grateful for and better understand how to express gratitude. This will nurture a positive attitude and inspire them to be kind.

• Forgiveness: - Students will understand what it means to forgive someone who has hurt you. They will learn that forgiving does not mean you forget or accept the hurtful actions as OK. But instead, students learn that forgiving will free them from bad feelings and help them to have a positive mindset that will help them in school and in life.

• Compassion: - Students will understand that compassion is love in action. They will understand what it means to have empathy and be sensitive to the feelings of others. And then, they will move beyond that to realize the importance of being in service to others.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact any of the counselors for more information. Thank you for your continued support in helping promote your child’s academic, social, emotional, and personal well-being. We all need to work together to help our children become healthy, happy, successful individuals with the tools and skills to make their positive mark on the world.

Pearl City Elementary School

Counseling Department