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Smithfield officials propose district initiative on inclusion, kindness and social‑emotional learning
Summary
Superintendent and committee members discussed using grant funding and volunteer expertise to expand social‑emotional learning and inclusion curriculum, and proposed using the curriculum committee or a new subcommittee with student involvement to develop a plan.
Smithfield school leaders on Nov. 20 outlined plans to expand district programming to promote acceptance, kindness and social‑emotional learning, beginning at the secondary level.
The acting superintendent and the chair said grant funding is available to support curriculum work and that a retired district teacher has volunteered to help design activities and speaker visits for both staff and students. The initiative aims to emphasize inclusivity across multiple identities rather than addressing single‑issue incidents alone.
Committee members suggested the curriculum committee could oversee the work or that a dedicated subcommittee be formed to collect teacher, student and parent input. Amanda said she would like to see a clear plan for how the program will be presented to students; Jeffrey and other members recommended involving student leaders to model positive behaviors for younger students.
The group discussed practical constraints such as scheduling assemblies and suggested exploring advisory periods or smaller group formats to deliver content. The superintendent said staff will sketch an initial plan and invite committee members to participate in subsequent discussions.
