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Hermosa View highlights PBIS, 'Dolphin Den' and expanded counseling supports
Summary
Principal Dr. Jessica Gabriel and staff described Hermosa View’s social‑emotional learning approach, PBIS SURF expectations, calming 'Dolphin Den' spaces and tiered counseling supports; board members praised the program and noted partnerships with LACOE, HBEF and Young at Art.
Dr. Jessica Gabriel, principal of Hermosa View, told the board that early childhood social‑emotional learning is fundamental to students’ academic success and described the school's approach to teaching self‑regulation and peer interaction.
"When students feel safe, supported, and connected, they're excited to grow," Gabriel said. She introduced Carrie King, PBIS coordinator, and Sabrina Okuda, school counselor, who outlined classroom routines, recognition systems ('SURF' expectations: safe, up for a challenge, respectful, friendly), and the school's calming spaces called the Dolphin Den and Dolphin Cove.
King described weekly recognition (surf slips) and brief lessons to teach behavior expectations; Okuda described a multi‑tiered counseling system that includes universal lessons for TK–1 students, small groups for targeted needs (anxiety, impulse control) and one‑to‑one supports for students with greater needs. Presenters credited support from a LACOE coach and funding/partnerships from the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation, Young at Art and Start Nova.
Board members responded with gratitude and anecdotal support from parents and staff. A board member said the Dolphin Den made an immediate classroom impact; another asked whether posters and visual supports could be extended across campuses. The presentation concluded with a staff offer to provide additional information on training and implementation.
