Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, Soaring Hawk Elementary (SHE) brought in a supplemental Social Emotional Learning program called YMCA's Project Cornerstone. Project Cornerstone works in collaboration with our district wide SEL curriculum Second Step. SHE remains the only school in Colorado to adopt this beneficial program.
Project Cornerstone focuses on large concepts such as: Anti-bullying, inclusion, problem-solving, and anti-racism.
What makes Project Cornerstone unique is that it is led by a group of parent/guardian volunteers. Volunteers read a designated book and lead a conversation and group activity. Volunteers are trained, and follow the specific lesson plans for the age-group and classroom assigned.. Lessons are seven-times during the school year.
The 2024-2025 book list is:
ABC ELEMENTARY PROGRAM BOOK LIST for ASSET YEAR 2024-2025
Theme: Growing Upstanders
- Bucket Books by Carol McCloud
a. Have You Filled a Bucket Today? (Grades K-2)
b.Buckets, Dippers, and Lids (Grades 3-4)
c. Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness (Grades 5-6)
- Simon’s Hook by Karen Gedig Burnett
- Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill
- One by Kathryn Otoshi
- More Than Peach by Bellen Woodard
- The Empty Pot by Demi
- Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds
Image Description:
A large colorful sun made with different student-drawn triangular rays. In the center of the sun, it says: Shine Your Light on Invisibility… Show each other EMPATHY!
Each SHE student wrote/drew a personal statement about how it feels to be invisible, and what actions can be taken to show empathy to others who might feel lonely (invisible).
For more information about the program at SHE, please contact Principal Stacey Roberson.
The follow is shared from the Project Cornerstone website:
ASSET BUILDING FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
Asset Building Champions (ABC) are parent/caring adult engagement programs designed to foster Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in elementary school students. ABC offers two distinct programs: one for transitional kindergarteners/kindergarteners* (TK/K) and another for older elementary students.
ABC PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Each month, trained volunteers utilize the Developmental Assets framework to promote positive youth development. They engage students by reading specially selected children’s book and lead related activities and discussions in classrooms. The goals of the ABC program include:
- Establishing Common Language: Promote a shared vocabulary around respect and behavior expectations among student, parents, caregivers, teachers and staff.
- Bullying Prevention and Intervention: Equip students with the skills to identify various forms of bullying (physical, verbal, relational and digital) and empower them to become UPstanders.
- Developing SEL skills: Focus on essential SEL competencies such as self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision-marking, social awareness, and relationship skills.
- Increasing Adult Support: Ensure every student has access to caring adults on campus, providing a reliable source of support for any problems they may encounter.
- Enhancing School Climate: Foster a positive environment where every student feels valued and supported to achieve their full potential.
(Source: Website Project Cornerstone ABC Program)