For Jeron, 2nd Grade is about learning to add big numbers, read bigger words and manage overwhelming emotions.
If emotions are out of control, scholars have difficulty learning. For this reason, social/emotional growth goes hand-in-hand with academics at Ascension. Jeron is learning new ways to handle anger and conflict, and he is showing impressive improvement.
“When I’m mad, I can go to (Dean of Students) Mr. Wilder. He helps me with solving problems,” Jeron says. “Or I can tell a teacher.”
Amy Brown, Jeron’s teacher, works hard to build personal relationships with scholars, especially those who struggle
with social/emotional issues. “I truly believe that my scholars need to feel like I care about them before they’ll perform either academically or behaviorally for me as the teacher,” Ms. Brown said. “I give them positive love and attention to help them realize they are safe and don’t have to be on the defense all the time.”
Jeron appreciates the classroom “break corner” where he can snuggle with stuffed animals and calm himself. And he likes having Ms. Brown as his teacher: “She lets me take a break when I need it. She is nice — and she smells good!”