June 21, 2025
News
Across Indiana, schools are increasingly implementing social-emotional and mental health initiatives to ensure students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn despite the lack of support from lawmakers. The Building Dreams program strengthens this effort by embedding behavioral health strategies—like SEL frameworks and wellness check‑ins—directly into school culture. The result? Students become more engaged, better supported emotionally, and more successful in the classroom and beyond. Check out the article below and let me know if you have any questions.
Marlin Jackson
Source: Chalkbeat Indiana – Repost Fight for Life Foundation 6/21/2025 –
Emojis are an important part of morning check-ins for students at some Marion County schools.
After they pick a smiling, neutral, or sad face, they also write a few words to explain their choice. If they skipped breakfast or didn’t get a good night’s sleep, that signals to school staff that they may need a snack or a talk with a trusted adult.
Students in a southern Indiana district learn that not getting basic needs met can cause someone to “flip their lid,” and lose control of their behavior. But they also learn how to reset from that state, and come back fresh the next day.
These are examples of social-emotional learning programs in Indiana schools. Educators say they provide a common language for students, teachers, administrators, and parents to understand a student’s well-being, and in turn improve academic performance, attendance, and school culture.
“You can’t teach a child anything if they don’t feel safe and cared for,” said Tricia Hudson, director of K-8 curriculum at North Lawrence Community Schools.