Tampa Catholic High School

St. Peter School’s Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program develops students’ emotional intelligence alongside our rigorous academic offerings. By learning SEL concepts, students are better equipped to navigate their environment through improved cooperation, communication, goal setting, and decision making. SPS utilizes the Second Step SEL curriculum to accomplish this. Learn more.

What is SEL?

Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps improve kids’ academic performance, curtail bullying, reduce dropout rates, and build character.


Well-implemented SEL programs positively affect students’ success in school. Studies show that social-emotional skills—such as problem-solving, self-regulation, impulse control, and empathy—help improve academics, reduce negative social behaviors like bullying, and create positive classroom climates.


Social-emotional skills also help kids successfully manage everyday life. They help students focus, make good decisions, and become supportive members of their community well beyond school.

- Committee for Children

Documented Benefits

  • SEL supports mental wellness

    • Recognizing emotions
    • Coping with stress and worries
    • Building strong communities and support systems

  • SEL builds connections

    • Teamwork
    • Communication
    • Social skills

  • SEL gives students real-life skills

    • Practicing communication skills
    • Problem-solving
    • Recognizing emotions, calming strategies, and controlling impulses
    • Making choices while understanding outcomes and consequences
    • Getting along with others, working through differences, empathy, cooperation

  • SEL improves academic performance

    • Improves achievement by an average of 11 percentile points on standardized tests
    • Improves classroom behavior
    • Increases ability to manage stress
    • Instills better attitudes about themselves
    • Increases resilience in students 
- Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

Mental Health Blog

Summertime Support for Mental & Social Emotional Health

02 May, 2024
By Jessica Chamoun, Intervention Specialist  The end of the school year is just around the corner, and the countdown for the summer vacation has begun. While finding entertaining activities for kids is important, it's equally crucial that kids have access to relaxation and rest and take a much-needed break from the demands of the school year and technology. For some children, on the other hand, the summer break might be overwhelming due to the lack of structure and schedule. Here are some ways you can support your child’s mental health and social emotional skills over the summer: Stick to a routine. It can be helpful to maintain some structure throughout the summer days. Sticking to a routine can help kids feel more secure in general. To ensure that, try to establish regular bedtimes, mealtimes, and chore schedules. Limit electronic use. Excessive screen usage can have a negative impact on your child's emotions. It can cause stress and worry, or even disrupt sleep. Limit and restrict screen time to one hour a day and ensure that your child is using it responsibly. Spend time outdoors. Ensure that your child is getting less screen time and more time outside. Physical activity, exposure to nature, and engaging in hobbies and summer camp activities can improve your child’s emotional wellbeing and strengthen their social skills. Journaling. Have your child express gratitude, write stories, or even explore their emotions, through journaling. Journaling can provide children with the opportunity for expression and fosters emotional control and self-awareness, giving them the tools they need to successfully manage their emotions. Connect with friends and family. Set up play dates and meetups at homes or outdoors. Kids can reconnect with their friends and spend more time with their family throughout the summer. It's crucial that they maintain relationships with the people they care about, and the summer offers a wonderful opportunity to do so. Schedule emotional check- ins. Check in with your child daily and ask them to express their feelings and what events during the day contributed to their feelings. Click here for additional resources.
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