SAU16 Community Invited To 'Choose Love'

EXETER, NH — School district officials invite the SAU16 community to a free presentation on how to choose love in any circumstance — and how to teach that concept to students in all grades. The talk will cover a comprehensive social-emotional learning curriculum for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The event will feature a discussion with Scarlett Lewis, the founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement.

"Social emotional learning is something we've been focusing on throughout the district, and Scarlett brings a unique perspective to this learning method," said SAU16 Superintendent David Ryan in a statement. "Scarlett's presentation is something that everyone, whether you're a parent, educator, first responder or community leader can benefit from."

Scarlett founded the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement in memory of her 6-year-old son Jesse, who was a victim in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Over the past five years, she has worked to spread the "choose love" message around the world.

The Choose Love Movement aims to teach students how to understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy and compassion to others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions, according to the movement's website.

The free presentation and talk is taking place Wednesday, May 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Exeter Area YMCA, located at 56 Linden St.