COVID Trauma: New Rochelle Students Learning Emotional Well-Being

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A unique new program at Trinity Elementary in New Rochelle is teaching kids how to deal with the added stress of a global pandemic, all while still teaching the three Rs. It turns out the school’s youngest students are quick studies when it comes to emotional self-care.

A recent social emotional learning (SEL) session at the school was highlighted by the district administrators. Assistant Principal Bridget Merturi appeared in the classrooms via live video to lead the students through a series of breathing exercises, mantras, stretching and stress management techniques.

In the case of early morning “rainbow breaths,” students slowly raise their hands above their heads as they inhale and slowly lower their hands as they exhale. In addition to the breathing exercises (including the especially popular among second graders,“dragon breaths”), the morning routine also includes repeating affirmations such as, “I am strong” and “Mistakes help me grow.”

The so-called “SEL Project” was put in place by school administrators as a direct response to the added pressures put on the grade school students by the more than year-long pandemic. The morning meditations are only one part of the overall student emotional wellbeing initiative. Other classroom opportunities throughout the day dedicated to stress-busting, include time for mindfulness, restorative circles and district-wide “ReThink” lessons that give both students and teachers tools to help identify their feelings and to manage emotions productively.

“As educators, we have engaged in professional development focused on ‘trauma informed’ instruction,” Trinity Elementary Principal Michael Hilderbrand explained in a statement about the one-of-a-kind project. “As a community, we have all endured some form of trauma. Now, perhaps more than ever before, we must address our scholars’ social-emotional needs.”

The well-received program has netted a few unexpected results as the children share the lessons they learned at school when they get home. In a few cases, parents have learned some valuable coping skills in the process.

“My Francesca has taught me some breathing,” parent Susana Howe offered as a testimonial. “It’s so great.”