It was a crisp November morning in 2009, and I was in a meeting with one of our teachers at Marysville School. The day had started like any other, but everything changed in an instant when the fire alarm suddenly pierced through our conversation. As the principal, I knew the schedule of our drills, and this wasn't one of them. Confusion quickly turned to dread as the smell of smoke reached my office.
When I stepped into the hallway, I was met with a scene of chaos. Thick, dark smoke billowed through the corridors, and the sound of panicked voices filled the air. My heart pounded as I realized the gravity of the situation. This was not a drill; our school was on fire. At that moment, every instinct in me wanted to protect the students and staff who looked to me for guidance.
As we evacuated the building, the fear and uncertainty were overwhelming. But amid the devastation, something remarkable began to take shape. What emerged from those ashes was not just a rebuilt school but a transformed community—a community bound together by resilience, hope, and the principles of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
In the days following the fire, our school community rallied like never before. We were not just rebuilding walls; we were rebuilding spirits. SEL became the cornerstone of our recovery, helping us navigate the emotional trauma that had shaken us to our core. I saw firsthand how SEL could guide us through the most challenging of circumstances, transforming fear into strength and chaos into connection.
The Widespread Impact of Trauma on Academic Achievement
Trauma has a profound impact on students' ability to learn. After the fire, many of our students struggled to focus in class. They were anxious, fearful, and disconnected from the learning process. Trauma can do that—it can rob children of their ability to concentrate, process information, and retain knowledge. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network reports that children exposed to trauma are more likely to experience difficulties with learning and behavior, leading to lower academic achievement and higher dropout rates.
I witnessed this firsthand at Marysville. The fire had not just destroyed our building; it had shaken our students' sense of safety and stability. Their brains were in survival mode, making it nearly impossible for them to engage in their education.
SEL as a Lifeline: Helping Students Overcome Trauma Barriers
In the aftermath of the fire, I knew that rebuilding our school would require more than just physical reconstruction. We needed to address the emotional wounds that the fire had left behind. That's where SEL came in. By focusing on building emotional intelligence, resilience, and strong interpersonal relationships, SEL provided our students with the tools they needed to heal and thrive.
We didn't just rebuild our school; we reimagined what it could be. Through mindfulness practices, explicit SEL lessons, and the creation of safe, supportive environments, we gave our students the space and skills to process their trauma. One of the key components of SEL is helping students develop self-awareness and emotional regulation. For our students at Marysville, learning to identify and understand their emotions was the first step toward healing.
I remember watching as teachers led students in daily mindfulness exercises, teaching them how to pause, reflect, and choose their responses rather than react impulsively. These weren't just lessons—they were lifelines. Our students learned to navigate their emotions, manage stress, and find healthy coping mechanisms. And as they grew stronger emotionally, their academic performance began to improve as well.
Building a Supportive School Environment Through SEL
Community and connection are at the heart of SEL. After the fire, it became more important than ever to foster a sense of belonging and safety among our students, teachers, and staff. We knew that if our students were going to recover, they needed to feel supported and understood.
Our staff worked tirelessly to maintain a strong community spirit. We created "peace corners" in classrooms where students could retreat to calm down and reflect. We made time for daily mindfulness breathing exercises that helped everyone—students and teachers alike—find a moment of calm in the midst of the storm. Right along with math and reading, we taught explicit SEL lessons, and then provided real time opportunities to practice the newly learned skill.
The result was a school where kindness, empathy, and resilience were not just taught but lived every day. This culture of care helped our students overcome their trauma, leading to improved academic performance and a more harmonious school environment.
And the shift wasn’t just for students. The positive climate created through SEL provided working conditions where staff could touch a sense of connection and community. School became a place that centered both students AND adults. Educator burnout was soon replaced with a more mindful and balanced teaching experience.
The Long-Term Benefits of SEL on Academic Achievement
The connection between SEL and academic achievement is undeniable. Research indicates that students who take part in SEL programs experience significant improvements in their academic performance, behavior, and emotional well-being. According to a meta-analysis of 213 studies, students participating in SEL programs demonstrated an 11% increase in academic achievement compared to their peers who did not take part in SEL.
At Marysville, we saw these benefits come to life. Our office referrals dropped by nearly 75%, suspensions were cut in half, and we became the highest-performing Title I school in our district.
But beyond the numbers, the true success of our SEL journey was evident in the resilience and strength of our students. They had faced a devastating trauma, yet they emerged stronger, more connected, and more capable of achieving their full potential.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
The story of Marysville is a testament to the power of SEL in transforming lives. It's a reminder that education is about more than just academics—it's about nurturing the whole child. In a world where trauma and stress are all too common, SEL provides a path forward, helping students overcome their challenges and succeed in school and beyond.
As educators, parents, and community members, it's our responsibility to ensure that every child has access to the emotional support they need to thrive. By integrating SEL into our schools and communities, we can create environments where all kids can rise from the ashes of their experiences, stronger and more resilient than before.
This story of the fire was the actual impetus for me writing my new book, “Unlocking SEL.” In the book, I expand on the crisis and discuss how the fire actually created the space, will and resources to reimagine what was possible for us as a school.
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