Kids' Social/Emotional Development Aim Of New Southington Initiative

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A new initiative in local schools aims to improve pupils' social and emotional health while growing up.

The program is a collaborative effort of Southington’s Town-wide Effort to Promote Success (STEPS) Coalition, the Southington Education Foundation (SEF), and Southington Public Schools.

According to a release issued Wednesday, it has led to the implementation of an innovative program to enhance social and emotional learning (SEL) among Southington students, fueled by a $44,280 grant.

The program is called "Developing and Implementing the Asset Building Classroom Curriculum in Southington."

It was funded through a $44,280 grant from the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust at the Main Street Community Foundation.

"This three-year initiative aims to revise and enhance the SEL curriculum for students in kindergarten through grade 12," reads a release issued Wednesday.

It combines elements of a previously implemented program with Asset Building Classrooms from STEPS into a unified and comprehensive curriculum, according to the release.

“This curriculum represents a significant step forward in addressing the social and emotional needs of our students,” said Megan Albanese, Youth Prevention Coordinator, STEPS. “By integrating these elements, we’re creating a more cohesive and impactful approach to SEL.”

The program officially launched in September 2024 for grades K-5, with plans to expand to Southington middle schools and high schools in September 2025.

The phased rollout allows for tailored implementation and thorough evaluation of pupils at each educational level.

“This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in bringing meaningful change to our schools,” said Katie Wade, Co-Chair, SEF. “The funding from the Barnes Memorial Trust makes it possible to equip our educators with the tools they need to foster emotional intelligence and resilience in our students.”

By addressing social and emotional learning in a structured and research-backed way, the program seeks to create classrooms where students feel valued, supported, and ready to thrive academically and personally, reads the announcement.

Southington’s Town-wide Effort to Promote Success (STEPS) Coalition is dedicated to promoting healthy, positive development for Southington’s youth through prevention, education, and community engagement.

The Southington Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing educational opportunities for students in Southington Public Schools through innovative programs and initiatives.

The Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust at the Main Street Community Foundation supports initiatives that improve the health and well-being of Southington residents

For more information about the Developing and Implementing the Asset Building Classroom Curriculum in Southington, please contact Megan Albanese, STEPS Prevention Coordinator, at albanesem@southington.org and/or 860-276-6285.