We pair our standards-based academics program with social and emotional learning (SEL) activities that help scholars learn concepts and build skills so they can thrive inside and outside of school.
Milwaukee Public Schools uses the Second Step SEL curriculum for students from K4 through eighth grade. Browning School scholars participate in weekly lessons that involve videos, activities, instruction, and practice of social and emotional skills like:
- Building healthy relationships
- Decision-making
- Goal-setting
- Identifying and managing emotions
- Resolving conflict
- Problem-solving
Our families have access to Second Step curriculum and other resources that support healthy social and emotional development.
Green and Healthy School
STEM lessons and activities in our gardens and greenhouse show scholars how to care for our environment. Social and emotional lessons show them how time in nature promotes calm and creativity.
Restorative Practices
Our community learns together through Milwaukee Public Schools Restorative Practices Program. Respectful, problem-solving communication techniques are taught in school. Parents and community partners learn and use these practices in school meetings and events.
Sensory/Regulation Room
When scholars experience heightened emotions, they have access to a sensory/regulation room. Staff guide scholars through identifying and rating their emotions, practicing emotion regulation techniques, and evaluating their feelings after using strategies like deep breathing or counting. Scholars then return to the classroom.
Mental Wellness and Mental Health Support
The Browning School student support team includes a psychologist, social worker, counselor, and trauma support specialist.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
Schools across the district and the country use the PBIS framework to identify, communicate, and reward behaviors that contribute to a safe and welcoming school culture. Our staff and students work together to promote PBIS expectations at Browning School:
- Be safe.
- Be responsible.
- Be respectful.
Ask your scholar about FLY. That’s PBIS speak for:
- Facing Forward
- Level Zero
- Keeping Hands and Feet to Yourself
Browning School PBIS Incentives
We review and revise PBIS best practices and focus areas every month based on academic, attendance, and behavior data.
- Monday mornings are for PBIS assemblies. Browning staff and students cheer for “student of the month/week.” We also celebrate and review progress toward our school attendance goals.
- Staff award blue tickets and Dojo points to students meeting or exceeding PBIS expectations. Blue tickets and Dojo points can be redeemed in our school store.
- Classrooms earn special events based on the number of “class gold” PBIS tickets earned.
Social and Emotional Learning Is for Everyone
Clear communication and shared values can bring people from diverse backgrounds together to set and achieve goals peacefully and respectfully. Please join us in this work. Caregivers and community members contribute to discussions and decision-making that puts our students first when they attend meetings of the Community School Leadership Team (CSLT) and Family Leadership Organization (FLO) at Browning School.
Using restorative practices in these meetings is changing how Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership members connect with their students, families, and the community. This leads to positive school culture, trust, and high-quality teaching.