Mascot time is a powerful strategy that can set the tone for campus culture and positive student outcomes. Forms of Mascot Time are found embedded in many evidence-based approaches such as Restorative Practices (RP) as “community circles”, Harmony SEL as “meet-ups”, Conscious Discipline as “brain smart start”, and in many other master classrooms across the globe as “morning” or “classroom” meetings. 

There are various models of implementation, but each campus offers Mascot Time based on the schedule they have set. Through collaboration across multiple departments including SEAD & RP, School Counseling, and Career & Technology Education vertically aligned lessons and resources have been compiled in the Mascot Time Handbook.

Rhithm is a daily check-in tool (available in English and Spanish) that offers individualized, responsive activities in less than 5 minutes a day.

Rhithm offers a wide range of activities including calming, visualization, mindfulness, and energizing activities.

Click here to learn more about Rhithm

SAISD Staff Resources

SAISD recognizes that traumatic experiences come in many forms, ranging from one-time events to experiences that are chronic or even generational. 

The SEAD Department launched the 2021-2022 school year with a district wide Trauma-Sensitive training for PK-6th educators and Youth Mental Health First Aid for all 6th-12th grade educators.

Furthermore, we acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic, the struggle against systemic racism and uncertainty across our world leaves our students and staff with many questions. 

Resources: Traumatic Events & Tragedies

Framework for Responding to Traumatic Events & Tragedies

Trauma Awareness: Student Reactions & How Adults Can Help

Traumatic Events & Tragedies Discussion Guide

Since 2019 the SEAD Department has partnered with Panorama Ed to survey students in grades 3-12 across the district. We use the SEAD Student Survey to learn more about school environment and students' perceptions of their social, emotional, and academic development. 

The Playbook takes our SAISD SEAD Competencies and pairs them with examples of what the integration of those competencies may look like in practice. The Playbook is not intended to be prescriptive, but instead we hope that educators are reinforced in their daily practices and inspired by the ideas on how the SEAD Competencies can be incorporated into different parts of the day.

SEAD C&I Playbook V1

Peace Areas are a safe, supportive place within the classroom where students can tune into their needs and self-regulate.

Virtual Peace Areas for Students and Families

SAISD Staff Resources for Classroom Peace Areas