How NMSS teachers create the bonds that change lives.

What is SEL?

Social-emotional learning, often referred to as SEL, is a concept that has been spoken about for all time, and certainly since the earliest philosophers contemplated the question of what makes up a good life. Jennifer B. Rhodes, licensed psychologist, sums it up like this; “Social-emotional learning is a broad term referring to how students regulate their emotions, communicate with others, use compassion and empathy to understand the needs of other people, build relationships and make good decisions.”

NMSS Warrior Style SEL

At New Millennium Secondary School (NMSS), we start by connecting with our students as whole, complex humans who have individual needs and interests. We truly see each other and make time to connect. This way, we are able to teach the five key areas of focus that comprise the foundations of SEL; self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. We are all Warriors, and that means we are all integrally connected to and dedicated to bringing out the best in everyone, offering support when we stumble, and celebrating each other’s successes.

We know that there is more to a good life and a good education than the foundation of academic accomplishment. NMSS teachers and staff give our students the support, structures, and feedback that teaches them to know themselves deeper, put themselves out there, and navigate the world of complex decisions. By ensuring that social-emotional learning is woven into all we do, we are preparing students to become life-long learners and dynamic leaders in the competitive 21st century, and reminding them every day that they can also have fun in the pursuit of their dreams!

Our Culture of Connection

Everyone at NMSS brings their whole self to school and values the way we build community. There really is no healthy way to separate our emotional or social lives from all that we do, and in acknowledging this human need, we live by example, building the connections that lift and carry us through life.

We truly care about every person who walks through our doors! NMSS was founded with a deep culture of connection, weaving the care we feel for our students into every school system and structure. We show up not only when our students ask us to — we show up when we see the need or opportunity arise, and our deep relationships with our students gives us the day to day perspective to see when even the most subtle situation needs our attention.

More About SEL

The past two decades have brought the US school system greater awareness of the importance of caring for each other’s social and emotional wellbeing. This awareness is in our blood and one of the reasons we like to say that we bleed BLUE at our small, mighty, and exceptional school!

Want to learn more about SEL? In 1999, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) was founded to bring educators, psychologists, child well-being advocates and researchers together in order to create school and community curricula. There are some great resources on the web, including this article in Forbes about the importance of SEL in this climate of cultural unrest, injustice, and rising support for BLM.

We’re Here For You

Our teachers and staff are continually improving skills to stay relevant in all subjects and offer excellent courses at NMSS. Data drives our instructional decisions and informs our NMSS teachers how to move forward to establish the best learning practices for each unique 9th – 12th grade learner. Enroll your student at New Millennium today to open new doors of connection and support!

If your student is falling through the cracks at a traditional big high school, please give us a call at 310-999-6162. We are here for you.

ABOUT NMSS

The New Millennium Secondary School (NMSS) is a charter high school in Gardena, CA committed to preparing students to become life-long learners and dynamic leaders in the competitive 21st century. NMSS was created to address the rising global competitive environment for talent. Our students enjoy a small school education with big school sports and accredited community college classes. Enroll your student today!