Our social-emotional learning approach is grounded in the Responsive Classroom model, which empowers students to build positive relationships, develop emotional intelligence, and take responsibility for their actions. This evidence-based approach allows us to scaffold social-emotional learning across grade levels, ensuring that students build confidence and strong interpersonal skills as they grow.

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Through morning meetings, community circles, and intentional teaching of core values, our students learn how to work collaboratively, manage emotions, and make responsible decisions. By creating an inclusive and respectful community, we empower our students to feel safe, supported, and motivated to excel both socially and academically.

One of the exciting initiatives at Kids Connection Elementary is our Family Program (Buddies), which builds leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. In this program, older students in the upper grades (4th and 5th) serve as mentors to younger elementary students, fostering connections and creating meaningful relationships. 

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Our older students don’t just mentor within the elementary grades—they also serve as Big Buddies to our youngest preschoolers (2’s and 3’s). This partnership creates a special connection between our preschool and elementary communities, fostering leadership, compassion, and friendship.

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Additionally, our Kindergarten students serve as Big Buddies to our Pre-K and Transitional Kindergarten students, helping to ease the transition from preschool to elementary. This mentorship allows our youngest elementary students to experience what it means to be a leader while still being mentored themselves, creating a nurturing, supportive environment where they can grow and thrive.

We also build a sense of community and connection each morning with our Morning Gathering on the play yard. This daily tradition begins with morning announcements, led by our 5th Grade Ambassadors, who also lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Each day features a different themed activity that sets a positive and energetic tone for the day ahead.

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By connecting our students through multi-age relationships and starting each day with community-building activities, we create a strong sense of belonging and connection that supports leadership development and builds confidence at every level.

From the classroom to the playground and beyond, character development is central to the Kids Connection experience. We continuously reinforce and reward positive behavior, teaching students to do the right thing even when no one is watching. Through regular assemblies and school-wide initiatives, we celebrate the virtues of responsibility, respect, honesty, and integrity.

Our commitment to giving back is also reflected in our community service initiatives, such as our partnership with Samaritan House as a Wee Care School. By participating in meaningful projects throughout the year, students develop a genuine sense of empathy and learn the importance of helping others.

One of the most unique aspects of Kids Connection is our commitment to building leadership skills at a young age. In most school environments, it is typically the oldest students who get the opportunity to lead. At Kids Connection, our preschool through 5th-grade model ensures that leadership is cultivated from the start and continuously developed as students grow.

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By the time our students reach 4th and 5th grade, they have been practicing leadership and mentorship for years—whether it’s through the Family Program, acting as Big Buddies to our younger preschool and kindergarten students, or leading the Morning Gathering as 5th Grade Ambassadors. This structure gives even our youngest elementary students a chance to see what it means to be a leader, while the oldest students gain the invaluable experience of guiding and supporting others.

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When our 5th graders move on to middle school, they are not only academically prepared but also confident, experienced leaders who are ready to take on new challenges. They transition to their next schools not as followers, but as young people who have already learned how to lead with compassion, integrity, and responsibility.