By Qingxuan Bao
East Meadow parents, educators and administrators are pushing to expand initiatives like Unity Day and P.S. I Love You Day to promote inclusivity and social-emotional learning in schools.
At a recent East Meadow Board of Education meeting, school counselors and Parent Teacher Association representatives emphasized integrating these programs into the curriculum rather than treating them as one-time events.
“In the spirit of kindness and creativity, each year we come together to celebrate and express the importance of” inclusion, said Tracy Rudd, an East Meadow PTA representative.
The PTA’s role in growth
The PTA plays a pivotal role in organizing and funding social-emotional learning initiatives, which are designed to foster kindness, mental health and inclusivity. The board meeting discussion highlighted a proposal to secure additional funding for resources, including mental health workshops, peer mentoring programs and literature focused on social-emotional learning.
Gerilyn Smith, the district’s guidance director, said the growing emphasis on social-emotional learning aligns with the school’s broader commitment to student well-being, adding that integrating these values throughout the school year helps students navigate both social and academic challenges.
“The mission of East Meadow School Counseling Department is to provide support, information and resources through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program that meets the social-emotional and academic needs of all students,” Smith said. The objective, she noted, is “to empower students to become productive, successful citizens and lifelong learners in a diverse and changing world.”
Budget challenges ahead
Despite the programs’ overall support, funding challenges remain a key issue. Jennifer Frisenda, assistant business administrator for the East Meadow School District, said that while the school is committed to prioritizing social-emotional learning, budget constraints could limit expansion.
Frisenda emphasized the need for strategic fund allocation, saying that while the initiatives are valuable, the district must balance resources across academic and extracurricular programs.
Ellen Miller, a former East Meadow teacher and parent, reflected on her time in the district and praised its lasting impact on students. “I taught in East Meadow for 30 years. My children went to school here. It was a wonderful experience,” Miller said.
Proposals for social-emotional learning programs were introduced during the Feb. 5 Board of Education meeting. First, board members discussed incorporating social-emotional learning into the curriculum to provide students with a clear understanding of social-emotional intelligence and mental well-being.
Second, they proposed creating student leadership roles to promote inclusion, with selected students serving as peer ambassadors for social-emotional learning.
Third, the board is considering partnering with local mental health professionals to offer free or low-cost workshops for students, parents and faculty. These sessions would cover key topics such as stress management, resilience-building and fostering positive peer relationships.
“Our collaborative efforts [benefit] students, parents, teachers, administrators and the overall community [by creating] an environment resulting in a positive impact on student achievement,” Smith said.
