Social-Emotional Learning within SMMUSD will be a three-pronged approach

1. Provide students with learning environments and experiences that allow them to learn, use, and hone critical social and emotional skills so that they can actively and positively participate in their various communities.
   
   
2. Provide learning, tools, and practice for adults to build and hone their intrapersonal and interpersonal skills so that they may participate within the SMMUSD and larger communities in a positive and productive way.
   
   
3. Increase social and emotional capacity and build a strong community foundation so that all members within SMMUSD are able to contribute to positive social changes within and beyond SMMUSD. Improve & build intrapersonal and interpersonal skills of all members of SMMUSD so that all may participate in critical systems change work like racial justice, social justice, and diversity, equity, & inclusion, as it aligns with district goals.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
A cohort of SMMUSD folks co-created definitions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to fit the needs and environment of our school district. The definitions are as follows:

Diversity - When people from various social identities unite around a common goal acknowledging and valuing individual perspectives, ideas, core beliefs, and lived experiences. 

Equity - When there is an equal opportunity for success by removing real or perceived barriers. Opportunities and supports are leveraged to address gaps that are a result of systemic inequalities. 

Inclusion - When there are purposeful, brave, authentic, and empowering opportunities for marginalized groups that creates and fosters a safe space and a true sense of belonging. 

Racial justice is the systematic fair treatment of people of all races, resulting in equitable opportunities and outcomes for all. Racial justice – or racial equity – goes beyond “anti-racism.” It is not just the absence of discrimination and inequities, but also the presence of deliberate systems and supports to achieve and sustain racial equity through proactive and preventative measures. 

Social justice is equity as it manifests in society. That includes equity in healthcare, employment housing, and more. Social justice applies to all aspects of society, including race and gender, and it is closely tied to human rights. 
Social justice means that everyone’s human rights are respected and protected. Everyone has equal opportunities. This doesn’t guarantee that society will be perfect and everyone will always be happy. However, everyone will have a fighting chance at the life they want. They aren’t held back by things out of their control like systemic obstacles and discrimination.