Sinsheimer Elementary Earns Gold for Schoolwide SEL Practices

Sinsheimer Elementary kicked off the school year on a high note, celebrating a major achievement: receiving Gold recognition from The Social Emotional Learning Alliance of California (SEL4CA). Specifically honored for the area of Schoolwide Practices, this award highlights Sinsheimer’s success in weaving Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into every fact of campus life – from the front office to the playground, and every classroom in between. It’s clear these Stingers have plenty to buzz about!

A Foundation of Voice and Leadership

The Gold recognition reflects a culture where everyone has a seat at the table. At Sinsheimer, students aren’t just following rules – they are helping lead the school. Through the Student Senate, Student Council, and regular class meetings, students provide vital feedback on programs and activities.

This culture of leadership roles and student-led shout-outs allows students to practice the very skills they will need for a lifetime of success: agency, empathy, and communication.

The Science of “SOARing”

This year, Sinsheimer is building on its award-winning foundation by introducing Brain States instruction, from Conscious Discipline’s Brain State Model. By teaching students the biological why behind their emotions, the school has tied brain science directly to its SOAR Commitments: Safety, Ownership, Achievement, Respect

Students are learning to identify which state their brain is in, and what they need to get back to a place of growth.

• The Learning Brain: This state requires focus and curiosity, and is where Achievement happens. When students are in their learning brain, they are cognitively ready to take Ownership of new challenges.
• The Feeling Brain: This state craves safety, belonging, and connection. A student in their feeling brain might need calm, kind words, a check-in with a trusted adult, or two positive choices to help them remain Respectful.
• The Survival Brain: This state is focused entirely on Safety. When a student is here, the priority is providing the space or deep breathing needed to feel secure again before any learning can happen.

Proactive Support and Restorative Growth

This understanding of brain science informs how the school handles challenges. Sinsheimer’s Gold approach to discipline focuses on teaching rather than punishing. Using a clear discipline flowchart and restorative questions, behavior errors are handled as learning moments. Practices like “buddy classes” and “wish my teacher knew…” activities ensure students can take the breaks they need without stigma.

The results of this proactive approach are clear: referrals are down nearly 50% this school year compared to the last. Furthermore, the school uses data from SEL screeners to act quickly. When a student needs extra social or emotional support, the Tier 1 team is ready to step in with a collaborative plan.

A Welcoming Community

The recognition from SEL4CA also points to the thriving relationships between staff and families. Parent surveys reflect a campus where families feel genuinely welcome and integrated into the school community. Simultaneously, staff feel deeply appreciated through intentional collaboration and a dedicated peer-appreciation system.

With a heart for SEL and a head for brain science, Sinsheimer Elementary is showing us exactly what it means to SOAR.