First Lady Melania Trump paid a surprise visit to West Gate Elementary School on Thursday to learn more about the school’s Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies and how they are effectively using techniques to curb bullying and focus on the needs of the whole child.
“I received the phone call first thing this morning that she was coming by,” said West Gate Principal Dr. Patricia Ordóñez-Feliciano.
Superintendent Donald Fennoy joined the First Lady during her tour of the school and shared insight about our A-rated District.
Ordóñez-Feliciano said that while at the school Mrs. Trump visited four classrooms to observe the school’s morning meetings,
a way students and teachers to begin the day with positive interactions between teachers, students
and their peers.
Social-Emotional Learning is part of the School District’s focus on a positive and supportive school climate as outlined in the District’s Five-Year Strategic Plan.
Mrs. Trump took interest in the program, according to a press release from the White House, as part of her Be Best initiative which aims to eliminate bullying.
“I believe it is important for schools to focus on the overall well-being of our youngest citizens, which will help them develop in their earliest years so that they can reach their full potential as our next generation,” Mrs. Trump said.
“We have seen so many positive outcomes from the SEL program at West Gate,” said Dr. Ordóñez-Feliciano. “What a true honor to share our successes with the First Lady of the United States.”
For more information on Social Emotional Learning in Palm Beach Schools, and the program at West Gate Elementary School, watch this video: