Pictured above, Mr. Bellido, student life dean at SEED DC, showed our scholars how to make penne pasta with turkey sausage meatballs on Facebook live.
The sudden shift to full-time online learning has presented challenges to classrooms across the country. Many teachers—understandably so—are attempting to focus on instruction and how to minimize learning loss. At SEED, we know that the relationships, social interactions, and support networks our scholars build outside of the classroom are also key to their development.
To keep our scholars engaged during Spring Break, the staff at The SEED School of Washington, D.C. (SEED DC), launched a new program called NXTLevel Acceleration Academy. Through the NXTLevel Acceleration Academy, students attend sessions focused on wellness and self-care. The goal is to ensure our students leave with a clear understanding of how to incorporate healthy habits into their daily schedules.
“The NXTLevel Acceleration Academy, developed by Mr. Daniel Bellido, student life dean at SEED DC, was formed to offer our students social and emotional learning opportunities during distance learning programming,” said Ms. Randee Grant, student life morning manager at SEED DC.
“Mindfulness for a Sound Mind” was one of the classes offered. This class, which was led by Ms. Grant, taught students new breathing techniques and mindfulness strategies to remain calm and focused while learning from home. SEED DC Eats was another session where Mr. Bellido taught a healthy cooking class on Zoom and Facebook live. Scholars learned how to make penne pasta with turkey meatballs, turkey burgers, and more! Four additional staff members joined in on the fun and also shared their dinner recipes. Check it out!
At SEED DC, we have always put nurturing, caring, and outstanding educators at the center of our work. The NXTLevel Acceleration Academy was such a success that we are expanding the program to be offered for the remainder of the year. The Academy is just one way we continue to foster a love for learning through enrichment programs, social and emotional supports, and authentic experiences.
Visit SEED DC’s Facebook page to see more creative and engaging courses being offered.