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What is Friendzy?Friendzy is a social-emotional character development (SECD) program that has integrated approach that aligns with our Salesian and Christian values by incorporating biblical principles into each lesson. This faith-based approach supports our students in developing emotional and social skills while also growing in faith and character, which aligns perfectly with our mission as a Catholic school.
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Why Focus on Social-Emotional Character Development?
Research shows that early social-emotional and character development has lifelong benefits. These programs have been linked to a 20% increase in standardized test scores, a 34% boost in motivation toward schoolwork, and a 36% improvement in students’ self-control, according to teachers. Teaching these skills helps students thrive both academically and personally.
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Each Friendzy unit is built around five core competencies:
- Self-Awareness: Recognizing personal emotions, values, strengths, and limitations.
- Self-Management: Managing behaviors to achieve personal goals.
- Responsible Decision Making: Making constructive choices about personal and social behavior.
- Social Awareness: Demonstrating understanding and empathy for others.
- Relationship Skills: Building positive relationships, working in teams, and resolving conflicts effectively.
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Social Climate
Friendzy fosters a positive social climate school-wide. Every grade follows the same core curriculum, tailored to be age-appropriate. From 1st to 7th grade, students learn similar SECD concepts appropriate to their developmental level. These lessons create a respectful, caring, and supportive environment where all students can thrive socially and emotionally.
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Friendzy Check-In
As mentioned earlier, Self-Awareness is one of the five core competencies that Friendzy aims to develop. One of the key ways we promote self-awareness is through the Friendzy Check-In, a weekly (and sometimes daily) activity that helps students identify and express their emotions.
For students in grades 1st through 3rd, the Friendzy Check-in is done interactively with their teachers. This facilitates self-awareness and fosters the teacher-student relationship.
For students in grades 4th through 7th, the Friendzy Check-In is completed using a Google Form. Through this form, students have the opportunity to:- Identify their current emotions
- Communicate what they believe the school needs to know
- Share what they would like other students to know
- Request to speak with someone if something is bothering them or if they need support for someone else
The 4th - 7th Grade Friendzy Check-In serves multiple purposes, including:- Developing self-awareness: Helping students recognize and understand their feelings.
- Increasing accountability: Encouraging students to take responsibility for their role in the school environment.
- Giving students a voice: Allowing them to communicate their thoughts and concerns, ensuring that each student’s voice is heard and valued.
- Fostering a caring community: Reinforcing the idea that every student is part of a supportive and caring school environment.
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Monthly Focus
Friendzy contains eight units with each unit having its own focus, catchphrase and corresponding biblical references.
Other Friendzy Activities
Beyond lessons, Friendzy offers various activities to engage students in social and emotional skill-building. A popular monthly activity is a themed skit performed by administrators and faculty during school assemblies, typically on Tuesday or Thursday mornings. These skits align with the monthly theme and provide a fun, interactive way for students to see the principles in action.
Each module also includes group discussions, projects, reflection exercises, and games, which teachers can easily incorporate into classroom and community settings to reinforce learning.
Parent Communication
Please stay tuned for updates on each monthly Friendzy theme and additional ways to support your child’s social-emotional growth and character development.
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