In the inaugural episode of Hearts and Minds: Supporting the Whole Child Through SEL at MUS, Superintendent Anthony Ranii welcomes school counselor Michelle Villegas to explore how social-emotional learning (SEL) supports the whole child at Montecito Union School. Together, they introduce the CASEL framework and its five core competencies; self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. They share how these skills are woven into daily life at MUS through practices like Mustang Meetings, Habits of Mind, and community-building activities. They also discuss how families can support SEL at home through conversations, shared reading, and everyday decision-making. The episode highlights how nurturing students’ emotional and social growth helps them thrive not only academically, but throu ...