Hearts and Minds: Behavioral Supports to Help Students Grow

In this episode of Hearts and Minds, Superintendent Anthony Ranii is joined by Dr. Nick Bruski and Rusty Ito to explore how thoughtful behavioral supports help students grow both socially and emotionally.

The conversation highlights practical, everyday strategies like “Try It Again” and “Take a Break,” which help students build self-awareness, develop positive habits, and reset when challenges arise whether on the playground or in the classroom. The team also explains how additional supports, such as office hours, coaching, and Student Conduct Notices, create a tiered system focused on guidance rather than punishment.

Grounded in Social Emotional Learning (SEL), this approach emphasizes empathy, reflection, and relationship-building, including the use of restorative justice to repair harm and strengthen community.

Listeners will gain insight into how MUS and families can work together to support children in making positive choices, building resilience, and developing lifelong skills for success.