FERNDALE, Mich. — University High School students spent the week of Oct. 19 focusing on who they are, how they treat one another and how they care for themselves during Best U Week, a schoolwide social-emotional learning week planned and led by staff.
Staff designed the week with a clear purpose. Teachers have often noticed an uptick in negative behavior trends in October, and Best U Week gives students time, early in the school year, to build the skills that help them treat themselves and others well. Teachers were prepared in advance, and the school followed an adjusted bell schedule that included a 45-minute third-hour block.
“October can be a hard stretch for teenagers, and we wanted to meet that moment with intention,” said Julie Patterson, principal of University High School. “Best U Week gave our students space to slow down, reflect on who they are and practice the kindness, empathy and respect that make our school a place where everyone belongs. I’m grateful to our teachers for the care they put into making it meaningful.”
Each grade level followed its own five-day plan, with lessons that build on one another as students move through high school:
Ninth grade: Students created identity charts, explored the difference between empathy and sympathy, examined why language matters and the difference between intent and impact, and discussed prosocial behavior, including kindness on social media.
10th grade: Students examined healthy and unhealthy social media use, learned five steps to empathy, practiced the R.A.I.N. mindfulness technique to manage difficult emotions, and explored how miscommunication happens in person and over text.
11th grade: Students reflected on how identity changes over time, studied intent versus impact, role-played respectful disagreement and conflict resolution, and discussed what it means to give themselves and others grace.
12th grade: Seniors compared their present and future selves, built vision boards around a growth mindset, explored the difference between guilt and shame, discussed healthy relationships, boundaries and consent, and created personal self-care plans for life after graduation.
Lessons were built to be student-centered, with time to think, talk, collaborate and reflect. Teachers had flexibility to adapt the materials to their own teaching style, including Design Thinking options and vertical whiteboarding activities drawn from Building Thinking Classrooms. Because some topics are personal, students were given time to think and write and could choose how much to share. Teachers recognized thoughtful participation with U-Bucks, the school’s student recognition currency.
The week closed Oct. 23 with a focus on gratitude. Ninth- and 10th-graders wrote acts of kindness they have done or could do on strips of paper; 11th-graders wrote encouraging quotes and mantras for a “Take What You Need” display; and seniors designed “The Best U” posters to display around the school. Students also completed a survey to share feedback on the week.
About Ferndale Public Schools
Founded in 1887, Ferndale Public Schools serves approximately 3,100 students from the communities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and portions of Hazel Park. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through high school, offering rigorous academics, innovative learning opportunities, award-winning arts and athletics, career and technical education, and comprehensive social-emotional supports. Recognized for its commitment to equity, inclusion and student-centered learning, Ferndale Public Schools empowers every student to discover their potential, achieve academic success and become engaged members of their communities.
To learn more about Ferndale Public Schools, visit the website. To stay up to date on district news, events and announcements, visit the News page.