Social-Emotional Connections

Supporting the Whole Child at Hillel Academy

At Hillel Academy, we are deeply committed to nurturing the “whole child” and working collaboratively with parents and guardians to ensure every student thrives. We understand that students’ social and emotional growth is just as important as their academic achievements.

Recognizing that one size does not fit all, we embrace the diversity of learning styles and needs within our student community. Our approach reflects this value, embedding it into every aspect of our students’ daily experiences. Through our commitment to social and emotional learning, we foster a supportive environment where students are recognized, appreciated, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Our goal is to meet each student’s unique learning needs, whether they require additional learning support, are exceeding grade level expectations, or benefit from emotional and behavioral guidance. Together, we work to create a strong foundation for lifelong success.

Our Approach

Meet the Support Team

Director of Student Support Services

Oversee, coordinate, and communicate with students, parents, educators, support staff, and outside providers to ensure individualized learning and emotional needs are met. Part of the student support services team that provides various learning, emotional, and behavioral support services to students.

Accommodation Plan Coordinator

Responsible for creating and managing individual Accommodation Plans and supporting educators in implementing reasonable modifications in the classrooms. Partner with parents in creating their child's plan following an assessment and documentation of needs by an outside provider. Provides learning specialist services to students who qualify.

ESE Specialist

Provides one-on-one and small group support in reading and math for students requiring additional assistance, as well as enrichment and challenges for students performing above grade level. This includes offering opportunities for deeper exploration and advanced study.

Reading Specialist

Enhances reading skills for PreK-2nd grade students through individualized and small group instruction.

School Counseling Services

Supports students' social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health well-being through individual and small group counseling. Partner with parents and educators (as needed) to support students’ individualized emotional and behavioral needs in the classroom.

Behavior Specialist

Collaborates with educators to create classroom behavior plans tailored to individual student needs.

For more information, contact the Director of Student Support Services, Lydia Abrams, at labrams@hillelacademytampa.com

Collaborative Partnerships

Parent and Educator Partnerships

Parents, teachers, and support teams collaborate to meet student needs in the classroom and set them up for success. An Accommodation Plan can be developed for students who qualify, based on assessments and documentation from an outside provider.

Community Providers

We collaborate with various community providers to help set up our students for success in the classroom. These can include (but are not limited to):

Physical, speech and occupational therapists
Mental health professionals
ABA service providers
Catapult Learning Services (Interventionists and Academic Counselors to provide learning and emotional support for students qualifying for Title I services)
Local Public Schools (assist families requesting psycho-educational testing, Individual Educational Plans, or in-school services such as speech therapy through public school systems.)

For more information, contact the Director of Student Support Services, Lydia Abrams, at labrams@hillelacademytampa.com

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

At Hillel Academy, we believe that social-emotional learning is as integral to education as academics. SEL is the process through which children and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve meaningful goals, show empathy for others, build and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

We emphasize creating environments where students take ownership of their learning by sharing their personal experiences and reflections. This approach fosters empathy, collaboration, and a deep sense of connection within our school community, preparing our students for success in all areas of life.

Social Emotional Learning at Hillel

At Hillel, we value the “whole child” and take pride in educating our students in areas related to Social Emotional Learning (SEL). We incorporate these essential skills in various ways throughout the school year. Some examples include, but are not limited to:

SEL and Jewish Values are integrated throughout teacher-led classroom instruction
The School Counselor and Dean of Students work in partnership with educators to provide lessons and discussions in areas surrounding SEL
Students engage in SEL-focused activities such as educator-led group discussions, hands-on arts and crafts, role play, journaling, self-reflection, and more
We welcome community professionals as guest speakers in areas related to mental health and social-emotional learning
Students not only incorporate their SEL learning while navigating real-life scenarios, but are also provided support by educators while they occur in the moment at school

Social-Emotional Connections

Supporting the Whole Child at Hillel Academy

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Our Approach

Meet the Support Team

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