Burrell School District officials are encouraging the public and area community groups to attend a free presentation Monday on social emotional learning from Scarlett Lewis, whose son was Jesse was one of 26 people killed at the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012.
Lewis’ presentation is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. in the Burrell High School auditorium in Lower Burrell.
Several hundred people are expected to attend with room for more, according to Marissa Ameris, social emotional learning specialist for the district.
Burrell is the first Pennsylvania public school district to incorporate Lewis’ “Choose Love” program as mandatory for all students, according to Ameris.
“This presentation is one of the most important things Burrell is doing in the community,” she said.
While Lewis gave a speech earlier this year to district educators, law enforcement and students, her address on Monday will be geared toward family and community members.
The Choose Love program is based on the power of children, and adults, to “learn to choose a loving thought over an angry one,” according to Lewis on her “Jesse Lewis Choose Love” website.
“When a child realizes that they have the power to positively impact themselves as well as those around them, it is empowering and perpetuates their positive actions and interactions,” she wrote.
