Hearts and Minds: An explanation of the heart of learning at Montecito Union School

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 ar...

In Episode 2, Anthony Ranii, Superintendent of Montecito Union School, is joined by Assistant Principal Rusty Ito to discuss how Habits of Mind support students’ social-emotional learning. They explore how these thinking habits are integrated into daily school life, the five core habits emphasized this year, and how families can reinforce these skills at home to help students grow as thoughtful le...

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, relati...