Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Two students hugging At WSD, we know that high-quality Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programming leads to long-term improvements in students’ skills, attitudes, prosocial behavior and academic performance! That’s why SEL is incorporated into our professional development, teaching and learning and classroom/extra-curricular activities across the district.

Monthly SELebrations

Each month, our schools incorporate lessons and activities that support SEL skills (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making). Highlights of our monthly themes, listed below, are shared via our e-newsletters, this dedicated webpage, and social media.

September: Belongingness
October – Wiss Pride
November – Gratitude
December – Giving Back
January – Goal Setting
February – Relationships and Empathy
March – Self-Awareness
April – Wellness & Stress Management
May – Teamwork/Collaboration
June – Reflection

What is SEL?

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.

What are SEL Skills?

Self-awareness – recognizing one's emotions and values as well as one's strengths and challenges
Self-management – managing emotions and behaviors to achieve one's goals
Social awareness – showing understanding and empathy for others
Relationship skills – forming positive relationships, working in teams and dealing effectively with conflict
Making responsible decisions – making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior

Meet the SEL Steering Committee

Did you know there are staff representatives from every building who meet monthly to discuss social emotional learning events and activities and help develop resources to support its integration in classrooms across the district? Staff who serve on the committee include:

Member	Building	Role
Greg Beyerle	WHS	Teacher
Lynne Blair (Chair)	WHS	Principal
Mwenyewe Dawan	CO	Superintendent
Jaclyn Dietsch	WHS	Teacher
Amanda Doyle	Blue Bell	Teacher
Jason Faucon	CO	Director of Technology
Sean Gardiner	CO	Assistant Superintendent
Rachel Gottenberg	Stony Creek	Assistant Principal
Kelle Heim-McCloskey	CO	Director of Student Services
Jamie Kane	WHS	Teacher
James Kelly	Shady Grove	Principal
Danny Knol	WHS	Teacher
Patrick Lacon	WMS	Teacher
Keziah La Torre (Chair)	CO	Director of Equity & Cultural Responsiveness
Suzanne Laubscher	CO	Supervisor
Mike Mandel	Shady Grove	Teacher
Mariah Minges Klusman	WHS	Teacher
Kate Neft	Blue Bell	Teacher
Geoff Panettieri	WHS	Teacher
Danielle Pirolli	SG	Teacher
Kristen Rawlings	CO	Communications Coordinator
Briana Rollerson	Stony Creek	Teacher
Jen Schmidt	CO	Director of Teaching & Learning
Tim Stokes	WHS	Teacher
Beth Valerio	CO	Assistant to Business Administrator
Whit Yost	WMS	Teacher