Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
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 |