SELAS:
Social Emotional Learning for Academic Success

"Skills for Learning. Skills for Life."
District 181 is committed to developing students’ fundamental social and emotional skills because of their impact on learning and success in life. Research shows that intra-personal, interpersonal, and decision-making skills are key to children’s readiness to learn, persist, collaborate, and make good choices. The teaching of such skills is done most effectively in schools with a safe, caring environment and by classroom teachers and other staff with whom students have ongoing relationships. Social emotional learning (SEL) in District 181 is coordinated across the district and guided by the learning goals articulated in the Illinois Social and Emotional Learning Standards. The District’s Strategic Plan integrates academic and social-emotional growth in order to prepare students for the demands of the 21st century. SEL instruction, a continuum of services, a positive school climate, and school-wide activities are intended to provide all students with the learning and supports they need to learn and grow in school. Policy, research, and practice support this district’s ongoing attention to the whole child and commitment to involving families to consider the wide range of children’s strengths and needs.

ERIN’S LAW PRESENTATIONS
House Bill 6193, known as Erin’s Law, was passed in 2013. This law requires public schools to implement an age appropriate sexual abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for all students in grades pre-K-12. Mrs. Voss and Mrs. DiFranco, SocialWorkers, will be delivering classroom presentations the week of May 22nd using the “Think First and Stay Safe” program, which teaches students the importance of treating themselves and one another with kindness and respect. They learn how to set personal boundaries, recognize appropriate vs. inappropriate behaviors and make safe and healthy choices.
 
The program provides a balanced perspective, while keeping students engaged in learning vital safety strategies. Students are continually reassured that most people are good and kind and can be counted upon for help when the need arises. They learn to identify trusted adults in their lives and are encouraged to reach out to them when needed. Following the presentation from Mrs. Voss, your child will be sent home with a follow-up informational sheet.
 
Please contact Allison Voss, Lisa DiFranco or Eric Chisausky if you have questions.

MISSION

To provide the school community
with the foundation
for lifelong social and emotional learning
in a safe and caring environment. 
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VISION

To be a school district where children learn to:
  • Be self-aware and able to manage their emotions and behaviors
  • Have understanding and empathy for others and develop positive relationships
  • Make responsible decisions 
To be a school district where adults and children:
  • Have positive relationships that foster the greatest learning and rewarding experiences for all, during both formal instruction of SEL and informal teachable moments.

GOALS

SELAS will:
  • Support the leadership for SEL at each school.
  • Provide on-going training of staff
  • Communicate about SEL with staff and families
  • Educate parents about the value of SEL
  • Evaluate the district's progress in teaching SEL, according to the IL SEL Standards
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SPECIFIC PROJECTS FOR 2017-18

Specific Projects for 2017-18:
  • Administer the Comprehensive School Climate Inventory (CSCI) and utilize data from it and the Illinois Youth Survey (IYS)
  • Include SEL in the Curriculum Renewal process for ELA, Health, and Social Studies in order to integrate SEL where it is applicable
  • Continue regular communications about SEL via District eNews and website, school principals’ messages, and teachers’ newsletters, and Colleague Connections

Walker School's SELAS Program

Walker School is blessed to have two Social Workers, Allison Voss and Susan O'Mahoney. Together they help students and staff, as well as parents, with all SELAS based initiatives, among many other things. Allison is at Walker School on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Susan is at Walker on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Together, they provide our school with a well balanced level of support in many areas.

Below are some useful documents and ideas to incorporate at home to help your children grow and work through some difficult situations.
Allison and Lisa's Book Recommendations
8 Ways to Calm Down Anywhere
Top 10 Social & Emotional Core Competencies
Zones of Regulation
D181 SELAS Page