GRANT SPOTLIGHT: Social Emotional Learning at The Elementary Level

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Problem-solving. Empathy. Relationship skills. Emotional management. Social emotional learning (SEL) skills equip students of all ages with strategies and tools to help them regulate their emotions and responses. Numerous research studies have shown that SEL can have a positive impact on students’ academic performance. Additionally, it can help reduce misconduct in students.

Many students across the United States are finding themselves feeling anxious, depressed, sad or stressed. As a result, an increased focus on SEL tools and concepts, particularly at the elementary level, can help SDW students feel more at ease, learn coping skills they’ll use into the future, and reduce conflicts in the classroom.


In 2021, Prairie, Bethesda, Rose Glen and Summit View elementary schools received grants from the Waukesha Education Foundation to help enhance and increase SEL programs at their schools to positively impact and support students. “The use of social emotional books is helpful for teachers to use during classroom lessons as preventative strategies or in response to situations. Student services teams can also use them to facilitate small group lessons or individual lessons. These steps prevent office discipline referrals, increase student engagement, and increase social skills and self-regulation,” said Allyson Gonzalez of Bethesda.


We look forward to continue to see the positive impact these grant awards have on the overall well-being of our students.


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