May is one of those months in schools that is so chock-full and busy that our schools feel a bit like they are careening through till the end the year. It is fun, with so many activities and celebrations - but it can also be stressful. It is also Faculty and Staff appreciation month. I want to take a moment to extend so much gratitude to our amazing faculty and staff. We are so grateful for all they do for our students and families every day. So if you have not already: please take a moment to thank our amazing school community members!

Not long ago I was reading an article about our energy during certain times of year, and I came across a quote that I really liked:

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive."

-Howard Thurman

I thought that was lovely for this time of year, because it reminds us that for many educators, working with our young people is exactly what makes us come alive - and it also reminds us that sometimes the way to manage a stressful time is to find all those other things that make us come alive.

There are many things to share this month - updates, celebrations and upcoming events. Happy Spring!

- Meagan Roy, Superintendent

A guest post from Kerra Holden, WCUUSD Special Services Director

What is SEL?

You have likely heard about schools’ emphasis on social and emotional learning (SEL) in recent years. In addition to traditional academics, research continually points to the importance of SEL for all students. We can all relate to this research, because we know that relationships and emotional wellness contribute to a fulfilling life just as much as traditional academics. WCUUSD centers SEL in our schools and continues to develop our SEL curriculum and practice across grade levels.

Social and emotional learning includes thinking about the ways we interact with others (social) and the ways we are able to identify and manage our own emotions (emotional). The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) offers excellent resources and information for those interested in learning more about SEL. CASEL defines SEL as “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.”

SEL at WCUUSD

WCUUSD recognizes that how students feel at school impacts their learning experience and academic performance. Therefore, relationships and positive school cultures serve as the foundation for our social and emotional learning. Frameworks such as restorative practices, positive behavioral interventions and supports, trauma-informed teaching and diversity, equity and inclusion support positive school experiences for all students. As is the case for academics, some students demonstrate a need for additional opportunities for social and emotional learning. Examples of additional supports include check-ins with a school counselor, sensory breaks with an occupational therapist and extra teaching in specific areas of SEL development such as taking turns or asking for help.

Supportive relationships and communication with the adults and caregivers important to each student are a cornerstone of SEL in schools. As social and emotional needs arise, parents and caregivers are crucial team members in identifying and addressing student needs. Other community organizations serve as important resources for students, as well. These include Washington County Mental Health Services and Green Mountain Behavioral Consultants, and individual mental health providers, who provide more specialized care for students with more significant social and emotional needs.

In the coming months, members of the WCUUSD community will continue to evaluate and strengthen social and emotional learning opportunities for students across our layers of support. This means we are thinking about our classroom level supports all the way through our more targeted supports for students with challenges in managing strong emotions. Be on the lookout for more information as we dive into continued SEL work at WCUUSD.

From Mark Kline, Director of Technology

We're excited to announce that the websites for our Washington Central Schools are getting a bit of a makeover. Starting in mid-May visitors to our sites will notice a new look that is cleaner and more modern. It'll also work a little better with small screens, such as those on phones.

We'll also be updating the URL for our site to one that better reflects our status as a district rather than a supervisory union. You'll be able to go to http://wcuusd.org to access the district site (although the old http://wcsu32.org will still get you there as well). From the district site you can then go to individual school web pages.

Or, you’ll be able to go directly to a school's home page with one of these URLs:

• U-32 MS/HS: u32.wcuusd.org
• Berlin: bes.wcuusd.org
• Calais: ces.wcuusd.org
• Doty: dms.wcuusd.org
• East Montpelier: emes.wcuusd.org
• Rumney: rms.wcuusd.org