WPS Student Support & Social Emotional Learning

Student Support & Social Emotional Learning

Erin Kuehn, Director of Student Support and Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

District-level 504 Coordinator
ekuehn@winchesterps.org

(781) 721-7020 x1001

Overview

Student support and social emotional skill development are important to supporting students’ success. They enhance our students’ ability to thrive socially, emotionally and academically. Through collaboration with educators, families, students and the larger community, we aim to meet students’ needs. We work together to create school communities that support student wellness and achievement through connection and belonging, while teaching skills that allow them to make healthy, balanced life choices.

 

Student Support

 

  • WPS offers counseling in all of our schools. Our counselors support students socially, emotionally and academically through connection and skill building. They work with students in large groups/classrooms, small groups and individually when indicated, and support families through information and resource sharing. Our counseling team includes school counselors, school social workers/school adjustment counselors and SEL coaches.

  • The Excel Program is a regular education program designed for students in grades 9 - 12 who are experiencing difficulty reaching their academic goals. Students in the program characteristically present with social or emotional challenges that have begun to impede their success in school. Contact:

    The Transition Program is designed to support students in grades 9 - 12 who have experienced prolonged absences or hospitalization due to medical or emotional illnesses. The program aims to provide a supportive and smooth transition back into the school setting through collaborative short-term services.

    For more information about these programs call or email Kristen Woollam, Adjustment Counselor, 781-721-7020 ext. 4177 kwoollam@winchesterps.org  or John Fleming, Academic Coordinator, ext. 4166 jfleming@winchesterps.org

  • Section 504 is a federal non-discrimination statute that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. It is the responsibility of the Winchester Public Schools to identify any child who is a resident of Winchester, who may have a disability, regardless of the severity of the disability.  It is also the responsibility of the Winchester Public Schools to evaluate those students to determine if they are eligible for special education or related services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or 603 CMR 28 (Massachusetts Special Education Regulations), or who may be eligible under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

    Please reach out to your child’s principal or school counselor for information about referring your child for a 504 evaluation.

  • The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures homeless children and youth have access to a free, appropriate public education, including immediate enrollment and transportation to their school of origin, even if they lack required documents. Its purpose is to ensure that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as other children and youth. 

    School districts are required to identify and enroll homeless students, provide them with necessary services, and remove barriers to their education. If you have any concerns regarding any child who may be considered homeless pursuant to the McKinney-Vento Act, please contact Erin Kuehn, ekuehn@winchesterps.org, Director of Student Support and Social Emotional Learning.

  • The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Title I, Part A ensures the educational stability of students in foster care and their equal access to the same free and appropriate public education through high school graduation as provided to other children and youth. Essential to implementation of these provisions is collaboration between the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), school districts, and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF).

    Please contact Erin Kuehn, ekuehn@winchesterps.org, Director of Student Support and Social Emotional Learning.

 
 

Social Emotional Learning

Social emotional learning is the process by which children and adults develop social and emotional skills. The five overarching standards include:

  • Self-awareness

  • Self-management

  • Social awareness 

  • Relationship skills 

  • Responsible decision making

We use a systemic approach to social emotional skill development through the integration of instructional practices into all content areas and school spaces. Some of these practices include cooperative learning, group discussions, self-assessment and self-reflection and social emotional competency building through modeling and reinforcing skills. This approach allows for the explicit teaching and practicing of these skills throughout the school day, and provides an opportunity for students to receive feedback.

The research shows  benefits of social and emotional skill development include:

  • Improved academic achievement and “school functioning.”

  • Contributes to healthy well-being and safe schools.

  • Promotes future readiness 

Counselors & Social Emotional Learning Coaches