District 25 selected for pilot collaboration with CEC to promote wellness and social-emotional learning

District 25 has been chosen to participate in a pilot collaboration to promote wellness and social-emotional learning across the district, Dr. Mike told the Community Education Council (CEC) at a special meeting.

Why it matters: The pilot is designed to be more than a single event. Organizers described it as a kickoff to develop routine, sustainable practices that promote physical, mental and emotional wellness for students and families in the district.

Dr. Mike, identified in the meeting as a district staff member leading the effort, said the work would begin by convening conversation with the CEC to identify goals aligned to district priorities and to select a focal area the community would like to develop. "We've been identified to kinda serve in this space of a pilot collaboration project, between district and CEC to really promote this idea of of community where we're working together towards a positive end," Dr. Mike said during the meeting.

Discussion points included using a wellness day as a kickoff, building ongoing programs that reinforce a culture of kindness and wellness, and involving families as well as students. Several members urged parent engagement: one member said workshops for parents would help transfer learning from school to home. The CEC's social worker and other staff were identified as available supports for planning.

Next steps: Members agreed to allocate time at the next business meeting to brainstorm specific activities and cadence for the pilot. The council noted that Dr. Mike will organize the meetings connected to the pilot (not the CEC), and agreed to return with concrete ideas for how the district and CEC can sustain the work beyond an initial event.

Ending: Members expressed broad support for pursuing the pilot and for planning a follow-up discussion at the next scheduled meeting to develop details and assign tasks.