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Salisbury Elementary pilots Second Step SEL program after staff survey, grants fund licenses through 2030
Summary
Counselors presented a district pilot of the Second Step social-emotional learning curriculum for grades K—, supported by roughly $17,500 in Project AWARE and Highmark grants that cover digital licenses through 2030; board discussion focused on delivery, engagement and supports for students with special needs.
Cindy Hillbode, school counselor at Salisbury Elementary School, and kindergarten teacher Christina Attar told the board Feb. 18 that the district is piloting Second Step, a digital, evidence-based social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum for grades K—.
"This is an evidence-based digital tier 1 curriculum that aligns with our MTSS framework," Attar said, adding that lessons use interactive media and follow a common pacing schedule so "every student receives the same high-quality instruction." Hillbode said staff surveys (29 respondents) showed inconsistent delivery under the district's prior Leader in Me approach and that about 70% of teachers favored piloting a different, more structured curriculum.
The presenters described the program's scope—20 lessons across four developmental units (growth mindset and goal setting; emotion management; empathy and kindness; problem solving)—and daily classroom routines that reinforce lesson vocabulary. Hillbode and Attar said the district dedicates roughly 30 minutes per week to the lessons and pairs teacher-led instruction with counselor support to ensure shared ownership of delivery.
Board members asked how lessons are presented and how they work in special-education settings. "It's presented on the screen in each classroom," Hillbode said. "The lessons are scripted and include activities that pair students and make the concepts easy to follow." Attar added that staff in autism-support classrooms have access to the materials and may adapt pacing to meet students' needs.
Administrators told the board that Project AWARE and Highmark grants provided about $17,500, which paid for digital licenses through 2030 and supplemental classroom materials. Hillbode also demonstrated a classroom biofeedback toy used in calming corners—"Pepito," a small interactive "pet" that provides students breathing and heart-rate feedback and that teachers say helps students regulate.
The district said it will finish its pilot year of lessons this spring, continue to develop tier 2 and tier 3 supports for students who need additional help, and present a recommendation next year should the board consider districtwide adoption.
What happens next: the pilot will continue through the spring; administrators said they will bring a formal adoption request to the board next school year if the pilot outcomes and staff feedback support full implementation.
