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Committee hears first reading of expanded wellness policy adding mental health, digital wellness and SEL
Summary
At a first reading, the committee reviewed proposed revisions to Policy ADF that add sections on mental health, digital wellness and social-emotional learning and outline evaluation plans; the wellness committee will return with a second reading and further documentation.
The Westwood School Committee held a first reading of proposed revisions to Policy ADF, the districts wellness policy, which add three new sections on mental health, digital wellness and social-emotional learning.
Caitlin, who presented the changes on behalf of the wellness committee, said the current policy strongly covers nutrition and physical education but that the wellness committee recommended expanding the policy to address student mental health, digital well-being and social-emotional learning across grades PK22. Each proposed section outlines expected student learning, staff responsibilities and data the district will use to monitor progress. Caitlin said the district intends to use VOCAL survey results (administered with MCAS) and other school-climate instruments such as the MetroWest survey to inform evaluation.
Committee members asked for clearer visuals of track changes in the packet (so reviewers can easily see edits), discussed the federal requirement to evaluate wellness policies (WellSAT) and requested that the wellness committee share aggregated climate data at a future meeting. The policy remains at a first-reading stage; the committee will take up a second reading at the next meeting and may waive a third reading and vote then if members agree.
Separately on personnel, Tim announced that Laurie Cimino has agreed to remain as interim director of student services for another year to maintain continuity while the district reopens the permanent search.
