The most effective social and emotional learning requires a strategic, systematic approach that involves everyone, from district and school leaders to community partners to family members, working together to ensure students receive the support they need. Successful SEL is not a standalone program or add-on. It is central to how schools, communities, and families value and support the social, emotional, and academic development of their children.

-Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

BISD’s District Improvement Plan

Mission Statement: As a community, we collectively commit to honoring and nurturing the unique skills, talents, and passions of every student. We provide a welcoming and respectful environment where students flourish and forge a life-long love of learning through relevant, engaging learning experiences. We empower our students to find purpose and contribute to a more just and equitable world.

Health, Well-Being, and Safety Goal: Bainbridge Island School District will focus on and develop students' social and emotional skills to lead positive and healthy lives with strong connections, feelings of belonging, and a sense of hope throughout their time in the Bainbridge Island School District. 

WA SEL Standards

The Washington Social Emotional Learning (SEL) standards and benchmarks were adopted in January 2020. The standards and benchmarks were developed through the lens of four guiding principles: equity, cultural responsiveness, universal design, and trauma-informed practices.

SEL Curriculum:

Character Strong curriculum was adopted as BISD’s K-6 SEL curriculum during the 22-23 school year.

A committee was formed to review and pilot SEL curricula. The committee used WA SEL Standards, BISD’s District Improvement Plan, CASEL framework, and the Cultural Competency, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CCDEI) Standards for Educators to guide their adoption process. The committee also did extensive research on how the pilot curricula supported and valued neurodiverse learners, were trauma-informed and were evidence-based with research to highlight positive outcomes in schools.

Character Strong prioritizes the home and school partnerships. To learn more, please find the link to Family Strong.

• Purposeful People: K-5 Character Strong Curriculum
• Character Strong: 6th Grade Character Strong Curriculum

Resources:

• WA SEL Standard One-Pager (English)
• WA SEL Standard One-Pager (Spanish)
• OSPI- Social Emotional Learning
• Equity and SEL

Related Policies and Procedures:

• Policy 3112 Social Emotional Climate
• Procedure 3112P Social Emotional Climate

Annalisa Sanchez

Director of Student Services

206-780-1069

asanchez@bisd303.org