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Wiss Well-being
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May 2024
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WSD Schools Implementing No Place for Hate
During the 2023-2024 school year, No Place for Hate’s implementation across schools started with staff awareness, the selection of No Place for Hate coordinators, and the introduction of No Place for Hate to students through instructional lessons focused on respect, empathy, kindness, acceptance, diversity, and inclusion.
Staff and students received invitations to serve as leaders in designing and cultivating meaningful opportunities and learning experiences centered on the district’s No Place for Hate efforts. Additionally, schools intentionally employed and continue to leverage existing student groups, literature, meetings, and assemblies focused on anti-bullying.
The construction of schoolwide plans and activities to foster a greater sense of belonging and understanding of differences across the school community will continue in the 2024-2025 school year; administrators, students, staff, and families will play a key role in actualizing the district’s No Place for Hate goals.
Spotlight:
Congratulations to Lower Gwynedd student Aaron O'Young who was a runner-up in the 2024 Anti-Defamation League and No Place for Hate® Essay Contest in the 5th/6th grade division. Aaron won a $50 gift card, a certificate, and a feature in the ADL’s No Place for Hate news release. Additionally, he and his family have been extended an invitation to participate in the ADL’s awards ceremony on June 5.
Belonging Climate Survey Highlights
An important goal of the Wissahickon School District is to create a culture of belonging for staff and students. In February, the 2024 Belonging Climate Survey administration took place for the purpose of assessing the degree to which staff and students perceive a sense of belonging. All responses are anonymous and cannot be linked to individual respondents. The questions and statements are the Psychological Sense of School Membership stems (Goodenow, 1993), which are based on a five-point Likert scale (5, high sense of belonging; 1, low sense of belonging).
During the April Board Racial Equity Oversight Committee meeting, the committee reviewed data results which demonstrated that students’ sense of belonging continues to trend in the positive direction toward growth across racial and ethnic groups. In total, 86% of students in grades 4 through 12 responded to the survey, which was a desired increase in student participation. The overall average PSSM score for students is 3.83 out of 5, indicating their sense of belonging in the district.
Along with the data results, the committee also had an opportunity to explore the Belongingness Indicator’s action plan, which highlighted the district’s commitment to ongoing efforts and next steps in cultivating a strong sense of belonging for all.
What is Restorative Practices?
Cultivating a Positive and Safe School Environment
Families, staff, and community members had the opportunity to learn more about the district’s implementation of Restorative Practices at a Community Conversation this April. The presentation and conversation was facilitated by Keziah LaTorre, Director of Equity and Cultural Responsiveness, and Mike Mandel, Restorative Practices Coach/Teacher. In the third year of employing Restorative Practices, the district is ensuring that professional and support staff across the district have been trained, and will continue to be trained, in Restorative Practices. The goals of Restorative Practices are intended to build community, maintain healthy relationships, provide ways to manage and/or constructively address conflict, and repair and restore relationships when harmed.
Restorative Practices offers schools an alternative to traditional disciplinary actions that center on punishment for breaking rules. These punishments disproportionately impact students of color, students in Special Education, and students from socio-economic low-income households.
In contrast, Restorative Practices focuses on teaching skills to resolve conflict, repair harm, change behavior, and heal relationships and community. They center on acknowledging harm done, ownership for making amends, and consequences for actions. Along with other district practices and approaches, Restorative Practices cultivates a positive and safe school climate and school community, reducing bullying and disciplinary incidents.
Students Shared Sleep Strategies: Poster Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the Wake Up and Learn (WUAL) Sleep Poster Contest - 9th graders, Cami Dugas and Abby Brocklesby, and Lekha Krishnamoorthy and Alexis Doll-Young, who won honorary mentions. The students researched barriers to achieving healthy sleep and strategies to overcome the barriers. In total, 80 high school students entered the contest and 21 middle school students.
The winning designs will be used by WUAL for bulletin board posters in their participating schools, including WMS and WHS. Other poster entries from WSD students will also be shared in upcoming issues of the Wiss Well-being newsletter and social media. Shoutout to all students who participated!
Wake Up (on the Right Side) Wiss Nation: An Interview with a Sleep Expert
Sophomore Petra Lee, Arts and Entertainment Editor for the WHS newspaper, Trojan Times, interviewed Dr. Anne Marie Morse from Wake Up and Learn about sleep hygiene.
Sleep Habit Survey Results
As part of our efforts to support student wellbeing, students in grades 7 to 12 took a sleep habit survey provided by Geisinger Health Wake Up and Learn (WUAL) this March. In total, 1,704 students completed both the Epworth Sleepiness Scale which includes eight questions focused on daytime sleepiness and the Childhood Sleep Habits Questionnaire which included 35 questions focused on a broader array of sleep issues. The survey will be administered annually each spring.
In total, 865 students or 51% had a high score on either ESS/CSHQ which indicates poor sleep hygiene or a possible underlying sleep disorder. These students will have the opportunity to complete a second, more in-depth survey called the Alliance Sleep Questionnaire. If a sleep problem is suspected based on the answers, WUAL will correspond directly with families to describe the potential problem and recommendations to consider for improving sleep.
Summer Camps and Tips for a Healthy and Productive Break
Benefits of Summer Reading
When it comes to summer, reading may not be the first thing—or even in the top 10 things—kids have in mind! But reading can be the ideal summer activity. It’s fun, portable, can involve the whole family, and will help your child academically and emotionally.
Visit the National Education Association's webpage: Get Serious About Summer Reading for ideas and resources to put good books into kids’ hands and connect them to vibrant summer learning adventures.
The Wissahickon Valley Public Library offers a number of great activities and events over the summer and throughout the year. Check their website for information
Summer Camps and Programs
Are you looking for a fun summer camp for your child? Check out our Community Events webpage by clicking the blue button below. We post flyers and information about camps, events and other community programs that may be beneficial for family members of all ages.
Summer Health Tips
- Move More, Sit Less: Get at least 150 minutes of aerobic physical activity every week.
- Use Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Use wide-brimmed hats, clothing that covers your body, and broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites and ticks. TIP: Apply sunscreen before insect repellent. After you come indoors, check your clothing, body, and pets for ticks. Reapply sunscreen after 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
- Keep Cool in Extreme Heat: Extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone, but it may be especially dangerous for people with chronic medical conditions.
- Eat More Fruits and Vegetables: Delicious fruits and veggies make any summer meal healthier.
- Choose Your Drinks Wisely: Drink water (fluoridated tap or unsweetened bottled or sparkling) instead of sugary drinks to reduce calories and stay safe. TIP: Add slices of fruit to water for a refreshing, low-calorie drink.
- Don't Use Tobacco: You can quit tobacco today! Find the free quitting support that’s right for you.
What a Treat! Special Food Service Events
The Food Services Department treated students to some special events over the past few months. For the Super Bowl, students enjoyed a Wing Bar. On Valentine's Day, WHS students enjoyed chocolate covered strawberries with their choice of toppings.The SGE cafeteria underwent a blockbuster transformation into a movie theater! Students indulged in delicious popcorn and celebrated Pizza Day. There were two Wellness Wednesdays to introduce students to new healthy foods. Black Bean and Corn Salsa was available for students to try at Shady Grove and a Chickpea, Tomato and Cucumber Salad was available for students at Stony Creek.
GIANT Grants More than $14,500 to Support WSD Food Services
Thanks to GIANT Feeding School Kids initiative, WSD is the recipient of a $14,677.42 donation to support the food service programs for our students. The Store Managers of GIANT presented the donation to our Food Services staff and students. During their visit, Chef Steve and Food Services Director Cindy Hill prepared a bowl of Pho for them - one of our students' favorite action stations.
The grant is supported by GIANT customers who can choose to round up their grocery purchase to the nearest dollar or convert their CHOICE points into a donation. GIANT matched the first $250,000 donated by customers. Thanks to GIANT for being such a GREAT community partner!
Wiss Well-being Resources at your Fingertips
As a reminder, the district is continually adding new well-being resources to our website to support our students and families. Well-being tips are also shared on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages every other Wednesday.
Mental Health and Social Emotional Support