SEL in Action

Find out how Galesburg District #205 is putting SEL into Action by reading more below!

SEL in the Classroom

SEL is the process by which children and adults acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to manage emotions, care for others, and make responsible decisions.  The Illinois Social and Emotional Learning Standards were adopted in 2003.  Quality SEL instruction in which children learn to process, integrate, and apply SEL skills can lead to many positive outcomes including a reduction in mental health symptoms and school truancy, to name a few.  

Starting this year, our educators will be able to use creativity in regards to integrating SEL in their classroom or other workspace.  A catalog of resources to support them in this endeavor will be shared with them soon. Additionally, District #205 educators will have access to Intervention lessons through Navigate360. 

In the Spring of 2022, each Principal and other key staff participated in the ROE-initiated Area 3 SEL Hub. In addition, last year, each building had a dedicated “SEL Team'' to plan for and execute all things SEL. To further build upon this, this year the SEL Hub will work collaboratively with each principal to develop a systematic plan for SEL implementation that is tailored to his/her building specifically.  Coaching and professional development will be available, as needed.  Jessica Donaldson, Behavioral Health Consultant for ROE #33 will offer these individualized services to District #205 staff. 

Board Reports

Each month, a Student & Staff Supports board report is shared out, and it includes a section on the latest news regarding SEL in #205. Click on any of the links to find out more!

Keisha Cares

Where It Began

In March of 2020, our communities and thus our schools were significantly impacted and disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SEL on Wheels was created at that time to serve students who were disengaged during remote learning. SEL on Wheels (which later became Keisha Cares) is a structured program that provides outreach and support to students during after-school hours. Through this program, we assist students with a myriad of needs, including food insecurity, academic concerns, resource linkage, and social and emotional assistance. Since its inception in 2020, this program has served over 1,500 students! The program is a vital aspect of our district's comprehensive social and emotional learning (SEL) program. It is also a partnership with ROE #33's 21st Century Streaks After Hours Program site at Galesburg Junior Senior High School.

Becoming Keisha Cares

Keisha Harris began serving as a school secretary at Lombard Middle School in 2013. During her tenure in our district, Keisha formed many strong relationships with students. She was a valued member of her school community and began stocking a special closet for students in need of items such as clothing, hygiene items, and school supplies. Although Keisha passed in 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer, her impact on Lombard Middle School remains there, as “Keisha’s Closet” has continued to grow and will continue to provide for its students.

In honor of Keisha’s contribution to our district and everyone she came in contact with, last year CUSD #205 branded a new and larger SEL on Wheels vehicle with a “Keisha Cares” logo, including a graphic of a painting that former student Lily McNally created in Keisha’s likeness. This enhancement of SEL on Wheels and transition to "Keisha Cares” has only been possible due to the generous donations of organizations and individuals within our community. Sincere gratitude is extended to the Lombard Booster Club, the family, fiance, and friends of Keisha Harris, Trinity Lutheran Church, The Galesburg High School Class of 2001, and Lisa Makeever and Ryan Crane, both of whom organized individual fundraisers that resulted in additional donations benefiting this project.

Keisha Cares

#SELin205

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SEL on Wheels at King & Steele 1

ISBE School Wellness & Social and Emotional Learning

Click HERE to learn more!

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