Education Magazine

Excellence In Education Lincoln Daily News January 25, 2023 Page 33 By Principal Heather Baker For the 2022-23 school year, West Lincoln- Broadwell school has brought back the Social/ Emotional Character Education program called “The PAW.” It is more important than ever to provide social/emotional support and education to students. Mental Health challenges have risen over the years and are facing the next generation as well as adults. The program was created by WLB Superintendent/Principal Heather Baker several years ago but took a backseat due to Covid restrictions the last few years. It is now back and stronger than ever. Social/Emotional and Character Education Program The program, in a nutshell, focuses on character themes monthly such as uniqueness, self-awareness, kindness, inclusivity, responsibility, etc. Teachers create and deliver “mini lessons” on these topics two times per week. WLB Interventionists, Lisa Fitzpatrick and Ashleigh Neitzel, deliver formal instruction to lower elementary classrooms one time per week while School Psychologist, Julie Hesse, delivers formal instruction to our middle school students. In addition to weekly instruction and activities, lower elementary students can earn “PAW Prints” for putting to use the lessons learned. One time per week, PAW prints are drawn, and prizes received. Students look forward to and are excited for the weekly drawing. Continued -- WLB focuses on the whole child with the return of “The Paw”