EPS is committed to providing safe and inclusive environments for students, families, and staff. We strive to promote the social, emotional, and physical well-being of students, families, and staff.
We do this by:
Cultivating strong relationships between staff, students and their families.
Teaching and supporting students through Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
Teaching and supporting SEL best practices in our school communities.
Integrating SEL curricula and topics into content areas.
Partnering with community mental health agencies in our buildings
Cultivating Strong Relationships
Building and maintaining positive relationships are foundational skills. We build strong relationships by promoting Restorative Practices which include community circles, informal restorative chats and restorative conversations. We use these practices to build healthy communities, increase social capital, repair harm and restore relationships.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
PBIS is an approach to teaching that uses tiers to build safe and positive environments in which all students can learn. At Tier 1, all students are taught what is expected of them, acknowledged when they meet those expectations, and retaught the expectations if necessary. Some students require a little more re-teaching of a specific expectation and receive this on a short-term basis. This is called Tier 2. Tier 3 provides individualized interventions for students.
SEL Best Practices
Our current SEL best practices focus on the 3 Signature Practices. These practices include implementing welcoming rituals, engaging practices and optimistic closures throughout the school day.
SEL Curricula
We use Second Step, Mind Up, Zones of Regulation, Kelso’s Choice and Character Strong to teach to the Washington State SEL Standards. These curricula teach self and social awareness, self and social management, self-efficacy, and social engagement skills. The topics presented in the lessons are integrated into content areas as social and emotional skills are used throughout the day.
Community Mental Health Resources
We have Counselors and/or Social Workers in all of our schools to support students and their families. When needed, our Counselors and Social Workers help connect to mental health resources in our community. We also have partnerships with mental health providers who support our students and families.
Agency Partnerships
Family Solutions (360) 695-1014
The Children’s Center (360) 699-2244
The Children’s Home Society of WA (360) 695-1325
SeaMar/CSNW (360) 947-2550/ (360) 947-2550
CRMH (360) 993-3000
Real Life Counseling (360) 619-2226
Cowlitz Tribal Treatment (360) 575-3316
Daybreak Substance User Treatment (360) 575-3316
The Playground Counseling Program (503) 966-3936
The Wild Heart Society Counseling (360) 949-9140
*When safe to do so, the agencies above will be able to meet with students in buildings to further support mental health. Referrals are made through your school counselor.