Welcome!
This year Centralia Elementary and Middle School will utilize Character Strong as the school-wide Social Emotional Learning curriculum in grades K-8. We will also be utilizing Xello as a career exploration supplement in grades 3-12. Below you will find a brief overview of both curriculums, or you can access the website for Character Strong here and the website for Xello here for more information.
Character Strong is a research-based social-emotional learning (SEL) and character education curriculum designed for students from Pre-K through 12th grade. It helps students build essential life skills like empathy, resilience, and responsible decision-making.
Character Strong isn’t just about behavior—it’s about helping students become kind, strong, and well-rounded individuals. Studies show that SEL programs like this can improve:
Academic performance
Classroom engagement
Sense of belonging and safety
Long-term success in life and work
Character Strong focuses on three pillars:
Be Kind
Empathy, respect, cooperation, friendship, conflict resolution
Be Strong
Responsibility, courage, perseverance, goal-setting, organization
Be Well
Gratitude, honesty, creativity, emotional regulation, stress management
These are taught through interactive lessons, reflections, and activities that encourage real conversations and personal growth.
Character Strong believes families are students’ first and most important teachers. That’s why it includes:
Family Newsletters to keep parents informed
Family Character Dares—fun challenges to spark meaningful conversations at home
“Character Strong has opened up great conversations for us as a family. My kids share what they learn, and it’s made a real impact.” — Blair, Parent
Xello is an online program designed to help students in grades 6–12 discover their interests, build essential life skills, and plan for future careers and education. It’s not just about choosing a job—it’s about helping students understand themselves and make informed decisions.
Self-Knowledge: Students explore their strengths, interests, and values.
Career Exploration: They research careers that match their profiles and learn what education or training is needed.
Academic Planning: Xello helps students connect their goals to course selections and post-secondary pathways.
Skill Building: Lessons focus on real-world skills like goal setting, time management, and decision-making.
Explore Together: Parents can log in to their Xello Family account to view their child’s progress and even try out lessons themselves. If you would like access to a family account, please contact me!
Talk About Goals: Use what your child learns in Xello to spark conversations about future plans and aspirations.
Encourage Reflection: Ask your child what they’ve discovered about themselves and how it connects to their dreams.
Complete interactive lessons tailored to their grade level
Build an “About Me” profile with interests, skills, and goals
Take personality and learning style assessments
Create career and college plans based on their preferences