Whiteside Elementary is committed to fostering social responsibility and a positive school climate. After gathering input from students, staff, and families, we're updating our approach to conflict resolution and developing a school-wide framework.

This year began with leadership conferences where both primary and intermediate students defined the qualities of a positive "Whiteside Wolf" and identified key values, summarized in the acronym HOWL (Honest, Open-minded, Welcoming, Love of learning). Our Wolfpack worked through art projects, circle discussions, role plays, stories, and much more during the first week of school to begin creating a common vision for our school. Recognizing the need for a renewed focus on social responsibility, we're revisiting past successful initiatives and incorporating data from recent student surveys, which highlighted areas for growth in conflict resolution skills. We're excited to embark on this journey to create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment for all.

Students decorated the school with key values that make Whiteside a special place to learn and play.

Our next steps are to take the ideas from our students and connect them to the rest of our community as we continue our work with the school district's social responsibility team.