SOURCE Department

SOURCE Department encompasses Social Emotional Learning, The Peace Program, Peer-Mediation, and Restorative Practices in School District 170.

Our primary focus will be to develop, train, and teach the skills necessary for the “whole child” to be successful in society. In addition, we want to foster and promote positive working relationships amongst students, school staff, and families in our great community of Chicago Heights.

Peace Program

The Peace Program is a behavioral option for students in School District 170.

The Peace Program allows students to process and reflect upon their decision-making in and out of school. The Peace Program takes part in the use of  “Circles”, self-reflection, social emotional curriculum, and restorative practices focused on establishing healthy decision-making through modeling, positive relationships, in every interaction.

We look forward to supporting our students, school staff, families, and community by identifying the “root causes” of the issues in order to bring about success in any environment that our students are in.

What Is Social and Emotional Learning?

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. 

SEL programming is based on the understanding that the best learning emerges in the context of supportive relationships that make learning challenging, engaging, and meaningful. 

Social and emotional skills are critical to being a good student, citizen, and worker. Many risky behaviors (e.g., drug use, violence, bullying, and dropping out) can be prevented or reduced when multiyear, integrated efforts are used to develop students' social and emotional skills. This is best done through effective classroom instruction, student engagement in positive activities in and out of the classroom, and broad parent and community involvement in program planning, implementation, and evaluation. 

Effective SEL programming begins in preschool and continues through high school.

District 170 utilizes the services of Mindful Practices/Class Catalyst to promote SEL in grades K-5. Class Catalyst is an online SEL platform that provides each child with personalized, self-guided mindfulness strategies while connecting them in conversation with a caring adult. Class Catalyst is designed specifically to identify, address, and manage problems before they start--to guarantee every student's voice is heard and needs are met. 

For more information visit Mindful Practices

In 6th-8th grades, Mawi is used. Mawi curriculum is a comprehensive social emotional learning curriculum designed to build critical skills for lifelong success. Grounded in the strongest SEL literature, Mawi delivers measurable improvements in academics and school culture. 

For more information, visit Mawi Learning