Social Emotional Learning Supports
Social Emotional Learning Supports In Schools
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) helps children learn skills to understand and manage their feelings, set and reach goals, care about others, build healthy relationships, and make good choices. These skills support positive behavior, a strong sense of self, and success both in school and in everyday life.
Supporting social emotional learning in schools helps children do better in class, feel mentally healthier, and have fewer behavior problems. It also teaches important life skills and creates a safer, more supportive place for all students to learn.
MASD includes the Nine Virtues, taught by Levina Wilkins, in its social-emotional lessons. These virtues reflect the Yakama Nation’s core values—focusing on whole-person wellness, respect, and connection to the land and Creator. You may see them shown in both Ichishkíin and English.
- K'wyáamtimt (Honesty/Truthful): Being truthful in talking about yourself and opinions to honor yourself and family.
- Timnák'nik (Compassion/Heart): Showing kindness, care, and consideration for others' feelings in all actions.
- Itmá' áaksha (Careful/Responsible): Being cautious in speech and behavior to maintain peace and harmony, and being accountable.
- Yáych'unakl (Courage/Perseverance): Having the courage to never give up, even when life is difficult.
- Pina'tmá'áakt (Balance/Self-Respect): Knowing and taking care of yourself, maintaining integrity, and acting with honor in crises.
- Tma'áaknɨ (Respect): Maintaining harmony and cooperation with all people, and protecting cultural traditions and beliefs.
- Átaw pxwɨni (Mindfulness/Meditation): Practicing deep thought, self-reflection, and prayer to remain aware of your surroundings.
- Piná ɨwaat ku kw'ałáni (Humility/Gratitude): Being humble, grateful, and willing to forgive and apologize.
- Wapítat Ttáwaxt (Service/Community): Serving others by helping family and community, promoting culture, and fostering unity.
SEL In Our Buildings
Harrah Elementary School & Mt. Adams Middle School
SEL is scheduled for 30 minutes each day. During that time, teachers use selected children’s books/stories tied to the Nine Virtues to teach and reinforce social‑emotional skills.
| Month | Virtue |
| August/September | Respect |
| October | Honesty |
| November | Compassion |
| December | Responsibility |
| January | Courage |
| February | Integrity |
| March | Mindfulness |
| April | Gratitude |
| May/June | Service to Others |
White Swan High School
Each week during Cougar Connection, teachers lead a single 30-minute lesson using a guide built around nine core virtues. Because there are nine virtues and about nine months in the school year, we focus on one virtue each month so students have time to learn and practice one value before moving to the next.
The Nine Virtues SEL curriculum is a culturally rooted social-emotional learning program inspired by the teachings of Atway Levina Wilkins of the Yakama Nation. Designed to support the whole child, the curriculum centers on nine core virtues, such as respect, courage, generosity, and responsibility, that guide students in understanding themselves, caring for others, and making positive choices. Through stories, reflection, discussion, and real-life application, children learn skills like managing emotions, building healthy relationships, and persevering through challenges. Grounded in Indigenous values and wisdom, the Nine Virtues approach helps students strengthen their identity, develop empathy, and grow into confident, compassionate members of their families, schools, and communities.
| Month | Virtue |
| August/September | Respect |
| October | Honesty |
| November | Compassion |
| December | Responsibility |
| January | Courage |
| February | Integrity |
| March | Mindfulness |
| April | Gratitude |
| May/June | Service |