Whole Child Wednesday
September 19, 2018
What is Tacoma Whole Child?
T acoma Whole Child is a 4-shift continuous improvement framework that proactively supports youth socially, emotionally and academically, in and out of school. The goal of Whole Child is that each and every child is: Safe, Healthy, Engaged, Challenged and Supported.

The key to Tacoma Whole Child is the integration of a continuous improvement model where each team make decisions for their context, and is always learning, growing, and creating sustainable systems that support students.
TWC? PBIS? SEL? TWCI?

All these names have been used to describe Whole Child work.

Originally, this work was called Tacoma Whole Child Initiative (TWCI). This is not an initiative that comes and goes, but rather who we are as a district. We are, and always will be, Whole Child Champions.

PBIS and SEL are pieces of the larger Whole Child picture. Let's look at that more below...
What ingredients make up a comprehensive Whole Child program?
Whole Child Pillars

  • Social and Emotional Learning
  • Positive Behavioral Supports and Interventions
  • Physical and Mental Wellness
  • Trauma-Sensitive Practices
  • Signature Whole Child Practices
  • Restorative Practices
  • Advanced Tiers of Supports
  • Continuous Improvement
Which pillars would you like to learn more about? Which pillars are particularly strong at your site?
Whole Child Team
Each School has a dedicated Whole Child Team which includes

  • Administrator
  • Facilitator
  • Representation from Staff
District Support from Student Life Office

  • Laura Allen
  • Kristi Greenaway Cirignano
  • Rayann Silva
Partner Support from University of Washington Tacoma

  • Mari Meador
  • Carey Kirkwood
Want to be more involved?
  1. Join your school's Whole Child Team (or suggest that you form one)
  2. Read the Whole Child Wednesday newsletter, try on some new practices, and share celebrations and barriers
  3. Reach out to the district whole child support for questions or suggestions
  4. Attend Professional Development offered throughout the year
Our TWC team is always looking to highlight the great work happening in Tacoma Schools, please let us know about the great work you and your colleagues are doing. 
Looking for a resource or more info about Tacoma Whole Child ?
Tacoma Whole Child | 253-571-1123 | [email protected]