Public Middle School Implementation

McKenney Intermediate School

Marysville, California

“We have struggled for years to find a curriculum that helps our students discover ‘the why’ to education. When I saw Wayfinder featured in KQED Mindshift, I knew we had to give it a try. It’s been a phenomenal fit for our staff and our students and helps our teachers build authentic relationships with their students. Wayfinder has been revolutionary for us.”

MTSS Coordinator

596

Wayfinder Students

Wayfinder Teachers

2021

Year Started

Training

McKenney Intermediate School participated in two three hour trainings. The first training was prior to the start of school where teachers experienced some of the activities and lessons, learned how to use the lesson guides, and the Wayfinder Web App. The second training went deeper into the importance of well-being, how the Wayfinder lessons and activities help students master future-ready skills, and a deeper dive into the Wayfinder web app.

Timeline

In July 2021, Wayfinder met with district and site leads to develop an implementation plan for the 2021/2022 school year which included trainings and professional development. In August, we conducted the first 3 hour training with McKenney Intermediate School staff. In September through December, our team provided bi-monthly office hours and one-on-one support as teachers developed their Wayfinder practice and conducted the second 3 hour training for McKenney Intermediate School staff. In 2022, our team provided monthly office hours and check ins with staff as well as professional development during staff development days.

How Wayfinder is implemented

McKenney Intermediate has integrated the Belonging curriculum in their social science classes for 6, 7, and 8
The school counselor work collaboratively with the Social Science department to pick themes and lessons for each month.
The team delivers the lessons and activities in a dedicated 30 minute time each week
All students participate in Waypoints bi-monthly
The counselor reviews the data and shares it with the staff at their monthly staff meetings. They then choose activities from the Activity Library to help address their areas of concern.

"The Belonging Curriculum has helped us connect with students at a deeper level."

MTSS Coordinator

"The Belonging Curriculum has helped us connect with students at a deeper level."

8th Grade Social Science Teacher

"The Belonging Curriculum has helped us connect with students at a deeper level. I love the fact that it’s all at my fingertips, well thought out, and engaging.”

MTSS Coordinator