Social and Emotional Learning Integration Specialist

My office is located between the District Office and High School Offices

Contact Information:
School Office: (715) 824-5524 Ext. 1423
Email: lmaves@amherst.k12.wi.us

Hello! My name is Leah Maves and I am the Social and Emotional Learning Specialist at the Tomorrow River School District. I began my teaching career here in 1990 as a Title 1 and Kindergarten teacher. I have lived in Amherst since 1994.

I took time off to raise our daughters and returned to the district as a long term substitute in 2019. I am thrilled to be back at the Tomorrow River School District and serving it’s students, families, and staff as the Social and Emotional Learning Specialist. I believe all children deserve the opportunity to learn and apply Social and Emotional Skills, which will help them become successful while in school and in their future, in a safe and supportive environment.

If you have questions, concerns, or comments, please feel free to call or email me.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) at the Tomorrow River School District.

What is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social and Emotional Learning is the process through which children (and adults) understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions.

At our school, we believe that helping students develop these skills is just as important as academic learning. Research shows that SEL not only supports emotional well-being but also improves classroom behavior and academic performance.

Why is SEL important?

Through SEL, students learn how to:

● Identify and express their feelings in healthy ways
● Handle stress and challenges
● Work cooperatively with others
● Resolve conflicts peacefully
● Make thoughtful and respectful decisions

These skills help students become more confident, resilient, and compassionate—traits that benefit them both in and out of school.

What does SEL look like in school?

SEL is woven into daily routines, classroom activities, and specific lessons. Students may participate in:

● Morning meetings or check-ins
● Group discussions about feelings and behavior through classroom lessons
● Role-playing and team-building activities
● Mindfulness or calming exercises
● Classroom lessons focused on empathy, kindness, or decision-making

How can you support SEL at home?

You can reinforce SEL by:

● Talking with your child about their feelings
● Modeling respectful communication and problem-solving
● Encouraging empathy by asking, “How do you think they felt?”
● Recognizing and celebrating your child’s efforts to show kindness or responsibility

The TRSD is excited to partner with you in helping your child grow into a good communicator, an engaged citizen, a critical thinker, and a positive collaborator who displays integrity, empathy, resilience, and confidence in relating with all others. If you have any questions about SEL at school or how to support it at home, please feel free to reach out to me.

Leah Maves
Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator
Tomorrow River School District, Amherst, WI
715-824-5521 x 1423
lmaves@amherst.k12.wi.us