Thriving School Award Recognizes Walnut Canyon’s Social-Emotional Learning Success

Those on hand to accept the SEL4CA Thriving School Award on behalf of Walnut Canyon Arts & Technology Magnet School during the May 6 ceremony at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo were, from left, Assistant Director of Instructional Services Nathan Inouye, Counselor Paola Reyes, Principal Theresa Garner, Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays and Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Dr. Jane Wagmeister.       

MOORPARK, Calif. (May 8, 2025)—Walnut Canyon Arts & Technology Magnet School made history this week as the first school in California—and the only one in Ventura County—to be officially honored with the SEL4CA Thriving School Award.

The award was presented May 6 during a special ceremony at the Ventura County Office of Education, recognizing the school’s efforts in social and emotional learning, or SEL.

“This award reflects the meaningful work happening at Walnut Canyon and throughout our district. It directly supports our mission of connecting with every student: academically, emotionally and socially.” Moorpark Unified Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays said. “I’m incredibly proud of Principal Garner and her staff for creating an environment where students are learning and developing the confidence and skills they’ll carry with them long after they leave our classrooms.”

Walnut Canyon is one of only eight schools in California to win the award’s highest category: Systemic SEL Implementation.

Presented by Dr. Amy Cranston, Executive Director of the Social Emotional Learning Alliance for California (SEL4CA) and hosted by Chris Ridge, Ventura County Office of Education’s Director of Comprehensive Health and Prevention, the award highlights Walnut Canyon’s commitment to helping students grow academically and emotionally.

“Walnut Canyon certainly deserves this award,” said Dr. Cranston during the ceremony. “They went for the highest level, Systemic SEL Implementation, meaning they have integrated SEL into every aspect of their school. Kudos to district leadership for making this a priority at Walnut Canyon, as their hard work is certainly paying off. They deserve all of the accolades they are receiving today."

SEL4CA, a grassroots nonprofit, works to support teachers, expand SEL practices and promote policies that prioritize mental health and wellbeing in schools.

Also speaking at the award ceremony were Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Dr. Jane Wagmeister, Assistant Director of Instruction Nathan Inouye, Walnut Canyon Principal Theresa Garner and Counselor Paola Reyes.

The panel also included SEL consultants R. Keeth Matheny and his wife, Cory, creators of the Emotional Intelligence Lighthouse Model at Walnut Canyon.

“At Walnut Canyon, we prioritize both social-emotional and academic growth,” Principal Garner said. “This award reflects our focused work this year to build students’ emotional intelligence through intentional, integrated instruction. We’ve helped them manage emotions, believe in their abilities, develop empathy, resolve conflicts peacefully, and stand up for others. I am so proud of what we have accomplished this school year.”

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Dr. César Morales attended the event, highlighting the significance of the achievement.

Importance of SEL

Although two years have passed since the pandemic ended, educators nationwide are still addressing the lasting effects of distance learning on students’ social and emotional skills.

To meet these challenges, Moorpark Unified embraced a whole-child approach supporting both academic progress and social-emotional growth.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) teaches students to manage emotions, set goals, show empathy, build positive relationships and make responsible decisions. These skills are essential, leading to better grades, positive behavior, improved attendance and higher graduation rates.

“When students feel welcome, believe they’ll be treated with kindness by their peers and share a common language about behavior, they can focus on learning, and that’s when we see them really succeed,” Dr. Wagmeister said. “A positive, supportive environment doesn’t just feel better, it directly supports academic growth.”

Lighthouse Project

This broader districtwide effort—known throughout MUSD as giving students an “extra scoop of support”—included opening wellness centers at every school and increasing the number of counselors and school psychologists.

It is also what led last year to MUSD leadership and Principal Garner committing to become a pilot school for the Emotional Intelligence Lighthouse Model project, a program developed by Matheny.

“Walnut Canyon Elementary is more than just a school, it's a thriving community that radiates warmth and positivity,” Matheny said. “With the intense work of the exceptional staff, supportive leadership, and engaged parents, this school has become a model of emotional intelligence in action. We at EQ Launchpad have had the privilege of working with schools nationwide and internationally, but Walnut Canyon Elementary stands out as a shining example of what's possible when “heart work”, expertise and amazing support come together.”

The model weaves SEL into every part of school life, including classroom instruction, posters and artwork throughout the campus, family engagement and the ways staff connect with students and guide behavior.

Quarterly themes—managing emotions, growth mindset, empathy, conflict resolution and standing up for others—were introduced schoolwide. Teachers took part in trainings; classroom routines were updated and the entire school—from students to staff—began using the same language and shared standards for behavior.

“Participating in the SEL Lighthouse Project far exceeded my expectations,” Principal Garner said. “It has made a meaningful difference for our students and families in developing emotional intelligence and provided exactly the kind of support our Walnut Canyon staff needed at just the right time.”

The results have been striking.

A recent survey showed Walnut Canyon students’ agreement with the statement "adults at school care about me" rose from 83 percent to 87 percent. Agreement with "this school is a safe and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds and cultures" increased from 85 percent to nearly 88 percent.

Walnut Canyon’s chronic absenteeism rate, a key indicator of school success, was 2.3% last year and remains the same this year. The rate is well below the county average of 18.3 percent and nearly nine times lower than the state average of 20.4 percent.

The recognition reflects the dedication of its staff and students as well as MUSD’s districtwide vision to support both the academic and emotional needs of every child.

The broader approach has paid dividends. MUSD holds Ventura County’s highest district stability rate at 95.2 percent and the lowest absenteeism rate at 9.8 percent.

Teachers also reported the program’s effectiveness.

In a schoolwide survey, 95% of the teachers said the project improved campus culture, and all said it strengthened their teaching. Students began using SEL language to resolve conflicts calmly and efficiently, reducing disruptions and helping classrooms run smoothly.

"I am grateful to be part of the SEL Lighthouse Project, where our collaborative efforts have enhanced students' social-emotional skills and strengthened my role in building a comprehensive school counseling program," said Walnut Canyon Counselor Paola Reyes.

As Walnut Canyon’s Lighthouse model grows, its impact is already being felt—one student, one classroom and one positive connection at a time.

Walnut Canyon and Moorpark Unified will be part of a virtual statewide Thriving School Award Ceremony on Tuesday, May 20, as 24 other schools will be recognized by SEL4CA.