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WPDI’s Domestic Harmonizer Program Expands with New Lunch ‘N Learn Series

March 3, 2025 – In November 2024, WPDI’s Domestic Harmonizer Program(DHP) in the Greater Los Angeles area launched an exciting new initiative—its first-ever Lunch ‘N Learn series. Designed to bring Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into schools in a fresh and engaging way, this pilot program aims to deepen students’ understanding of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relationship-building. Given its overwhelming success, the Lunch ‘N Learn series is now becoming a permanent part of DHP’s offerings across all partner schools.

SEL equips students with essential life skills, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. While DHP has long integrated SEL into its high school curricula through its Inner Spark initiative, this new series extends its impact to elementary and middle school students, providing them with additional opportunities for meaningful engagement beyond existing school-wide events and the peer mediation program.

Ms. Mercedez Rodriguez-Garcia, K-8 Counselor at William Orr Elementary School expressed, “The Domestic Harmonizer Program’s Lunch N Learn series has been very well received at our school by students and staff. Our students were excited to see Ms. Karen and Ms. Monya during our kindness activity and absolutely LOVED the kindness lollipops they created!” Ms. Gabriela Delgado, K- 8 School Counselor at Jersey Elementary School, echoed these views and shared, “Our Jersey Elementary students have been building coping and peaceful conflict resolution skills through weekly Social Emotional Learning lessons. In the Lunch N Learn series, students have learned the “Calm Palm” technique, which helps center their bodies and activate the thinking brain, allowing them to focus on finding peaceful solutions.”

The pilot series launched last fall with a focus on kindness and gratitude, inspiring students through hands-on, purpose-driven activities. At one school, students decorated over 125 paper grocery bags with heartfelt messages of peace and encouragement during their lunch break. These vibrant, thoughtful designs were donated to the Foodbank of Southern California in Long Beach, where they were received with immense appreciation. The enthusiasm was contagious—students, teachers, and staff alike rallied behind the project, making it a true community effort.

At two of our partner schools, the DHP team introduced SEL lessons to individual classrooms, guiding students through the “Calm Palm” breathing technique. By tracing their hands as a grounding exercise, students learned to manage stress and regulate their emotions—a skill they can carry with them far beyond the classroom. To reinforce the importance of clear communication, the session ended with a fun yet insightful game of “telephone,” teaching how listening and expression shape meaningful connections.

Meanwhile, at a local middle school, students used their lunch period to craft warm “thank you” cards for friends and family, fostering a culture of appreciation and kindness. Building on this momentum, the DHP continued the series into January and February, shifting the focus to expressing kindness and love to those who inspire us. Over 100 students from kindergarten to 4th grade eagerly participated at lunch time where they created hearts for someone they love.

Moving forward, the Lunch ‘N Learn series will align with monthly school themes, integrating SEL concepts into a flexible, yet structured curriculum designed for elementary and middle school students. Future topics will explore emotional regulation, gratitude, friendship, responsible decision-making, growth mindset, and the journey to becoming our best selves. With each session, WPDI is not just teaching SEL principles—they are empowering students to create a more compassionate, peaceful, and connected world. The success of this pilot proves that even a simple lunch break or small moments in the classroom can become a powerful opportunity for learning, reflection, and positive change.

In partnership