Our Context
We believe our societal challenges stem from well-documented, structural funding inequities among districts by racial comparison. For SLPS, this has commensurately produced profound inequities in accessing high-quality educational and socio-emotional resources due to lack of funding and focus. And now, acute factors affecting the health and wellness of SLPS students threatens the very foundation of their readiness to learn.
We know students thrive when their basic and developmental needs are met, and we seek to embed capacity for direct service supports in high-need schools throughout the district, especially in the wake of growing student mental health needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the pandemic, 75% of public schools have reported an increase in student mental health needs, but only 56% report having the expertise and resources to effectively support students (Institute of Education Sciences).
Health & Wellbeing
Our health and wellbeing investments equip SLPS students with the socio-emotional, and non-cognitive skills needed to lead their own learning, and to do so with poise and perseverance.
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Health and Wellbeing programming is currently being implemented across the District.
Programming includes:
Academics in Movement
Family Stability Fund
Safety Fund
Therapeutic Strategies
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Academics in Movement (AIM) provides designated areas within K-12 schools and classrooms that integrate physical activity into scholars' everyday academic learning. The program is currently being implemented in 40 District schools.
STLEdFund Footprint: Approximately 9,000 students annually
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The Family Stability Fund successfully supports district-identified students and families with unmet basic needs, and provides them with emergency financial assistance. As a result, traditional risk factors to school success - such as student belonging and attendance - are reduced.
STLEdFund Footprint: Approximately 75 students annually
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The Safety Fund (Whole Child/Whole Family Initiative) positions school social workers and District leadership to provide emergency financial assistance to SLPS students and families who have been impacted by a sudden death and/or significant injury resulting from an act of violence. Financial assistance may include coverage of funeral, medical, or related expenses.
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Therapeutic Strategies increases schools’ capacity to provide students with direct, clinical support at select school sites. Therapists support multiple school sites, providing services to students while also directly coaching educators on self-care strategies and trauma-informed classroom management techniques.
STLEdFund Footprint: Approximately 1,500 students annually