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.

  • Health and Wellbeing programming is currently being implemented across the District.

    Programming includes:

    • AIM For Fitness Classrooms

    • Family Stability Fund

    • Green Schoolyard Project

    • Safety Fund

    • School-Embedded Therapists

    • The Initiative For Education Achievement And Opportunity

    • Therapeutic Connections

  • AIM For Fitness serves Kindergarten through 12th grade SLPS students through programming that promotes healthy lifestyle habits in schools. This program aims to provide SLPS educators, students, and families with the knowledge, equipment, and community resources necessary to reinforce and maintain important health and physical fitness habits in school and at home.

  • Through the Family Stability Fund, SLPS social workers provide financial assistance to students and families who have been identified as having an unmet basic need. Financial assistance may include payment of security deposit, rent, utility assistance, and more.

  • In accordance with the District’s Green Schoolyard Program, the Green Schoolyard Project at Froebel Literacy Academy aims to transform the asphalt-covered schoolyard into a green space conducive to community engagement and participatory learning. We anticipate that the park-life green space will improve students’ wellbeing, learning, and play while contributing to the ecological health and resilience of St. Louis.

  • 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.

  • Through this programming, two lead therapists and support staff within the District provide direct support to students and train educators on embedding therapeutic strategies into their classroom pedagogy.