St. Mark School Gets $10K Grant For Educating The Whole Child

“Growing up today in a world full of technology and social media can be difficult,” reflected Melissa Warner, Principal of St. Mark School in Stratford. “Research tells us these things are taking their toll as more students suffer from mental health issues than ever before.”

Principal Warner was recently awarded $9,632 by Foundations in Education for her Innovation and Leadership Grant, “Educating the Whole Child.” The Foundations’ competitive program offers grant funding to Catholic school educators in support of transformative initiatives that benefit multiple grade levels and has a long-term impact on student learning.

St. Mark School will use funding to implement Second Step , a social emotional learning (SEL) program that recognizes the importance of prioritizing the relationships among all people within a school community and provides a framework for creating a positive school climate. Lessons teach students to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

“When I was researching grant opportunities to help advance our school, I looked past technology,” commented Warner. “Our school is well equipped with state-of-the-art computers, laptops and SMART TVs and this year we launched a new Innovation Lab for STEM learning such as engineering, robotics, coding, and circuitry. I turned my focus to innovative ways to support our students’ social, emotional and academic needs.”

A recent national study by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) found that students receiving school-based SEL scored 11 percentile points higher on academic achievement tests than their peers who did not receive SEL. Research also indicated it SEL lowers levels of emotional distress and disruptive behavior and improves positive attitudes toward self and others.

“In order for our students to be successful academically, their social and emotional needs must be met,” shared Principal Warner. “ Here at St. Mark School, we believe it is important to care for the whole child, to teach to the whole learner. I am confident this program will have a lasting impact on students as they learn the skills necessary to be successful in school, relationships, careers and in life.”

St. Mark School is a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accredited school and a Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon School of Academic Excellence. The Pre-K through Grade 8 Catholic elementary in Stratford balances their commitment to academic excellence with faith to foster the spiritual, moral and social development of each student. For more information, visit stmarkschool.org or call (203) 375-4291.