The Impact You Make

Sitting on the gym floor in a circle of his peers, 1st grader Bryton wiggled with excitement as a new year of programming began.   He likes the teachers, the games, the other kids, and the activities he gets to participate in as a member of the St Mark community.  He is about to express this in one simple, yet profound statement during Circle Time as he sits with his Site Family.

Circle Time begins with students sharing about their day.   A small, colorful beach ball covered with questions gets tossed around the circle. Students catch the ball, read and answer the question under their left thumb, and toss the ball to another friend waiting to share.  As the ball landed in Bryton’s small hands, he read the question, “What do you wish for?” His response?  “To be right here.”

Because of your support, Bryton is among the first generation of St Mark’s students to experience the intentional implementation of Circle Time and emphasis on Site Families.  Both of these concepts were brought back by Melanie Dill, Program Coordinator, and Amanda Avenarius, Director of Programs, from the Conscious Discipline Training they recently attended.  The focus is on how to effectively implement safe and supportive environments where students, many who have experienced some sort of trauma in their lives, will thrive and grow academically and social-emotionally.
 Resources such as this, implemented by quality, compassionate staff, is critical to setting students on a path toward success.

Every day the treasure you share with us, impacts students just like Bryton.  Students who do not have the means to engage in environments outside of school that provide opportunities for healthy development.  Site Families are being created through daily cheers, chants, songs, or handshakes that signify unity, belonging, and respect for self and others.  During times of transition – a new school year, possibly a new school, and a new schedule including a late start on Friday – support and encouragement are necessary, and the effect is trickling down.

We see this impact on a daily basis through various situations. An older student helps a younger one find a visual facial expression cue to express how she is feeling. Another student successfully facilitates conflict mediation between two other students. This is how lives are changed; by ensuring all students have the tools they need to thrive in the real world.

Thank you for helping us to provide innovative services that cultivate the educational and social-emotional growth of children and families. Together we are making a difference!