“For a long time, we thought that aca-
demics and social and emotional learn-
ing were equivalent. We realized that
SEL is even more important because if
we don’t get that right, the other pieces
just don’t make sense in terms of stu-
dents gaining knowledge and feeling
like they are a part of the school com-
munity,” says Dr. Weldon-Lassiter.
Dr. Weldon-Lassiter continues, “What
we talk about is the students having a
healthy brain and body.”
St. Andrew’s School makes sure to
provide the students with physical
education (PE) classes and recess,
while also focusing on the nutrition of
each student. Understanding that their
students may not have access to sus-
tainable nutrients at home, the school
offers healthy meals and snacks daily.
Under the Community Eligibility Pro-
vision, the school is able to provide the
students with nutritious meals at no
cost to the families. The students are
offered a balanced breakfast when they
arrive in the morning. According to
Dr. Weldon-Lassiter, the school’s chef,
Ronnika Fenner, cooks every meal
from scratch, avoiding excessive salt
and sugar, and completely eliminating
processed foods.
Overall, what sets St. Andrew’s School
apart from other independent schools
across the country is its dedication to
each individual student. It is clear to
see that this school is focused on not
only academic success, but on tend-
ing to the multiple needs of the whole
child. As the saying goes, it takes a
village to raise a child; St. Andrew’s
School plays a fundamental role in the
village of every one of its students. n
Visit the St. Andrew’s School website to find
out how you can help support their mission to
transform lives by providing quality, progressive
education to children from families with limited
financial resources.
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