The Jennings JourneyThe Jennings Journey has been focused on serving the whole child by addressing families in a high poverty community. Many of the projects and ongoing initiatives began in 2012 and an outline of some events and activities are below. As a result of this focus, parental involvement has increased, the graduation rate has increased to a 91% 4 year graduation rate in 2014, and the percentage of standards the district has met for state accreditation has increased. In 2012, Jennings met below 60% of the accreditation benchmark standards. Meeting below 50% would have labeled the district as not accredited. In 2014, the increase in performance led the district to meeting above 60% of the state accreditation standards. In 2015, the district exceeded meeting the full accreditation benchmark standards by meeting 78% of the Missouri benchmark standards. The list blow does not list all of the initiatives but it does focus on various initiatives that have led to promising new practices in the Jennings School District. In 2014, Jennings was featured for the transformational work within the community as one of the nations Leaders to Learn From and the link to that video is below.
http://leaders.edweek.org/profile/tiffany-anderson-community-schools-jennings-missouri/ 2012-13 School Year: * The district's deficit was eliminated and funds were redirected to support classrooms and capital projects. * A partnership with the St. Louis Food Bank was established and Jennings School District opened the first school-based food pantry which currently serves 8,000 pounds of food a month * A restorative justice initiative was launched allowing students to serve the community as part of the healing process in giving back to the community after infractions * Equity Training for staff members began * 21st Century Program grant was obtained to offer after school programs and dinner to students until 6PM * Homeless Grant Acquired * Dual Credit opportunities expanded allowing high school students to earn college credit while attending high school. * Home visit initiative began * Early College Program piloted marking the beginning of the Jennings School District College Prep Academy. 2013-2014 School Year: * Parent Academy was launched and washer dryers installed at every school * Student access to technology expanded for students (chrome books, tablets, smart boards etc.) * Friends of Jennings School District Foundation is established allowing community members to donate funds to help Jennings continue to improve by offering college scholarships and providing funding for initiatives. * Mental Health Initiatives expanded providing support for students & families and creating opportunities for professional development with staff members. Mental health therapist placed at every school. * Restorative Discipline practices expanded (Peace Court, Community Service Integrated, Play Therapy, etc..) 2014-2015 School Year: * Clothing Boutique opens * Free uniform and shoe program expanded * Jennings High School students join the Student Race Summit where students from 14 high schools meet to discuss race issues and develop solutions. *Future Ready Initiative Launched * Students participate in Anytown Social Justice Training, an award winning leadership and social justice program designed to educate, liberate, and empower youth participants to become effective, responsible leaders and community builders. * Mental Health initiatives expanded - Therapist at every school placed and trauma training for staff started * SPOT Clinic and Washington University partnership begins with creation of a drop-in clinic at Jennings High School offering free and confidential mental health counseling, case management, and wellness education * The Regional Business Council, Civic Progress, Operation School Bell, The Little Bit Boutique, and various mental health agencies provide support for Jennings in addressing issues resulting from poverty and academic improvements to support the "whole child". * University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) Studio Schools begins creating opportunities for educators to explore, envision, and enact innovative solutions that deepen learning and raise P-12 student achievement * Student led marches for peace, Juneteenth recognition and equity, community policing occurred 2015-2016 School Year: * Jennings achieves Full Accreditation status from Missouri State Board of Education * Community Policing and School Partnerships expanded * Early Childhood Initiative expands * Learning Cadre on Poverty begins quarterly staff development * Regional Health Commission, Washington University and the St. Louis Mental Health Board provides trauma training for all staff allowing Jennings School District to become the first St. Louis Trauma Informed School Community * Urban Teacher Collaborative with St. Louis University (SLU) begins to train future teachers with best practices for high poverty schools * Hope House, a foster home for Jennings School District students, opened |