The Wellness Program The New School Foundation provides the resources for a Wellness Program designed to answer these questions. The program is based on: Research about the relationship between a child’s social and emotional well-being and academic achievement The proven approach demonstrating that a deliberate and comprehensive system that integrates children’s social and emotional well-being with academic success can: Raise grades Bolster enthusiasm for learning Reduce behavior problems Enhance cognitive functions. Program goals: Realign school personnel and resources to support a holistic approach to student achievement Provide a seamless system of support for students Emphasize early intervention rather than later and more costly remediation. The Wellness Team and teachers gather information during home visits before school begins, conduct informal visits with parents at school and observe in the classroom. Children are identified as high, medium or low needs in each of the following categories: academic, physical, emotional, social and family. The Team meets regularly to assess student progress and development. They may recommend interventions such as individual counseling, tutoring, bilingual support, and help with food and housing. Gathering data on which interventions are most effective and would positively impact academic success is an ongoing process. This approach requires coordination with the primary adults in a child’s life. The process empowers teachers, school staff and family members to recognize and find solutions to a child’s needs. Heightened awareness of needs coupled with early intervention are key ingredients to a child’s academic, physical, social and emotional success. Equally important among the factors affecting student achievement is parent participation. Our partner schools actively invite and encourage parent participation. And it’s working. The schools have seen increased attendance at the numerous school activities and parent organization meetings, and nearly 100 percent participation in fall parent/teacher conferences.