Statements
Mission
BeWell in School is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that teaches mindful breath and movement as proactive tools for self-regulation. Our mission is to teach students tools to navigate challenging feelings and situations to support their mental and emotional well-being in the classroom and beyond.
Background
BeWell in School was founded on April 11, 2019 by a 4th grade teacher who saw an opportunity to reimagine school discipline and wellbeing. BeWell partnered with Warner Arts Magnet Elementary School for our five-year pilot program beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. Since 2019, BeWell has grown to employ four people full-time and serve eight "gold" school partners in the 2023-24 school year.
In the first year of the Pilot Program, Warner experienced a decrease in disciplinary referrals, significant improvement in standardized test scores, and increased teacher morale and retention. Due to the success of the first year of the Pilot Program at Warner, BeWell was highlighted in the Nashville Chamber's 2019 Education Report Card as an innovative and effective approach to addressing students' social-emotional needs. Additionally, BeWell's partnership with Warner was featured on NPR's Nashville station as well as their National Morning Edition.
These results catalyzed the expansion of BeWell's full program to Fall-Hamilton Elementary in Nashville and Mary Todd Elementary in Lexington, Kentucky, in the 21-22 school year. The impact also led BeWell in School to win the Inspiring Innovation Award by the Nashville Public Education Foundation in September 2021.
In September 2022, the impact of the BeWell Program was again highlighted when both Warner and Fall-Hamilton were recognized with Reward Status by the State of Tennessee. Reward Schools are those that have scored in the top tier of the State's accountability matrix, which factors in TCAP achievement scores, growth scores, chronic absences, English Learner proficiency, among other state metrics. Principals at our partner schools cite the BeWell Program as a significant contributor to their school's rise to Reward status.
Impact
BeWell in School was founded on April 11, 2019 by a 4th grade teacher who saw an opportunity to reimagine school discipline and wellbeing. BeWell partnered with Warner Arts Magnet Elementary School for our five-year pilot program beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. Since 2019, BeWell has grown to employ four people full-time and serve eight "gold" school partners in the 2023-24 school year.
In the first year of the Pilot Program, Warner experienced a decrease in disciplinary referrals, significant improvement in standardized test scores, and increased teacher morale and retention. Due to the success of the first year of the Pilot Program at Warner, BeWell was highlighted in the Nashville Chamber's 2019 Education Report Card as an innovative and effective approach to addressing students' social-emotional needs. Additionally, BeWell's partnership with Warner was featured on NPR's Nashville station as well as their National Morning Edition.
These results catalyzed the expansion of BeWell's full program to Fall-Hamilton Elementary in Nashville and Mary Todd Elementary in Lexington, Kentucky, in the 21-22 school year. The impact also led BeWell in School to win the Inspiring Innovation Award by the Nashville Public Education Foundation in September 2021.
In September 2022, the impact of the BeWell Program was again highlighted when both Warner and Fall-Hamilton were recognized with Reward Status by the State of Tennessee. Reward Schools are those that have scored in the top tier of the State's accountability matrix, which factors in TCAP achievement scores, growth scores, chronic absences, English Learner proficiency, among other state metrics. Principals at our partner schools cite the BeWell Program as a significant contributor to their school's rise to Reward status.
In the 2023-24 school year, BeWell in School is working with three Gold school partners in Nashville, TN and five in Lexington, KY.
Needs
Our greatest need is funding to support the BeWell Program in our partner schools from year to year. As BeWell in School expands, we continuously see the challenges all schools face when desiring to invest in proactive, wellness-driven initiatives. In our partner schools, BeWell programming has supported more time on task, fewer discipline referrals, and enhanced academic performance, all while prioritizing connection and well-being for staff and students. Offsetting costs for school partners wishing to invest in the BeWell Program is our top priority. $25,000 allows BeWell to initiate and sustain partnership with new and returning Gold School Partners.
In addition to funding needs, BeWell is always looking for passionate volunteers to support our efforts and connect with community. Volunteers support with community classes, serve on our Board Directors, and play a role as think partners on BeWell Committees. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our website or contact hello@bewellinschool.org.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Youth Development - Youth Development Programs |
| Secondary Category: | Education - Student Services |
| Tertiary Category: | - |
Areas Served
BeWell in School currently works with elementary school partners in the Metro Nashville Public School District. We believe that trauma does not discriminate, and mental health needs are real in every community. Therefore, as we grow, we are eager to partner with schools in all communities. Our Professional Development Sessions and Clubs are suitable for all grade levels and we are working to adapt the full BeWell in School Program to better cater to middle and high school needs.
| TN - Davidson |
