Weymouth Township School, a rural Pre-K through Grade 8 school serving approximately 175 students, used a $5,000 grant to address a critical challenge: improving student attendance by increasing students' sense of belonging and supporting social-emotional wellness. School climate data and attendance trends indicated that students in grades 5–8 would benefit from additional opportunities to connect with peers, build relationships, and engage positively with their school community. Research consistently shows that students who feel connected to school are more likely to attend regularly, demonstrate positive behavior, and achieve academic success. With this goal in mind, Weymouth Township School developed a student-centered approach that focused on creating engaging spaces and meaningful opportunities for student voice and involvement.
The grant primarily funded improvements to outdoor environments that promote positive peer interaction during unstructured times such as lunch and recess. Through the school's Wellness Team, student representatives in grades 5–8 helped identify priorities and provide input on purchases, ensuring that student voice guided decision-making. Grant funds were used to install an outdoor Gaga Ball Pit, outdoor round tables, and outdoor stencil games, while district funds supplemented the project through the purchase of indoor round tables — all purchases were designed to encourage collaboration and social interaction. These resources created welcoming spaces where students could practice communication, sportsmanship, conflict resolution, and teamwork skills. The initiative directly served 74 students in grades 5–8, while benefiting the broader K–8 community of 143 students and 19 certified staff members. Additional support was provided through partnerships with AtlantiCare's Teen Connection Project, AVANZAR's Healthy Relationship programming, and Alcove's Trauma Support Group services. Our school counselor, Lauren Bakker, was key to the implementation of these programs and additional support for our students.
Program outcomes demonstrated meaningful progress in student perceptions of school climate. Survey results from students in grades 6–8 showed improvements across nearly every measured domain between the beginning and end of the grant period. Behavioral Expectations increased from 2.68 to 2.82, with students reporting that school rules were clearer (2.98 to 3.25) and fairer (2.47 to 2.72). Student Sense of Belonging improved from 2.63 to 2.70, while pride in being a student at Weymouth Township School increased significantly from 2.38 to 2.69. Student Voice and Involvement rose from 2.80 to 2.89, including greater opportunities to help the community (2.85 to 3.14) and share ideas (2.85 to 2.95). Attendance outcomes were also encouraging, with Grade 5 absenteeism decreasing from 8.48% during the first five months of the school year to 6.91% during the final five months. The project culminated in a school-wide Field Day that showcased the new equipment and focus on belonging, engaging 138 students and 74 community members. While attendance rates in grades 6–8 remained relatively stable and will continue to be a focus in future grant cycles, the positive gains in school climate, student voice, and belonging demonstrate the value of investing in student-centered wellness initiatives. By empowering students to shape their environment and creating spaces that encourage connection, Weymouth Township School has established a strong foundation for improving attendance, reducing conflict, and fostering a healthier, more connected school community for years to come.