King County Councilman Dave Upthegrove recently presented Renton Schools Foundation with a $50,000 grant to support Renton School District students’ social emotional learning.
“Our students and school staff have faced unprecedented challenges,” said Upthegrove. “This support will allow Renton Schools Foundation to provide much-needed mental health resources and basic needs to support Renton school students.”
Renton Schools Foundation — a volunteer organization helping to connect business and private funding to support learning and teaching in the Renton School District — will grant the funds to the district to purchase curriculum and materials to be used by teachers and school counselors to support student social-emotional learning, and to support professional learning opportunities for teachers and support staff, including:
- Second Step (Elementary) Curriculum
- Character Strong (Middle School) Curriculum
- SEL Screener
- Safe Space Kits
- Talk Space Mental Health Supports
- SEL Professional Learning
“Social-emotional skills are invaluable for our students, at school and in life,” said Gioia Pitts, chief of secondary schools. “Skills like recognizing and managing emotions, controlling impulses, communicating effectively, and working with others have a positive effect on overall well-being. This funding helps support our students, families, and community.”
Renton Schools Superintendent Dr. Damien Pattenaude said the district greatly appreciates the school foundation and Councilman Upthegrove’s work to support students and educators.
He said this money will go directly to teachers and school staff who are doing the hard work each day to help all students overcome social-emotional obstacles.
