January 20, 2022 - The Family and Community Outreach team has fulfilled a longstanding need at SSD-- opening a Family Resource Hub for students, staff, and families. The space is located at North Tech High School (1700 Derhake Rd, Florissant, MO 63033) and provides the SSD community with computer, phone, and internet access, as well as a satellite food pantry. It will also host events, support groups, and learning labs in the future.

“Our community needed a space to assist them with supporting their children's academic, social, and emotional needs as well as everyday needs to support human growth and development,” said North Tech Principal Dr. Ronda Wallace. 

The demand for the Family Resource Hub was identified by SSD staff. For the past five years, Eaglin and a group of volunteers, which consist of staff, family, and community members, have been conducting Welcoming School Walkthrough Visits. The process consists of reviewing the schools’ websites and touring all seven SSD school buildings to evaluate their main entrance and office spaces, displays, and other outdoor and interior areas like the grounds, library, cafeteria, and auditorium. Wallace says the assessments are essential in determining what stakeholders need. The goal is to see the schools through the eyes of a visitor, determine how families and students are welcomed, and develop more opportunities to better engage families and community partners. Through these tours, it was discovered that having a space dedicated to sharing resources and information with families is crucial.

 “Schools don’t just enroll students; the entire family enrolls,” said Eaglin. “Research tells us that it is essential for families to feel welcome or have a sense of invitation from schools. That helps to develop meaningful partnerships that impact student achievement.”

Furniture was donated by Dr. Wallace and food items were donated by Grace Church and Grace New Covenant Christian Church. 

“Just like the classroom setup is an essential component of the learning environment, the furniture set up in The Family Resource Hub is an extension of the welcoming school environment,” said Family and Community Outreach Support Michelle Franklin. 

The hub is still in its infancy stage, but the department welcomes feedback and looks forward to the time when they can safely host families and community stakeholders without the interference of the pandemic. The current hours are Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 AM-4 PM or by appointment. To schedule a visit, please call 314.989.8311 or email FamilyEngagement@ssdmo.org.