During the first two years of the pandemic, the Heart of the School Fund  focused efforts on supporting schools’ COVID-friendly projects and site enhancements. A great example of this was the creation of the Steuart Hill Academic Academy (SHAA) Staff Sanctuary by Principal Brown in the spring of 2022.

Noticing an uptick in teachers experiencing high levels of stress and burnout, Principal Brown opted to prioritize the wellbeing of teachers and staff by requesting Heart of the School Fund grant to create a space for staff to relax and recharge during lunch or planning periods. By focusing on promoting teacher wellness, Principal Brown felt this would positively impact student learning and academic achievement as well as the school’s overall climate and culture.

See what staff had to say when asked how the SHAA Staff Sanctuary has helped them:

“The investment in a staff lounge makes me feel valued. It is a space created just for the staff to recharge and renew, which is so much needed these days.”

“The staff lounge has allowed me to de-stress. I can go up there knowing I can sit in the massage chair and have thoughts to myself as my muscles relax. I stop by for a daily cup of coffee to start my day without running late if I were to do it at home.”

Six times a year, the Heart of the School Fund provides grants to Baltimore City Public School principals to support projects that enhance their school buildings, their students’ learning, and their staff’s growth. To read about additional Heart of the School Fund grants, click here.