As December comes to a close and the Beyond School scholars head home for winter break, we like to take this time to reflect on the successes and challenges of 2016. What a year it has been: we expanded Beyond School to a second site at The Spanish School; we gained 10 AmeriCorps staff; we grew our scholars to 78; we received 7 grants. We walked with our students through both tremendous academic and social growth as well as tragic moments where we allowed ourselves to grieve with one another. Through the ups and downs of creating and maintaining this expanded learning opportunity, we want to share with you some of the joys of 2016.

Beyond School is an expanded learning opportunity where volunteers work with scholars to provide intensive academic support, social/emotional support, enrichment activities, and community service opportunities. This year, we provided a variety of enrichment activities. From yoga with Naado of Oxygen Yoga to coding classes with Code Red, students were able to learn about healthy ways to address stress, explore new career opportunities and much more. Additionally, this year, we had the pleasure of partnering with Wells Fargo and United Way to provide a Hands on Banking curriculum, where students and their parents improved financial literacy skills.

At Mission: St. Louis, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools for empowerment. Through enrichment classes, students are exposed to new opportunities and ideas. During Crew Time, scholars participate in discussions and activities to aid in social and emotional development. Family Night, which takes place several times throughout the school year, allows families in our program the opportunity to celebrate the success of scholars while also growing relationships between families and staff. We are able to partner with parents to ensure the academic, social and emotional growth of their children. We believe the involvement of family members has been essential to the growth of students in our program.

Thank you families. Thank you volunteers. Thank you Success Coaches. Thank you Liaisons.

We could not do what we do without you.