Spotlight on Success: Wellness Services Support Greater School and Student Outcomes

Celebrate with us as we reflect on our 2019-2024 Strategic Plan and the many successes accomplished over the last five years. Today, we're sharing the story of how NVUSD's focus on "Equity-Centered Leadership and Inclusive Organizational Culture" is helping our students succeed in school and life.

“NVUSD is committed to creating safe and inclusive school climates that embrace the totality of a student’s experience,” shares Director III of Intervention and Prevention Sarah Knox.  One way NVUSD meets this commitment is through its intentional and defined wellness programming and physical Wellness Centers, located at American Canyon Middle School, Redwood Middle School, Silverado Middle School, Unidos Middle School, American Canyon High School, Vintage High School, and Napa High School.

Thanks to longstanding partnerships with the Napa Valley Education Foundation (NVEF) and through support from both Kaiser Permanente and the Napa Valley Vintners, Wellness Centers exist on these campuses and serve as crucial one-stop shops where students can check in with staff, connect with community providers and Peer Support, and receive support with academic, employment, housing, wellness services, and independent living skills. Research shows that wellness services result in greater school and student outcomes, including improved academic performance, increased school engagement, reduction in suspensions and expulsions, decreased referrals to Special Education, and increased graduation rates.

NVUSD also partners with Care Solace to support our community’s mental health, and families and students can access support from one of NVUSD’s Wellness Program Community Partners directly or through a warm handoff from one of our trained school site mental health professionals. 

The Napa Valley Unified School District and its partners have a history of investing in wellness resources and counseling through school-site Wellness Centers. We are proud of this and look forward to continuing to find creative ways to ensure our students are cared for and supported.

However, this is just the beginning! Learn more about how NVUSD is cultivating an Ecosystem of Carino. An environment where students are simultaneously challenged and supported, and according to Assistant Superintendent Pat Andry Jennings, “where students are seen, heard, and cared for each day.” Learn more about the social-emotional programming that supports this critical Ecosystem by clicking here!