Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Spring Valley School
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 2701 Sydney Drive
City: Birmingham
State: AL
Postal Code: 35211
Main Phone: 205-613-1200
Main Fax: 205-423-8662
Organization Website: https://www.springvalleyschool.org/
Employer ID Number: 63-1253000
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/27/2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Supporting the Comprehensive Wellness Needs of SVS Staff and Students
Project Description:

Spring Valley School (SVS) is an independent, co-ed, college preparatory school for grades 1-12 whose mission is to provide excellence in education for students with learning differences, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD.

SVS tried to weather a challenging time during the pandemic. However, for SVS students, this period was a great challenge for them academically, mentally, and socially. SVS students need more support to regain what they lost during the pandemic in their executive functioning and fine motor skills. In addition to students struggling, our staff were also struggling with their own mental health and returning to a more demanding role post-pandemic. To provide an excellent education for SVS students, SVS staff must have a healthy approach to their own mental health and wellness. Investing in our employees’ wellness has many benefits, including: improved student health and academic outcomes, increased presence of teachers and their awareness while working, a decrease in the cost of substitutes, etc.

SVS is requesting funding to support the social, emotional, and mental health of students, families, and SVS staff. Funding will support: (1) staff positions focused on social-emotional skill (SEL) development in students and staff: two school counselors, a part-time Speech Language Pathologist, and a part-time Occupational Therapist; (2) professional development in SEL and collaborative problem-solving for SVS staff, (3) SEL lessons in classrooms schoolwide, and (4) staff wellness activities.

Providing all school employees with professional development that focuses on building their own social-emotional skills positively affects students. This is in addition to professional development that teaches adults how to build these skills in children. When schools cultivate the social and emotional competence and capacity of the adults in the building, students feel supported and empowered, can collaborate effectively, and build relational trust.

Total Project Budget: $243,598.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): To date, SVS has received funding for this Initiative from the Daniel Foundation of Alabama, $60,000 over two years; Protective Life Foundation, $5,000 (Year 1); Baptist Health Foundation, $5,000 (Year 1); and SVS has set aside $15,000 for this fiscal year, and $50,000 for the next fiscal year, dedicated to this initiative. SVS has the following potential funding sources (grant requests pending): PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation, $10,000; Encompass Health Foundation, $10,000; Malone Family Foundation, $25,000; and Melba Meyer Bayer Charitable Trust, $7,500.

Project Duration: This project is currently planned as a two-year initiative. If funding is received, it would be utilized for Year 2 which is 7/1/2024 – 6/30/2025.
Geographical Area Served: SVS serves children from the Greater Birmingham area, including the following counties: Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby, and Walker.
Age Group To Be Served: Grades 1-12 (ages 7-18)

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Dr.
Contact First Name: Laura
Contact Last Name: Fiveash
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 205-613-1200
Contact Email: lfiveash@springvalleyschool.org