At its May 15 U Are Special event, the School District of University City recognized Assistance League of St. Louis (ALSTL) as a district PACEsetter. This recognition spotlights volunteers who are Positively Affecting Community Education. ALSTL Public Relations Chair Jayne Foley and Outreach Co-chair Diana Huey, who work closely with the district, were recognized at the celebration.
Pictured left to right: Jayne Foley, ALSTL public relations chair; Diana Huey, ALSTL Outreach co-chair; Denise McKibben, President of ALSTL; Sandy Thal, Vice President of ALSTL; and Gary Spiller, Executive Director of Student Services and Innovation for the University City School District.
ALSTL has partnered with U City Schools since 2017, impacting students and families in so many ways. In a recent letter, Gary Spiller, U City Schools Director of Student Services, enumerated some of these contributions, especially noting new clothing and shoes shared with the U City boutique, where some of the most vulnerable students have the opportunity to select their own brand new, much-needed items. He summed up the impact this way: “Because of you, our students feel a greater sense of confidence and have proven to be more productive when they have access to new clothing. Simply put, when you look good, you feel good, and in general, you do good.”
ALSTL’s gifts of Zenimals are especially appreciated by Well-being Specialists and school social workers These guided meditation devices, tailored for specific age groups, are designed to reduce anxiety and calm students, from the very youngest through the teenage years. Gary Spiller explained, “The guided meditation support has aided our children in reducing anxiety, increasing mindfulness, and developing new coping strategies. These practices and social emotional skill sets are necessary to develop for life. Thank you for adding another wellness tool to our…toolkit!”
ALSTL President Denise McKibben said, “Our partnership with the University City Schools has grown over the past seven years and is an example of how ALSTL is focusing a variety of services in one community to deepen our impact. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to positively affect students and families in this community.”
