Excerpted from Glenn McGee, Lessons from the Golden Spike High Poverty High Performing Schools, 2002:

Healthy Kids in Belleville

“A low-income community bordering East St. Louis and Cahokia, Belleville has a remarkable record of both achievement and improvement. With ISAT scores competitive with wealthy Chicago suburbs, two schools were on the HP/HP list [in 2001 and 2002]. These schools were quick to acknowledge unwavering district leadership in looking after the welfare of students. “Health for Kids” consists of two district vans that literally ferry students to physicals, immunizations, dental, doctor, and eye appointments. At Franklin, the principal conducts a health fair through Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville to immunize pre-schoolers, and the Bright Smiles dental program ensures that every child sees a dentist at least once a year. It is a district philosophy and a clear commitment to take care of the child’s basic needs—food, clothing, shelter—first so learning can then flourish. And flourish it does…!”