PEABODY — The Peabody Education Foundation, with generous funding from North Shore Bank, has announced the launch of the Wayfinder program in all Peabody Public Schools as part of the Foundation’s ongoing Mental Wellness Initiative.
This innovative program, made possible by a $30,000 donation from North Shore Bank, will provide students with essential tools to support their mental health, build resilience, and foster a strong sense of belonging.
Through the work of Peabody PROMISE, parents, staff, and community members identified the Wayfinder curriculum as the preferred choice to meet the community’s needs. The Foundation is excited to bring such a comprehensive PreK-12 curriculum to Peabody’s students, staff, and families.
The Foundation is deeply committed to providing resources that help PPS address the growing mental health needs of students.
“We believe that every child deserves to feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive, both in and out of the classroom,” said David Gravel, president and chairman of the Foundation. “Wayfinder is a research-backed program that aligns perfectly with our mission to nurture the whole child.”
Wayfinder is a PreK-12 curriculum developed at Stanford University’s K12 Lab, grounded in the latest research on child and adolescent development. The program equips students with durable, future-ready skills such as self-awareness, empathy, collaboration, adaptability, and purpose.
Through engaging lessons and activities, Wayfinder helps students:
- Build a sense of belonging and community
- Develop self-confidence and emotional intelligence
- Strengthen communication and conflict resolution skills
- Learn strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and social challenges
- Foster leadership and agency for lifelong success
Wayfinder’s flexible curriculum includes:
- Core lessons tailored by grade level, with 20 lessons per year for elementary students (15-20 minutes each), 26 lessons per year for middle school students (30 minutes each), and 21 lessons per year for high school students (30 minutes each)
- Activity libraries and collections on topics like anti-bullying, digital citizenship, and mental health
- Assessment tools for tracking student well-being and growth
- Support for all students, including small group and individual interventions for those who need extra help
Wayfinder is used in hundreds of school districts globally and has demonstrated positive outcomes:
- 88% of educators report more meaningful conversations with students about their futures
- 85% see improved classroom behavior
- Three in four notice increased positive collaboration among students
“On behalf of the Peabody Public Schools community, we are extremely grateful for the generosity of North Shore Bank and the unwavering support and advocacy from the Peabody Education Foundation,” said Superintendent Josh Vadala.
