At Ladue Schools, creating an inclusive learning environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued is at the heart of our mission. That collective commitment was on display on Sept. 11, 2026, as the Reed Elementary community gathered for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to open its new outdoor instrument garden.

The permanent musical installation on the school playground offers students of all abilities an interactive, sensory-rich space to collaborate, create, and connect through the universal language of music.

While the instruments were made possible by a generous donation from the Blomker family, whose daughter, Elle, is a third-grader at Reed, the gift itself serves as a tribute to the welcoming, compassionate culture that Reed’s students, staff, and families build daily.

Through this new instrument garden, Reed will provide an accessible playground where all students can enjoy making music side by side. 

Monica Williams, a paraprofessional now in her third year at Reed Elementary and her 15th year with the Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis County, has worked alongside Elle since she first arrived at the school. For Ms. Williams, watching the community rally around every student brings immense joy.

"Coming here has given me more life," shared Ms. Williams, who has had four kids of her own attend Ladue Schools. “Ladue's a great community, and it’s a welcoming community, and I think that we need to always be aware of inclusion. It is important because every student deserves to enjoy the same experiences.”

Reed Elementary Principal Dr. Chris Schreiner reflected on the deeper meaning behind the gift during the ceremony, emphasizing how the collaborative spirit of the school community creates a place where every student can flourish.

“The Blomker family gave these instruments to our school as a way of saying thank you to all of the amazing students, teachers, and staff for creating a school community that is so kind, inclusive, welcoming, and joyful, a place where Elle and every student can feel like they truly belong,” said Dr. Schreiner. “I can’t think of a better gift for our school because these instruments remind us of something really important: When we work together, we can create something special.”

The new instrument garden stands as a lasting symbol of what happens when a school community unites around a shared purpose: ensuring every student enters to learn, feels a deep sense of belonging, and is empowered to succeed