What is a Community School?

What is a Community School?
A community school is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. It has an integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and community engagement that leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities. Schools become centers of the community and are open to everyone – all day, every day, evenings and weekends.

Using public schools as hubs, community schools bring together many partners to offer a range of supports and opportunities to children, youth, families and communities. Partners work to achieve these results:

  • Children are ready to learn when they enter school and every day thereafter. All students learn and achieve to high standards.
  • Young people are well prepared for adult roles in the workplace, as parents and as citizens.
  • Families and neighborhoods are safe, supportive and engaged.
  • Parents and community members are involved with the school and their own life-long learning.
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Where are the Community Schools Located?

Elton Gregory Middle School, Obsidian Middle School, Lynch Elementary ,Terrebonne Community School , and Vern Patrick Elementary are now Redmond Community Schools with after school and evening programming.
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Why Do We Need Community Schools?

Research tells us that young people need a wide range of opportunities available to them in order to succeed.  All of our children, regardless of their economic situation and racial or family circumstances, deserve access to opportunities which will allow for success.

There are many challenges to schools and educators today that Community Schools address:

§         Cultural differences

§         Poverty

§         Transience

§         Too much unstructured time

§         Disinterest in the educational process

§         Health concerns

§         Unsafe school environments

§         Lack of funding for schools

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What is the Vision for a Community School
Schools and communities must work to fulfill five conditions for
every child to succeed.
The school has a core instructional program with qualified teachers, a challenging curriculum, and high standards and expectations for students.  High-caliber curriculum and instruction enable all children to meet challenging academic standards. The school uses all of the community’s assets as resources for learning and involves students in contributing to the solution of community problems.

Students are motivated and engaged in learning – both in school and in community settings, during and after school.Young people develop their assets and talents, form positive relationships with peers and adults, and serve as resources to their communities.

The basic physical, mental and emotional health needs of young people and their families are recognized and addressed.  Family resource centers, early childhood development programs, coordinated health, mental health and social services, counseling, and other supports enhance family life by building upon individuals’ strengths and skills.

There is mutual respect and effective collaboration among parents, families and school staff.  Family members and other residents actively participate in designing, supporting, monitoring and advocating quality programs and activities in the school and community.

Community engagement, together with school efforts, promotes a school climate that is safe, supportive and respectful and connects students to a broader learning community.  All participants focus on strengthening the local leadership, social networks, economic viability and physical infrastructure of the surrounding community.