"Community Schools" is a way to make schools better by working together, sharing leadership, and getting the community involved. Community Schools focus on helping the whole child in every student in different ways, making sure each child’s needs are met.

Community Schools have four important parts/pillars:

• Integrated Students Supports:  Support for students to help them succeed.
• Family and Community Engagement:  Involvement of families and the community to help students learn.
• Collaborative Leadership:  Working together as leaders in the school.
• Extended Learning Opportunities: Extra learning opportunities outside of regular class time.

Each Community School is different because they are made to fit the needs of the students and families in that area, using the strengths of the community.

Community Schools help make sure that:

Equity and Access - All students and families can get the resources, opportunities, and support they need to do better in school and feel good about themselves.

Improved Outcomes - Community Schools use a plan that has been shown to help students do better in school, come to class more often, and improve their overall well-being, both at school and in the community.

Parents and families play an important role in Community Schools. They help support their child’s learning and well-being in many ways. Here are some key roles parents have:

1. Getting Involved – Parents can be part of school activities, meetings, and events. This helps them stay connected with the school and their child’s education.

2. Supporting Learning at Home – Parents can help their child with homework, encourage good study habits, and create a positive environment for learning at home.

3. Communicating with Teachers – Parents can talk to teachers to understand how their child is doing in school and how to support them better.

4. Being a Voice for Their Child – Parents can share their ideas and concerns with the school, helping to make sure their child’s needs are met.

5. Building the Community – Parents can work with other families and local organizations to help make the school and the community a better place for everyone.

In a Community School, when parents are involved, students have a better chance to succeed!

Community Schools and School Staff:

The role of school staff in Community Schools is very important. They work together to make sure every student has the support they need to succeed. Here are some key roles of school staff:

1. Teachers – Teachers are there to help students learn. They plan lessons, teach new skills, and make sure students understand what they're learning. They also work with other staff to support students' needs.

2. Principal – The Principal and other leaders help run the school. They make decisions about how the school works, support teachers, and ensure that all students have the resources and help they need to succeed.

3. Wellness Team – School Social Workers, Psychologist and Behavior Technicians, help students with their emotions, mental health, and personal challenges. They work with students to help them feel better and do well in school.

4. Support Staff – School staff like the office staff, health clerk, instructional aides, noon duty aides and other helpers make sure students are healthy, safe, and supported. They help students with things like attendance, health problems, academic/behavior support, playground supervision or other needs.

5. Community Partners – Sometimes, schools work with outside organizations to give students extra help, like tutoring or after-school programs. These partners help strengthen the school and support the whole community.

School staff work together to create a positive and supportive environment where all students can grow, learn, and succeed.

Community partners play a big role in supporting Community Schools. They work with the school to provide extra resources, services, and opportunities that help students and their families. Here’s what community partners do:

1. Providing Extra Support – Community partners like local businesses, nonprofits, or health organizations can offer services that the school may not have. For example, they might help with tutoring, mental health support, or food programs.

2. Offering After-School Programs – Many community partners run after-school activities, clubs, or sports that help students learn new skills, stay active, and have fun outside of school hours.

3. Helping Families – Some community partners provide help to families, like access to food, clothing, housing, or transportation. This helps remove barriers so that students can focus on learning.

4. Providing Learning Opportunities – Community partners might offer workshops or programs that help students and their families learn about important topics, like academic skills, behavioral strategies, or social emotional help.

5. Creating a Stronger Community – By working together with the school, community partners help build a stronger and more connected community. This makes the school and the neighborhood a better place for everyone.

Community partners are important because they help fill in the gaps and make sure that all students have what they need to succeed in school and in life.