Our first year as a Full Service Community School has been a transformative journey in fostering student success and strengthening family engagement. From January to December 2023, we laid the groundwork for a supportive, inclusive, and thriving school environment by focusing on six core principles:

• Collaborative leadership
• Expanded learning opportunities
• Student and family engagement
• Integrated systems of support
• A culture of belonging
• Rigorous, community-connected classroom instruction

Key Accomplishments from Year 1

• School Program Engagement: Over 70% of our partner schools’ students participated in programs to enhance their academic and personal growth. These activities, ranging from educational support to after-school clubs and resource centers, have significantly improved the school climate and connected students and families to valuable resources.
• Health & Wellness Support: Both Dolan and Rippowam Middle Schools saw increased enrollment in their school-based health centers, ensuring more students had access to preventive care and mental health services directly at school. This has not only improved attendance but also reduced the need for families to arrange outside appointments, allowing students to stay focused on their education.
• Chronic Absenteeism: We’ve made progress addressing chronic absenteeism by focusing on relationship-building and providing supports that keep students engaged in school. Our attendance teams worked closely with families to identify barriers to regular attendance, offering solutions that reengage students, such as mentorship and restorative practices.
• Restorative Practices in Discipline: Focusing on minimizing out-of-school suspensions, our schools have embraced restorative practices to address student behavior, keep students learning, and repair conflict-related relationships. This shift has contributed to a safer, more supportive school environment.

Family Engagement

Engaging families is a cornerstone of our community school model. In the first year, we hosted multiple free, family-friendly events encouraging screen-free time and fostering stronger school-family connections. Feedback from families has been integral to shaping our approach, with ongoing surveys and focus groups helping to tailor school services and activities to meet the needs of our diverse community.

Looking Ahead

We are excited about what’s to come as we refine our approach. In the coming year, we aim to expand after-school enrichment programs, increase health center access, and strengthen the bridge between elementary and middle school for smoother student transitions. We also look forward to welcoming new community partners to broaden our services, including behavioral health, mentoring, and family support programs.

We’re proud of the progress made in Year 1, but this is just the beginning. Our commitment remains steadfast: to ensure every child in our community has the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Get Involved

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact us to see how you can support this transformative work in our community schools!

Community Schools Y1 Summary Report