Community Schools in Arkansas Arkansas Healthy Child Summit 2017 Intersection of Education and Health June 28, 2017

What is a Community School? Community agencies, local government and parents join with school leadership to provide an integrated focus on Academics Health and Social Services Youth and Community Development Community Engagement

What is a Community School? Four Pillars of Community Schools: Integrated student supports Expanded learning time and opportunities Family and community engagement Collaborative leadership and practices

What is a Community School? Many operate year-round. Use of the school expands beyond the typical school schedule opening up for student and community programs after-school, weekends, and summers. A place-based school improvement strategy

What is a Community School? In rural areas, it makes sense for schools to be the center of the community. Many rural school districts are located in isolated areas struggling with out-migration. Small communities can stay connected through their school.

Rural Community Alliance King Foundation Grant Planning grant designed to address the needs in three struggling school districts—Lee County, Dollarway, and Dermott Goal: Organize a diverse group of stakeholders; complete community research and develop a strategic plan for a community school

Rural Community Alliance King Foundation Grant The grant effort was led by a local project director and the regional director. CRI provided technical assistance with the strategic planning process and data. It began with a short training seminar for project leaders in August, 2016.

Community Process

Putting It All Together

Rural Community Alliance King Foundation Grant Sample recommendations from strategic plans: Furnish a fully-equipped exercise/fitness room for student, staff and community use to alleviate poor community health, stress, obesity, poor life expectancy and overall well-being concerns Establish University of Arkansas Health Services Face-to-Face well-being partnership

Rural Community Alliance King Foundation Grant Superintendents from the three districts: Lee County – Ms.Murdock, Dollarway – Ms. Warren and Dermott – Ms. Ridgell

Lessons Learned The first step must be engaging the Superintendent and getting their ownership of the process and their understanding of the value of community involvement/leadership in this effort. Next, there must be a concerted effort to identify the key community stakeholders and engage them early and throughout the process. Find ways to keep the broader community informed but to complete a cohesive plan with a smaller group of participants.

Rural Community Alliance King Foundation Grant Top left is Dollarway, bottom left is Dermott, right is Lee County.

Lessons Learned The reach of the local leaders to local organizations can be supplemented working with and through the community. Examples: Health, Cooperative Extension An important aspect of success is the buy-in and empowerment of the local community members that participate in the planning.

Rural Community Alliance King Foundation Grant Highlights: Top left – Coach Noel and Mr. Clifton Collier present the Strategic Plan to the Lee County School Board. Bottom left – Health Department staff meet with community members in Lee County and give information about public health services available to their children. Right – Cake celebrating the Dermott school district being released from academic distress.

Contact Information Jerri Derlikowski jderlikowski@gmail.com Maria Jones mhjones2@Comcast.net www.communityresourceinnovations.com