Community Schools

What is a Community School? Coalition for Community Schools

Community Schools are Smart Schools Community Schools help students learn Community Schools build strong communities

What is a Community School? Partnerships between the school and other community resources 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 Integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and community engagement Schools are the center of the community and are open to everyone – all day, every day, evenings and weekends Improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities

Community Schools Include: Health and Social Supports Engaging Instructions Extra Learning Opportunities Early Childhood Development College, Career & Citizenship Community Engagement Family Engagement Strategic Alignment Youth Development

What’s the bottom line? Community schools are about focusing joint community and school resources on student success which leads to community success.

The findings suggest that when all the conditions for learning are integrated in a single environment, the benefits are multiplied. In the 20 evaluations reviewed, findings showed the following improvements in: Student Learning: Community school students show significant and widely evident gains in academic achievement and in essential areas of non-academic development. Family Engagement: Families of community school students show increased stability and are more able to meet basic needs. They communicate more with teachers and are more involved in their children’s school. School Effectiveness: Community schools enjoy improved parent-teacher relationships and increased teacher satisfaction. School environments are more positive and community support increases. Community Vitality: Community schools promote better use of school buildings, and their neighborhoods enjoy increased security, heightened community value and better rapport among students and residents. Community Schools Effectiveness

Communities in Schools

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Greenbrier County Communities in Schools – Communities In Schools of Greenbrier County (CISGC) is a local West Virginia affiliate of the nation's leading drop-out prevention program, Communities In Schools. CISGC's mission is "to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life." CISGC links educators with the community to bring local talents and resources into the schools and create a network of support that keeps kids in school and engaged in learning. As a result, teachers are free to teach and students have the opportunity and skills to focus on learning.

Greenbrier County Communities in Schools –

Cabell County Communities in Schools - We are making a difference in the lives of children. CIS is a local, non-profit organization dedicated to connecting community resources to the schools and students who need them.

Resources Coalition for Community Schools What is community school munity%20School%20Definition%20and%20Graphics.pdf Community school check list ssment.pdf ssment.pdf Communities in Schools

Select WV Resources WV School Health Technical Assistance Center at Marshall University – Website: Services available: technical assistance to support community and school partnerships for school based health services in areas of primary health care, mental health and dental health. WV School Based Health Assembly– Website: Services available: Assist schools interested in new school-based health centers to find sponsors. Serves as the lead membership organization and unified voice in the state for the advancement of comprehensive school health services.

Contact Information: Paula Fields, Coordinator Community Schools WVDE Office of Healthy Schools Teresa Mace, Coordinated School Health Director WVDHHR

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ― Mother TeresaMother Teresa