Greg Van Ewyk

A COMMUNITY SCHOOL IS A PLACE THAT INCORPORATES A SET OF PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES.

ACADEMICS SOCIAL SERVICES HEALTH SERVICES YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CIVIC SERVICES FAMILY STRENGTHENING CAREER SERVICES COLLEGE PREPARATION LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ATHLETICS TUTORING – STUDY HALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

First public community schools made available through legislation in 1965 (Elementary and Secondary Education Act).

After school programs and community schools develop most prevalently in the early 1990’s.

The early 2000’s see the creation of university research groups created solely to study the benefits of community schools, including the Harvard Family Research Project

Arne Duncan announces schools will become “centers for community life” as part of the National School Agenda. (2009)

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS

BENEFITS FOR COMMUNITY

Learn about career choices

Learn about participation in democracy

Students can master technology skills

Increased self-worth and self-esteem

Increases language and writing development in immigrant children

Community leaders feel honored to help students

True “partnerships” in education can be developed, beyond business donations.

Communities develop skills for future community leaders

The community develops a sense of cohesiveness

Network leads to economic development

Education research focuses on schools

Most students spend 20% of their time in school.

The community school can provide cultural consistency and make parents aware of cultural differences in immigrant families

Parents can be taught what “school success” means and how to achieve it.

Offers interaction with elected officials

Students have participated in moderated public debates (unique venue)

First Amendment Schools Initiative – “where all members of the school community practice the civic habits of the heart necessary to sustain a free people.” (FAS Founders 2001)

Communication skills Leads to

participation in other community events and networks

Centers can teach hygiene and wellness

Mentorship programs teach students trust and responsibility

Police mentorship programs have demonstrated new levels of trust and decreased crime and violent crime when utilized in community schools.

Night classes are offered to prepare adults and parents in the following areas:

Language Literacy Technology Career Skills Healthcare College Programs Mental Health School Culture Introduction to

Community Creative and Visual

Arts