Community Schools Provide Comprehensive Support Beyond Education
This spring, Dr. Michael D. Fox Community Schools unveiled a resource pantry catering to its students and families. Stocked with prepared meals, canned goods, neatly folded donated clothes, and essential toiletries like diapers and wipes, the pantry was established in response to the needs voiced by numerous families associated with the pre-K to fifth-grade public school, which serves almost 500 students.
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LaToya Adgers, the site coordinator for the school affiliated with the Hartford community services organization, the Village for Families and Children, played a pivotal role in orchestrating donations from businesses and organizations.
Community Schools
While schools having food or clothing pantries for families in need isn’t unprecedented, the distinctive aspect of this initiative is the collaboration with external organizations, reflecting a broader trend known as community schools. M.D. Fox Elementary School, part of this growing phenomenon, coordinates with 10 to 20 organizations overseen by the Village for Families and Children, exemplifying the collaborative approach of community schools that integrate nonprofits, businesses, and colleges on-site to provide comprehensive services to students and their families.
Although community schools have existed for over a century, their significance has been underscored by the pandemic, highlighting schools as hubs for resources beyond teaching and learning. There are now around 5,000 community schools nationwide, and the renewed attention and funding for this approach stem from its proven efficacy in improving attendance and graduation rates. Community schools address a spectrum of student and family challenges, from hunger and homelessness to healthcare, removing barriers hindering students from fully participating in and benefiting from their education.
The four pillars of a full-service community school encompass integrated support services through partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and higher education institutions; active family and community engagement; expanded and enriched learning opportunities, including after-school, weekends, and summers; and collaborative partnerships among parents, students, school administrators, and community leaders. While these pillars provide a framework, the approach is not one-size-fits-all, emphasizing the need for customized strategies based on the specific needs and demographics of each community.
Universities and colleges play a crucial role in community schools, forming valuable partnerships. The Netter Center University-Assisted Community Schools Network, established by the University of Pennsylvania in 2015, exemplifies this collaboration, with approximately 70 universities participating. These institutions contribute college students for assistance, technical expertise, and research, providing community school students with exposure to the college environment through programs or events.
The community school model, though not without dissent, is gaining traction and support. Advocates argue that addressing challenges beyond the school walls, such as food scarcity and health issues, is essential for effective learning. The Biden administration, along with states like California, Maryland, and New Mexico, is prioritizing community schools, evident in increased federal appropriations for community school grants. Research indicates that community schools lead to improved attendance and graduation rates, with a focus on broader academic outcomes over time.
Despite broad support, concerns exist, including skepticism from some demographics and the necessity of incorporating new instructional approaches to enhance educational equity. The transformative potential of community schools extends beyond additional support services, aiming to redefine the relationship between schools, communities, students, and families. While challenges persist, the emphasis on inclusive decision-making and building trust within communities marks a pivotal shift toward holistic educational models that address the multifaceted needs of students and their families.
