The Community Schools Strategy works in partnership with a variety of stakeholders to remove barriers from students, families and communities in order to thrive. Ways a community school does this is by providing an array of wraparound services.

Community School Coordinators partner with students, families, and stakeholders to identify and fill in the gaps where our students need more resources and support in order to ensure their personal and academic success. A CSC provides comprehensive support and resources that are selected to meet their students’ and families’ needs and interests, which are rooted in the understanding and perspectives of the surrounding community. A Community School Coordinator is a resource for families helping them stay connected with the school community. They are advocates for students and families.

Through strategic partnerships, community schools work to provide access to high-quality academics, health services, mental health support, academic enrichment, out-of-school time programming, crisis support, adult education classes, leadership development, and more.

In the first year (2022-2023) of being a Community School a needs assessment is completed. The needs assessment looks at a variety of data such as surveys from staff, students (4th and 5th grade) and families, focus groups, asset mapping and archival data

Once survey's were completed, all the data collection was reviewed with the Community Schools Steering committee. The Steering Committee involves the Community Schools Coordinator, Principal, Teachers, School Counselors, PTA members and Stakeholders.

As a team, the Steering Committee identified the schools greatest needs based on the data collection. Below are the three areas of need determined. Moving forward GES will implement a plan to meet the need and close the gaps to improve success for all students and families.

The Care Closet is a resource available to all students at GES. It provides students with everyday items, such as personal hygiene products, school supplies, and snacks. The goal is to provide students access to any basic need items they may have, so that they can focus on their education. All students regardless of income are eligible to use the Care Closet, without any cost to them or their family. Please contact the Community Schools Coordinator for assistance with any items you may need or ways to donate to our Care Closet.

February is Black History Month and an essential time to honor the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history and in our communities today. This month serves as an opportunity to reflect on the resilience, creativity, and leadership of Black voices, many of which have been historically marginalized or overlooked.

Why do we celebrate Black History Month? It is not just about acknowledging the past but also about affirming the vital role that Black history plays in shaping our collective story. By uplifting and showcasing BIPOC voices in our classrooms and literature, we foster an environment where all students see themselves reflected in the curriculum, encouraging empathy, understanding, and a more inclusive worldview.

Game night was so fun! We had over 100 families join us for a night full of board games and pizza. Be on the look out for our next game night in May!

Ashley Zdradzinski, LMSW

Email: Powell.ashley@ccpsstaff.org
Website: https://www.greensboroes.org/
Location: 627 North Main Street, Greensboro, MD, USA
Phone: 410-479-3885