Community School Engagement Strategy

In FY13 the Family League implemented a new strategy that braided together the previously independent work of Community Resource Schools (CRS) and Out of School Time (OST) Programs. Under this new Community and School Engagement Strategy Family League only invested in collaborative applications from schools and community partners that demonstrated strong principal commitment and intentional alignment to school and community goals.

Baltimore’s Community Resource Schools are a network of partnerships between the school and other community resources that promote student achievement and family and community well-being with the support of a full-time site coordinator. Its integrated focus on academics, enrichment, health and social supports, youth and community development and family engagement leads to student success, strong families and healthy communities. Partnerships allow schools to become resources to the community and offer programs and opportunities that are open to all.

Through the hard work of a range of partners, including community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, cultural institutions, universities and schools, Family League’s investment in out of school time programs provides children and youth the opportunity to enjoy a safe, nurturing environment to learn and play during out of school time/after school hours. Through participation children and youth will receive additional academic support, and practice time and will be afforded the opportunity to learn new skills, discover new talents, and develop interests in athletics and the arts. Additionally, children and youth will receive needed nutrition resources in the form of snacks and suppers provided through the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

 

    —   There are 38 Community Resource Schools in Baltimore City serving over 17,000 students and families. Connected to those 38 Community Resource  are 48 high quality Out of School Time programs with over 3,700 students enrolled and an average daily attendance of over 3,600 students. —

 

All sites are working in partnership with FLBC on the following outcomes:

School-Wide Outcomes

School Attendance:

  • Increase in overall school attendance percentage.
  • Reduction in school-wide number/percentage of students who are chronically absent.
  • Maintain consistent rates of high attendance

School Climate:

  • Reduction in overall number of school suspensions.
  • Reduction in number / percentage of students who have repeat/multiple suspensions.
  • Increase in frequency of positive/purposeful interactions between school staff (teachers) and parents.

Family and Community Engagement:

  • Increase the number/percentage of parents involved in activities that support their children’s education.
  • Increase number of parent and community volunteers.
  • Increase number of community partnerships and opportunities that address school and community needs.

Student-Level Outcomes

                School Attendance:

  • Increase school attendance of participating students.
  • Reduction in number/percentage of participating students who are chronically absent.

School Performance:

  • Increase the number/percentage of participating students who are reading at grade level (elementary school-aged)

Student Behavior:

  • Reduction in suspensions of participating students.

Youth Development:

  • Participants gain skills (academic and/or non-academic)

Participants have assets, attitudes and resources they need to suc

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pitching In to Support a Community School

Employees of State Farm Insurance pitched in to refurbish a greenhouse at Northwestern High School, which will be used for science instruction. Community School Coordinator Sam Walker oversaw the project.