Leveraging Community Partnership for School Success

Community partnership is necessary for the success of a school. Educating a child is not a singular job, it’s a team effort. By leveraging community partnerships, schools will reach new levels of success.

The California Department of Education says: “Family and community engagement greatly increases the likelihood that students will learn and thrive. Students are more prepared for school, more likely to achieve, and more likely to graduate when they are supported by schools, families, and communities working together in a coordinated manner.”

There are various ways in which schools can incorporate the community into their mission and daily operation. This post will uncover 5 ways and share the benefit of each.

Career Readiness

There are so many jobs in and around the community. Having community members come into the classroom to share information with students about their career builds a strong real world connection. Students are exposed to a variety of work options for their future while also building relationships with key figures in the community. A school-wide career fair or individual class guest presentations will build career readiness in students.

Financial

Schools are always looking for funding sources to purchase curriculum, instructional resource supplements, technology and more. They even use funding to hire additional staff members or bring in guest speakers for in-house field trips or professional development opportunities for teachers. By donating funds, schools are able to enhance their instructional and environmental offerings to students. In turn, these gifts tend to impact current and future students for the long term.

Item Donations

If a financial donation is not an option for community members, donating items for classrooms and office staff are highly recommended. Having a list of common items to share with community members at the ready, ensure partnerships are built in ways that matter. Also, physical donations are helpful because schools can save the financial offerings to purchase bigger ticket items. Common requested donations are office supplies, pencils, erasers, white out, stickers, folders, lined paper, printer paper, rulers, pens, notebooks, stapler, staples, tape, scissors, crayons, markers, glue, construction paper, and reward items for students.

Mentorship

Student mentorship options allow children to build relationships with stable, inspirational adults. Mentors can emotionally support students while also assisting them academically. The goal of these partnerships is to increase academic success, confidence, and emotional stability. As a result, students feel a sense of belonging at the school, gain life skills, improve test scores, and increase attendance rates. By involving the community in a student mentorship program, allows volunteers to use their skills and talents to make a positive impact on the lives of students living in their own hometown.

Parental Collaboration

Inviting parents into the school on a continuous basis builds relationships with the most important stakeholder in the education of the child. Offering learning sessions in regards to teaching methods, specific curriculum and how to support at home create a true partnership. When important decisions are to be made at the school level regarding students, inviting parents into the conversation and allowing their vote ensures their support throughout the year. Utilizing feedback surveys, positive phone calls home, and school-wide event participation allow parent opinions and skillsets to enhance the learning experience for their child(ren) at the school.

Next Steps

1. Continue reading about leveraging community partnership for school success by reading this past blog post entitled “How to Lead Community Partnerships.”
2. Listen to this past bonus podcast episode entitled “The Power of Community.” Hear tips from coaches in the trenches for what aspects meant the most to them in finding an empowering community.
3. Build a strong sense of peer-peer community among teacher teams via professional learning communities by downloading these printable guides.

If you are need of resources to help you become an even stronger coach, browse these printable and digital options. Check out my instructional coaching must-haves too! Classroom resources are also available here. Also, catch up on other helpful blog posts here.

GO BE GREAT! 

 

 

 

How do you incorporate the community into your school?