Definition:  a community school...

g  Unites academics with families, school, and community to create a web of support that nurtures the development of children and adults.

g  Is both a place and a network of supportive partnerships between the school and the community, promoting improved student learning, stronger families, and healthier communities.

g  Is uniquely equipped to enhance the learning environment of schools by providing opportunities that improve students’ success and build a community prepared for the 21st century.

Vision...

We envision a time when community schools serve as centers of community life, offering comprehensive programs, services, and opportunities to students, families, and the neighboring community.

Sustained by family, school. and community partnerships, community schools provide nurturing environments and enriching opportunities which promote successful learning.

With the support of community schools, every student will graduate from high school with a complete education, equipped with the academic, physical, social, and emotional skills needed to achieve success and continued active involvement in the community.
 

The Tulsa Area Community Schools Initiative (TACSI) provides leadership and influence to engage local communities in creating and sustaining community schools that support academic success and strengthen children, families, and communities.
 

g  Children and youth are our most precious resources.

g  All children can learn.

g  A community school improves student learning and promotes family engagement with students and their school.

g  All families deserve access to guidance, support, and resources, as they are the primary nurturers, educators, and advocates for their children.

g  Families, schools, and communities must work together to create safe and secure environments in which all young people can succeed.

g  Community partnerships increase opportunities available for student and family learning.

g  Public, private, and faith-based community organizations and businesses play a vital role in promoting positive youth development and capable families.

g  Community schools add vitality and stability to neighborhood communities.

g  Diversity is an asset to be valued and respected.

g  Strong and innovative leadership is necessary for long-term planning and sustainability.

g  A community school is strengthened by a system of accountability, evaluation, and continuous process improvement.

g  The best outcomes for students will be realized when these conditions for learning are in place:

The school has a core instructional program with qualified teachers, a challenging curriculum, and high standards and expectations for students.

Students are motivated and engaged in learning--both in school and in community settings, during and after school.

The basic physical, mental, and emotional health needs of young people and their families are recognized and addressed
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Mutual respect and effective collaboration exist among parents, families, and school staff.

Community engagement and school efforts promote a school climate that is safe, supportive, and respectful, and connects students to a broader learning community.

Early childhood development is fostered through high-quality, comprehensive programs that nurture learning and development.
 

Core components of a community school...

•g  Positive early childhood care and development
 

•g  Health / health education
 

•g  Mental health / social services
 

•g  Family / community engagement
 

•g  Youth development / out-of-school time
 

•g  Neighborhood development
 

•g  Life-long learning
 

Mentoring to the Max:  TACSI and the Mayor's initiative

A new $40,000 grant from Bank of America and the Walton Family Foundation will support mentoring programs at all 18 TACSI elementary schools, through the City of Tulsa's Mentoring to the Max initiative.  Story and radio interviews on KWGS

More on Mentoring to the Max -- including its newest component, Mentoring to the Max with Music (music mentors needed!)

Chart: TACSI governance structure

For more information, please contact Jan Creveling at the Community Service Council, 585-5551.

TACSI is part of the Coalition for Community Schools, which supports THE COMMUNITY AGENDA FOR AMERICA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS.  Read more