Queens Lake Middle highlights community‑schools grant and says clubs have driven participation to nearly 70%
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Summary
Queens Lake Middle School presented the 'Connection Counts' Community Schools program, reporting large increases in extracurricular participation that staff said have improved attendance and engagement; two students described how clubs created belonging and leadership opportunities.
Queens Lake Middle School on Feb. 23 presented how it is using Virginia Department of Education Community Schools grant funding to expand extracurricular clubs and student supports, saying the effort has materially increased student engagement.
Principal Candace Welch told the board Queens Lake is one of three division schools selected for VDOE community‑schools funding; the school began implementation in 2024 and is now in its second year. Activities director Jenny Lester said the division intentionally surveyed students and staff to design clubs that reflect student interest, and reported that on many club days roughly 300 students stay after school to participate across multiple activities.
Board discussion clarified that 300 club participants represent roughly half of the building on a single club day, and Welch noted that participation across the year has been even higher: "We've had close to 70% of our students involved throughout the year," she said, tying the work to improved attendance and behavior measures.
Two students, Mikayla Roach and Levi Farrell, described their experiences: "Clubs and extracurricular programs are more than something to do after school. They give students a reason to feel connected," Roach said. Farrell said spirit club helps create belonging and encourages students who might otherwise feel invisible to get involved.
Presenters also described partnerships with local colleges and community organizations (example programs referenced: a canine club partnered with the sheriff’s office and SPCA), and said the VDOE funding supports supplies, staff stipends and the planning needed to sustain expanded offerings. Board members thanked students and staff and applauded the high level of participation.
What happens next: School staff said they will continue to expand club offerings and measure outcomes tied to attendance and student engagement; the board noted the model supports division strategic priorities around student connectedness and future‑ready outcomes.