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Board hears about community partnerships map and Poe's family learning communities pilot
Summary
Staff highlighted a Community Partnerships mapping tool that lists local organizations (about 167 featured) and a virtual course; Poe Magnet School leaders described Family Learning Communities that drew over 450 attendees at a recent Artscape kickoff.
A district community partnerships staff presenter outlined a new landing page and a mapping tool intended to help schools and staff locate local organizations and services. The presenter said 167 organizations are currently featured on the map and that most are nonprofit partners serving the whole district.
"From that landing page, you can subscribe to our newsletter," the presenter said while describing the Community Connections newsletter, the map's submission and vetting process and sponsorship opportunities for a summer leadership conference.
Christy Story, from Poe Gifted and Talented Magnet School, described Poe's Family Learning Communities (FLCs): cross–grade small family groups assigned to all students, monthly sessions led with prepared talking points and a March Artscape kickoff that organizers said exceeded expectations with more than 450 people in attendance. "I want to lead a school where every family feels supported," Story said, explaining the FLC intent to break barriers to family engagement and create small, lasting family groups.
Board members asked operational questions about outreach, translation for families whose home language is not English, how front-office staff should direct community offers, and whether the mapping tool could be promoted through chambers of commerce to increase community participation. Staff said they are offering a self-paced virtual course (five modules, one CEU) for staff, principal briefings, and platform tools to help schools find partners and avoid duplicate solicitations.
Presenters emphasized that schools must still follow volunteer processes where individuals require screening, but the mapping tool is a way to surface organizations and services that schools can use. Board members encouraged continued roll-out and more targeted communications to front-line school staff so community offers are not missed.
