Who can I contact for more information about community schools?
For more information about HCPSS community schools, please contact communityschools@hcpss.org.
How can an organization partner with a community school?
The Howard County Public Schools Partnerships Office unites business and community organizations with schools to build rewarding, sustainable partnerships in support of the school system
How will the community school programs engage partner voices?
Community schools are places where everyone’s voice matters and multiple strategies are employed for shared and authentic decision-making about implementation of the strategy.
What happens at community schools?
Community schools operate the same way as other HCPSS schools, with additional focus on expanded learning opportunities; health and social supports and services; family and community engagement; and early childhood development. Programs and services vary school-to-school based on local needs and goals established by a school site community school team inclusive of all community voices.
What makes a community school unique?
Although most schools work with community partners and programs, community schools programs work intentionally to engage specified strategies that are focused collaborative efforts aligned with the school’s academic plans and goals. Through authentic engagement with school and community leaders; educators; community partners; students; families; and residents, a community school serves to be a hub that promotes positive, equitable outcomes for students, families, and communities.
What does the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future require for community school programs?
MSDE and local community school programs are required to follow identified community school best practices that include:
How are community school sites funded?
Howard County Public School System is planning to designate its first-ever community schools for the 2023-24 school year. These sites will be funded through Concentration of Poverty Grants established by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation and funding by the Maryland Leads Initiative through the Maryland State Department of Education.
How are community school sites designated?
In Maryland, a community school is any school that receives a Concentration of Poverty Grant (CPG) established by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation. The Maryland State Department of Education indicates that nearly one-third of Maryland public schools will be converted to the proven community school model by 2027. These schools are eligible for the grant based on a calculation of the number of students living in poverty enrolled at the school