Community Schools Collaboration
In 2007, Highline began working with Community Schools Collaboration to support Community Schools programs in White Center and to develop new programming in SeaTac, with funding from the Seattle Foundation and the Stuart Foundation.
Community Schools Collaboration is a local non-profit organization that brings together community organizations and schools to support children, youth, and families. Programs are typically offered in school facilities outside the school day. These can include homework help, arts and enrichment, and social services.
In 2007-08, Community Schools programming was offered at White Center Heights, Mount View, and Bow Lake elementary schools, Chinook and Cascade middle schools, and the Tyee Educational Complex.
Program Overview - from the Community Schools Collaboration website:
A community school is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and community engagement leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities. Using public schools as hubs, community schools bring together many partners to offer a range of support and opportunities to children, youth, and families and communities.
In a community school, youth, families and community residents work as equal partners with schools and other community institutions to develop programs and services in five areas:
* Quality education – High-caliber curriculum and instruction enable all children to meet challenging academic standards. The school uses all of the community’s assets as resources for learning and involves students in contributing to the solution of community problems.
* Youth development – Young people develop their assets and talents, form positive relationships with peers and adults, and serve as resources to their communities.
* Family support – Family resource centers, early childhood development programs, coordinated health, mental health and social services, counseling, and other supports enhance family life by building upon individuals’ strengths and skills.
* Family and community engagement – Family members and other residents actively participate in designing, supporting,
monitoring and advocating quality programs and activities in the school and community.
* Community development – All participants focus on strengthening the local leadership, social networks, economic viability and physical infrastructure of the surrounding community.
