Community Schools

 

We are honored to work in partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools, and a powerful network of community partners to co-create community schools throughout Asheville and Buncombe County. We believe community schools provide students and families with the resources, opportunities, and support systems they need to succeed. Together, we transform our local schools into district-wide hubs of service to ensure all students learn, grow, and thrive.

 

"Community Schools are public schools that partner with community to create 
the conditions necessary for students and families to thrive inside and outside of the classroom."

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We partner with 9 schools throughout Asheville and Buncombe County:

Asheville, Enka, Erwin, Owen, A.C. Reynolds, North Buncombe Middle Schools, Asheville High/SILSA, Enka Intermediate, and Hall Fletcher Elementary. United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County employs a full-time Community School Coordinator who works onsite at each school. These dedicated staff members coordinate student and family support systems utilizing the community school strategy. The community school strategy encompasses four pillars that together create the conditions necessary for students and families to thrive:

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Active Family
& Community Engagement
 

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Integrated 
Student Supports
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Collaborative Leadership
& Practice

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Expanded
Learning Time
& Opportunities

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The Power and Promise of Community Schools

 

 

Community Schools Strategies

Community Engagement Markets offering free curbside food box pickup three times/month have been taking place to support community members with additional resources. A partnership amongst our organization, Buncombe County Government, and MANNA Foodbank has ensured these staple no-contact markets are accessible and spread throughout the county at Enka Middle, Erwin Middle, and Asheville Middle School.

Community Engagement Market Schedule:

Enka Middle School: First Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Erwin Middle School: Second Monday, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Asheville Middle School: Third Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

* We also encourage you to give our Community Resource Specialists a call at 211-- free, confidential, with translation available to help you navigate access to additional community resources closest to you.

Student Success Planning — utilizes asset-based and student-centered practices, partnerships, and technology to support student academic growth via:

  • Proactive referrals to in-school supports and community partner enrichment opportunities;
  • Coordinated and comprehensive approaches between school and community partners;
  • Schools' and community partners' ability to support progress and celebrate success.
  • A cross-sector workgroup meets monthly to focus on data-sharing, best practices, and technology supports.
    • For more information, including joining the Student Success Planning Lunch and Learns, and getting your school or organization involved, contact jo.jamison.

Community School Resource Teams include students, family members, school staff, and community partners who together support family and community engagement, volunteer recruitment, youth leadership, school staff appreciation events, and more!

  • To join a Resource Team at Asheville, Enka, Erwin, N. Buncombe, Owen, Reynolds middle schools, Asheville High/SILSA, Enka Intermidiate, or Hall Fletcher Elementary, contact Kyle Garrett.

Restorative Practices emphasize the importance of positive relationships as central to building community and restoring relationships when harm has occurred. Kerri Berkowitz, a national leader in Restorative Practices serves as coach and consultant while local trainers offer ongoing opportunities for peer practice and support.

  • To learn more or join the next training, contact Kyle Garrett.

 

 

 

Next Steps