Community Schools Pilot Program Launched At 2 Local Schools

MOUNT VERNON, VA—Hybla Valley-based nonprofit United Community Ministries is partnering with two schools to launch the first Community Schools in Fairfax County. Designed to improve student outcomes through community partnerships, the pilot program will run at Walt Whitman Middle School and Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.

The school district identified the schools for the program based on student needs. UCM describes Community Schools as "centers of the community" with an integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement, leading to improved student learning, strong families, and healthier communities."

Community Schools are designed to be open to the community behind school hours and tailored to the needs of the community. The two Fairfax County schools will focus on bolstering family engagement, reducing chronic absences, and improving academic performance.

Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School plans to build community support for needed after-school programs. Walt Whitman Middle School’s first year efforts will also include a mentoring program with local businesses and community members.

“What I love about this program is that it allows us, in ways that are very unique, to reach the community and businesses, taking different groups that are working separately to bring them to work together,” said Walt Whitman Principal Craig Herring in a statement.

UCM, the lead partner for the program, will provide each school with a full-time Community
School Coordinator to help school staff build the program with community partners.

Community Schools is a partnership between UCM, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, Fairfax County Public Schools, and United Way of the National Capital Area. The initiative stems from One Fairfax, a commitment by the county and schools to consider equity in decision and policy making. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board adopted the policy in November 2017.

"Across the country, Community Schools have proven to be effective vehicles for bringing a full range of opportunities and supports to students and their families using schools as the hub of communities," said Karla Bruce, chief equity officer for Fairfax County. "The opening of Fairfax County’s first Community Schools is an exciting milestone and demonstrates the shared commitment of the county, FCPS, and our partners at UCM and United Way, to achieving the vision of One Fairfax: a community where all residents have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential."

Image: (from left): Timothy Johnson, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of the National Capital Area; Craig Herring, Principal at Walt Whitman Middle School; Dr. Clint Mitchell, Principal at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School; Dr. Scott Braband, Superintendent, Fairfax County Public Schools; Alison DeCourcey, Executive Director, United Community Ministries; and Sarah Allen, Deputy Director, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, image courtesy UCM