Philadelphia has 12 Community Schools all across the city, which offer expanded school-based services to students and the surrounding community. Come summer, that mission doesn’t change. Our Community School Coordinators have had a busy summer across all of the Community Schools. Here is how four coordinators have spent the last few months preparing for the year ahead and creating a welcome space for all this summer!
1. Janelle Harper, South Philadelphia High School
On August 4, South Philadelphia High School hosted a Community Baby Shower and Early Childhood Expo from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The event was the first of its type for this school, free to all. The event featured free necessities for children and babies, including clothing, diapers, books, and toys. The event also featured workshops for families with children ages 0-3, with a focus on early literacy and pre-K.
Janelle said, “This is a really exciting opportunity for families with children under three years old to get the necessities they need. That’s what a community is, supporting those around you, and this is truly a Community Schools event.”
At many of our Community Schools our Coordinators are also excited to watch amazing programs and opportunities that city organizations are bringing to students. Janelle is excited about a mural coming soon to South Philadelphia High School, thanks to Mural Arts. “Three sides of the building were previously covered in murals, and now, all four sides will be. This gives our students and our community a sense of pride,” said Janelle.
2. Beth Dougherty, Southwark Elementary School
Beth said, “Summer comes and kids need something to do…I think more than anything else summer can be long and boring and hot. It is so important, as a community school, that we are providing opportunities for our kids to have something fun to do this summer.”
A lot is happening at Southwark this summer – including Farm Stands hosted by The Common Market, which provide a fun space for the community to interact and get healthy produce. There are also many summer camps taking place in the building. Beth said it’s amazing to watch those programs welcome students into the school, because everyone should have access this summer.
“Our kids in our summer campers are having fun. They’re engaged. They’re with their friends. I think that that’s really important. In some communities that is just given. All kids should have this experience.”
3. William Reed, William Cramp Elementary School
William shared, “Community schools leverage relationships, and build strong partnerships within the community with students, parents, and partners to take away the barriers to learning that students may face.”
In order to build upon these relationships, William hosts events throughout the year by working with partners and community members.
“Cramp has over 65 different partnerships across Philadelphia. We have different partners from all over the city that will come to Cramp to share their expertise and we’re really lucky to have that.”
As for this summer, Cramp is hosting a Garden Club every Thursday to teach students and community members how to properly grow and prepare healthy foods. With the school year just around the corner William is thinking about that as well. He shared that a retreat for Cramp partners is coming up in August. For families, a Back to School Jam will take place on August 21, featuring a resource fair, giveaways, and a chance for parents to meet their student’s teacher ahead of the August 27th start date for the school year.
4. Gregory Wright, Edward Gideon Elementary/Middle School
“It’s so easy to look at the concept of community within a school and say it takes place from 8-6, when the school building is open, but there’s so much more than that” Greg said. “The community is always around. The community is the people who care about the everyday lives of this area, whenever that area has needs.”
Gideon is closed for renovations this summer, but that doesn’t mean that this Community School isn’t making progress. Over the summer Gideon has seen improvements such as updated light fixtures, painted classrooms, new electronics and furniture in classrooms, and even added professional replicas of art from the Philadelphia Museum of Art!
When the doors open on August 27, when all Philadelphia students return to school, Gideon will be even more ready for another year of learning and activities. Last year there were many successful programs that Gregory said he can’t wait to continue this year – such as First Mondays, student-led farm stands, clothing giveaways, student job opportunities through National Workforce Opportunity Network, and student talent showcases including art displays, music, and poetry readings.
As for Gregory, he’s making sure to spend some time this summer engaging with students, families, and community members. “When students see their neighbors, people they respect in the school, around the neighborhood too, it gives them a little more desire to pay attention, to do what they need to do in school.”
Looking for more events at your local Community School? Each of our 12 Community Schools host events throughout the year! Visit the events calendar to see what’s coming up soon!
