My partner and I recently met with Mrs. Phyllis Stoneburner in a virtual meeting. Her passion for her company and its mission was truly inspiring. During the Fit and Fresh Block Party, we also had the opportunity to connect with several individuals who are equally passionate about providing health services to those in need.
Since that experience, I’ve been thinking about more proactive ways to advertise these valuable services. Too often, we wait until a family reaches out or shares their need for support—but some families are very private and may miss out on these impactful opportunities.
It’s become clearer to me that Chesapeake Public Schools is working not just to support students academically, but to serve the “whole” family. As teachers, we strive to do the same for our students—supporting them both inside and out.
I assisted with developing a booklet for the Annual Breakfast, planning and organizing activities, and creating a social media page to connect with the local community. Our goal is to reach more families who could benefit from the support that Kids N' Kin offers. We believe that expanding their presence through social media and growing their community network will allow more people to access their valuable resources.
My partner and I pondered if a liaison—such as a principal—could be designated to meet with outside agencies regularly. These meetings could serve as a platform to discuss upcoming events, community needs, and shared concerns. Teachers are already seeing the challenges students face in the classroom, and adults seem more willing to open up and engage with support systems beyond the school walls. Strengthening this connection could help both the school and external organizations better achieve their mission and vision.
Attending a medical presentation on the rise of syphilis in the local community was not something I anticipated as part of my leadership preparation. However, it reminded me that educational leaders must have a broad understanding of the community factors that influence student well-being. Through listening to medical professionals across hospitals, clinics, and schools, I saw the value of cross-sector collaboration and the importance of prevention, awareness, and resource access. This experience reinforced that effective leadership requires engaging with topics that may feel uncomfortable or unexpected, because the health of our community ultimately affects the health, learning, and success of our students.
This experience helped me realize that, as a leader in the school system, I am responsible not only for supporting students’ academic growth but also for providing resources for their overall health and well-being. To lead effectively, I must understand the resources available to the families I serve. Our division is committed to supporting the whole family, recognizing that every component of a child’s life influences their ability to learn. Some families may be forced to choose between essential needs like food, diapers, or formula. While I may not be able to provide these supports directly, knowing where to direct families and who to connect them with allows me to serve as a supportive leader.