Developing a Sense of Community

  • How can local businesses support your schools?

    • Can they offer free wifi access in their parking lots?

    • Could they assist with copying of materials and collating packets?

    • Can they help with delivering materials to homes?

    • Do they have ‘swag’ or unused office supplies that could support student learning -- pencils, pens, sticky notes, jump drives, etc.?

    • Do they have local broadcasting or advertising capabilities to help share messages?

  • Consider contacting the local Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions Club, Chambers of Commerce, or similar organizations to find businesses willing to provide support.

  • Consider using local drive-in movie theaters for instruction, commencement, and awards ceremonies.

  • Are there Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs, YMCA, Salvation Army, Penn State Extension, or similar organizations that provide support to families in your area? How can you coordinate supports across organizations?

  • Consider leveraging existing student leadership organizations, such as FFA, 4-H, scouts, and National Honor Society, for input on how to reach other students, service learning opportunities, and community connections.

  • PBS programs

  • Key Considerations:

    • Connection with community is a key factor in mental wellness

    • Consider having staff make contact with students on an regular schedule (See Every Child, Every Day below)

    • Utilize group phone calls, phone based zoom meetings and group texts to support students being able to connect with others

    • Consider assignments to have students phone interview other students, staff, people in professions they are interested in local businesses, college professors, etc., to pair learning with contact with others

    • Work with your technology staff to identify safe resources to create ways to connect