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
Example: https://Freeconferencecall.com
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