MCPS Community Schools

What is a Community School?

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Why Community Schools Matter

All children deserve a safe place to live, support and opportunity to learn, and encouragement to lead ethically.

Research has shown that Community Schools is a local engagement strategy that creates and coordinates opportunities with its public school to accelerate student success. It serves as a vehicle for hyper-local decision-making that responds to the unique needs of each community.

By bringing together the relationships and assets of a neighborhood, Community Schools can efficiently and effectively utilize resources to advance the well-being of children and their families now and for future generations.

Check Out Our Brochure!

MCPS Community Schools Brochure 2022-2023 Updated.pdf

Senate Bill 1030 5-203 FAQ

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY SCHOOL.pdf

Overview

History

In 2019, Senate Bill 1030 (5-203) defined community schools as “a public school that establishes a set of strategic partnerships between the school and other community resources that promote student achievement, positive learning conditions, and the well-being of students by providing wraparound services.”

Purpose

As a component of the Be Well 365 Student Well-Being Framework, Montgomery County Public Schools identified nineteen Community Schools based upon the Governor’s criteria around FARMS rates under the funding of Senate Bill 1030. Through a concentrated series of interventions and supports, each school will focus on culturally responsive relationship building, mental and emotional health, trauma informed practices, restorative practices, physical health, and wellness. An additional focus is to ensure that quality instruction has a greater impact on the overall school community.

Mission

Our mission is to provide equitable services and outcomes to students, families, and communities. Community Schools will provide the health, mental health, academic, and extracurricular support services needed to flourish. Our goal is to promote equity while prioritizing the critical needs of students and caregivers urgent to their wellbeing.

Vision

Our vision is to have Community Schools serve as the hub that provide students, families, and communities with needed wraparound services. We focus on family and community engagement, culturally responsive relationship building, mental and emotional health, trauma informed practices, restorative practices, and physical health and wellness in addition to MCPS’ quality instruction. By doing so, we hope to create an environment where all participants thrive.