The Community School Communicator

Welcome back, families and community members, to the first edition of our monthly newsletter for the new school year. The first few weeks have been full of energy, community building, and a whole lot of learning. We're excited to share the highlights of what's been happening across both community school campuses.

Creating a Welcoming Community

The focus of the first week was simple but powerful: making sure every student feels seen, welcomed, and supported. From engaging icebreakers and welcome-back activities to a fun scavenger hunt and a "Kickout" event, our staff worked tirelessly to create a positive and inviting environment. Our dedicated support staff, including counselors and administrators, have been visiting classrooms to introduce themselves so students know all the faces in their corner. The goal is to meet every student right where they are and remind them that they are part of a supportive and caring community from day one.

Building Connections Through Shared Stories

As we prepare for our upcoming Back to School Night in September, our advisors are working on a special project. They’ll be creating a "Who Am I" presentation to share with students and families. The goal is to model what we call reciprocal vulnerability—the practice of sharing their own backgrounds, stories, and passions.

This is a powerful way to build strong relationships and deepen engagement. By opening up, our teachers and staff are inviting students to do the same, creating a space where everyone can connect on a human level. It’s also a way to show that sharing and reflection aren’t just things we ask of students, but practices we embrace as a community.

Important Reminders and Acknowledging Our Team

Behind the scenes, there's a lot of important work happening to ensure our schools run smoothly. The Guidance Teams at both sites have already begun meeting to discuss student support and interventions. Our staff has also been busy with kicking off Student Advisory Councils, where students can bring their perspective to important decisions.

We want to give a special shout-out to our plant leads, custodians, and office managers, who worked hard over the summer to get our campuses ready for students. Their dedication ensures our schools are a safe and clean place for everyone. We also had a special visit from Dr. Eric Chagala, our new Assistant Superintendent of Educational Excellence & Innovation, who stopped by to wish everyone a strong start to the year.

Thank you to everyone—staff, families, and students—for leaning into this new school year with so much enthusiasm. We are thrilled to continue building on this positive momentum and look forward to a fantastic year ahead!