Schools and Community . . . Working Together

Connections between our community and our schools enables us to provide students with a wide variety of support and opportunities to grow and thrive. There are many ways for businesses and community organizations to get involved. Ideally, a partnership between a school and a community organization will be based on the specific needs and resources of each. Here are some ideas to get you started.

As Partners in Education, businesses and community organizations may:

• Serve as volunteers, mentors, tutors, chaperones, etc.
• Allow/Encourage employees to use release time to volunteer in the schools of their choice
• Become a classroom reader or guest speaker
• Serve as a guest speaker during Career Day/Week
• Offer incentives for students for achievement, positive behavior, attendance, etc.
• Donate needed materials and supplies
• Provide financial support and other needed resources
• Sponsor field trips and expanded cultural experiences for students
• Assist with annual school events such as health fairs, school carnivals, science fairs, spirit week, book fairs, etc.
• Sponsor after school clubs and activities
• Provide valuable input as a participant on a school/district advisory council
• Engage in school improvement/beautification projects
• Participate in a school supply or book drive
• Provide job shadowing, internships and/or employment opportunities for students
• Support professional development for educators
• Host lunches/meetings for school staff
• Sponsor recognition programs for students, teachers, and staff
• Sponsor a teacher appreciation week event
• Invite student artwork for the design of holiday cards or other organizational publications

Schools can assist community partners by

• Providing student artwork for office spaces, the design of holiday cards or professional publications
• Provide visibility for partners by recognizing them on the school marquee, in a school newsletter, on the school website, in social media, etc.
• Providing a partnership plaque or window cling to publicly display
• Including them in school programs and activities
• Recognize them at a PTA meeting or school event
• Offering student performances at community organizations