When students come to school, they bring more than just their backpacks...
They bring their feelings, their hopes, their worries, and sometimes, big problems that make it hard to learn. These problems are called "learning barriers." They can be anything from being hungry, not having glasses when they need them, moving from house to house, or even feeling unsafe. That’s where Community Schools step in to help.
Community Schools are not just places where kids go to learn math and reading. They are schools that work with families and the whole community to support kids in every way. In this article, we’ll explore what Community Schools are, how they help kids, and why they are so important for breaking down learning barriers.
What Are Community Schools?
A Community School is a public school that becomes a hub for students, families, and neighbors. These schools offer programs and services that meet not just learning needs, but health, social, and emotional needs too. United Way of Erie County leads the Community Schools effort in partnership with Erie’s Public Schools, Union City Area School District, Girard School District and Iroquois School District . Each Community School has a special person called a Community School Director (CSD). This person works full-time in the school to help find what students and families need and connect them to resources. These might be programs like free vision care, after-school activities, food help, or even mental health support.
How Community Schools Help Kids Learn
To understand how Community Schools work, think about a flower. For a flower to grow, it needs good soil, sunshine, and water. Kids are just like flowers. They need more than a good teacher to grow. They need a safe place to learn, good food, people who care, and help when life gets tough. Community Schools make sure kids have what they need to thrive.
Here are five big ways Community Schools help break down learning barriers:
- Helping Kids Get to School Missing school is a big problem in many places, especially after COVID-19. Some kids miss school because they don't have clean clothes or feel unsafe walking. Community Schools work with families to find out why kids are missing school and help solve those problems. Some Community Schools even have programs like Safer Walking Routes or reward programs for good attendance.
- Bringing Health Services to School If a child can't see well, they can't read the board. If they have a toothache or feel anxious, it's hard to focus. Community Schools bring health care directly to the schools. Some Community Schools in Erie have received visits from mobile vision vans that give free eye exams and glasses. Others offer mental health services right inside the school building.
- Making School a Safe and Happy Place Feeling safe and welcomed at school is very important. Community Schools create positive school environments. This means everyone feels they belong. It also means teaching kids how to handle feelings and solve problems peacefully. When school is a good place to be, kids want to learn.
- Supporting Families Too Parents and caregivers are a big part of a child’s success. Community Schools offer programs for adults like education workshops, help with basic needs and family engagement nights. Some schools even have laundry machines or food pantries for families to use. When families feel supported, kids do better in school.
- Giving Extra Learning Time Some kids need more time or different ways to learn. Community Schools give students extra chances to learn and grow through after-school clubs, summer programs, and fun events. These programs are often chosen based on what kids and families say they want.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Since Community Schools started in Erie County in 2016, they have made a big difference. Today all elementary, middle, and Erie High School in Erie’s Public Schools are Community Schools, along with Union City Elementary School, Iroqouis Elementary School and Elk Valley Elementary School. That means thousands of kids are getting help they didn’t have before.
Here are some real examples:
- At one school, a student was missing class because he didn’t have glasses. The Community School Director connected him with a vision screening and he got free glasses within weeks.
- During the pandemic, Community School staff made sure families had meals, internet access, and supplies for learning at home.
These stories show how powerful Community Schools can be when they focus on the whole child, not just test scores.
The Research Behind the Model
Experts who study education say that Community Schools are one of the best ways to help students who face learning barriers. The model is based on something called "Collective Impact." This means that schools, businesses, nonprofits, families, and community members all work together toward the same goal: helping every child succeed.
Community Schools use data to make decisions. They track things like attendance, test scores, and family needs. They also set goals and check progress. In Erie, United Way's Community Impact team works with school staff to make sure strategies are working and improving each year.
Why Parents Should Care
As a parent or caregiver, you want what’s best for your child. Community Schools are designed to help your child learn, grow, and reach their potential. They also give you a voice in the school and connect you to people and resources that care about your family.
If your child attends a Community School, get involved! Talk to the Community School Director. Ask about events, programs, or ways to volunteer. The more families are involved, the stronger the school becomes.
Final Thoughts
Every child deserves the chance to succeed, no matter where they live or what challenges they face. Community Schools are helping make that dream come true in Erie County and beyond. By breaking down barriers to learning, these schools are building a stronger future for all of us.
Whether it's a pair of glasses, a warm coat, a safe place to talk, or a fun after-school club, Community Schools are making sure kids have what they need to bloom.
