Erie High, one of the newest United Way community schools, is already making remarkable strides in creating a supportive and thriving environment for students, staff, and families. Meghan Easter, Lead Community School Director, provided an exciting update on the progress and initiatives that have been rolled out since becoming a United Way Community School.
Community Closet: The community closet is serving as a vital resource for students and families at Erie High. Currently, about 60 students and families are signed up to visit the closet weekly, with additional visitors stopping in as needed. The closet is in partnership with United Way of Erie County, community partners, and the generosity of United Way donors.
Spotlighting Senior Success: A new initiative has been launched to showcase the post-graduation plans of seniors. This platform highlights college acceptances, scholarship achievements, career paths, internships, and more, giving students a chance to shine and inspiring younger peers.
Royal Recognition Program: In October, Erie High introduced the Royal Recognition program, where students can nominate staff members who have positively influenced their success, and staff can nominate students who excel in and beyond the classroom. This monthly program aims to foster mutual respect and acknowledgment within the school community.
Attendance and Academic Incentives: The Community School Model has assisted in the rebranding and revised framework for student attendance incentives. The school recently celebrated its first attendance recognition event, which saw over 500 students participating for achieving an impressive 95% average daily attendance in August, September, and October. Additionally, the school honored 450 students with GPAs of 3.5 or higher in a first-quarter celebration that included a fun BINGO and board game event.
Engaging After-School Activities: Student voices guided the creation of two new after-school clubs, Key Club and E-Sports, which have already gained popularity. These clubs were formed based on feedback from a Community School survey, demonstrating the school’s commitment to listening and addressing student interests.
Strengthening Communication and Engagement: The Community School team has had a significant impact on student engagement and communication efforts. They have contributed to pep rally committees, student engagement teams, and the management of the school’s Facebook page, electronic marquee, and monthly newsletters. These initiatives have enhanced the flow of information and built stronger connections within the school community.
Building Trust and Support: Perhaps most importantly, students and staff are beginning to view the Community School team and its dedicated space as a source of support. This trust is a cornerstone of Erie High’s journey as a Community School, ensuring a solid foundation for future growth and collaboration.
United Way of Erie County is thrilled to welcome Claire Mohr as our newest Community Impact Strategy Support Coordinator! A graduate of Concordia College Moorhead with a degree in Communication Studies and Environmental Studies, Claire brings a passion for working with nonprofits that empower individuals and create opportunities for all.
Outside of work, Claire participates in fencing at Steelhead WMA in Erie, where her favorite weapon of choice is the saber. She’s looking forward to further immersing herself in Erie and connecting with the people who make this community truly special.
Welcome to the team, Claire!
