Many successful community schools across the country, such as those in the Anaheim Union High School District, demonstrate what’s possible when a school goes from being transactional to transformational. By serving the whole child and the entire school community, they’re having a real impact and changing lives for the better. To learn more about community schools, visit vcoe.org/cs .
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Several Ventura County school districts are now working to transform their schools into places where students not only thrive but actively engage in shaping their campuses. They are building equitable and inclusive environments where teachers, administrators, parents, and community organizations unite to create nurturing and impactful spaces. This is the vision of the new California Community Schools Partnership Program, and it’s picking up steam in Ventura County. Turning Schools into Community Hubs Community schools feature an expanded array of services that enhance learning by addressing the challenges faced by local communities and the needs of students and families. One example is the recent expansion of school Wellness Centers that promote student wellbeing, but that’s just the beginning. Some schools may make existing health and human services more accessible by bringing them onto school campuses. Some may give college admissions counselors permanent placement at local high schools. Each community school will have an advisory committee where students, parents, educators and community members collaborate on how to best serve their unique populations. While community schools boast a rich history, they are relatively new to Ventura County. These local school districts are among the first to secure funding to implement community schools: Fillmore Unified School District
The Four Pillars of Community Schools
Hueneme Elementary School District Oxnard Union High School District Santa Paula Unified School District Ventura County Office of Education
As community schools begin to roll out in Ventura County, they will benefit from a robust support system from the state and the Ventura County Office of Education. VCOE has received funding to help coordinate county-level government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to support the implementation of community schools.
18 ● VCOE EDUCATION REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
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