Community Schools Initiative

“I loved the 6 week parent workshop. It was a pleasure having Mr. Gregory serve as a teacher/mentor for parenting methods that are really effective. I learned an abundance of information that I was able to implement in my personal life and share with others. The workshop itself was more than just a parenting workshop, it served as a place that I felt secure and had support that extended beyond parenting issues. I learned more about myself and about relationships as well. It was an amazing experience overall and I would recommend the workshop for others as well, regardless of race, social status, and marital status.”

— A parent graduate from the seven week Parent Health & Wellness Workshop led by Dr. Henry Gregory

Facilitated by a lead partner agency, a community school is a network of partnerships between a Baltimore City Public School and other community resources that promote student achievement and family and community well-being. These partnerships allow the school to become a resource to the Upton/Druid Heights community and offer programs and opportunities that are open to all. The community school strategy focuses on academic enrichment, health, social/emotional development, and family and community engagement. Many of the activities, programs, and interventions implemented address attendance, school climate, and parent and community involvement. Primary funding is provided by the Family League of Baltimore.

There are five public schools in Upton/Druid Heights—serving approximately 1800 students—and all are community schools led by Promise Heights. Each school is staffed by a Community School Coordinator who does a school and community needs assessment to determine what sort of partnerships will best benefit students, families, staff, and the wider community. Under the Promise Heights model, each Community School Coordinator is a licensed social worker so as to provide additional support to students and teachers around mental health and classroom management.