2017.9.15
Stakeholder Blog Series (2 of 4)
Community
“Outtakes”. A snippet of thoughts to kick off this blog post:
A community/school partnership can be the foundation of a positive town culture with limitless benefits.
What I am looking forward to putting into practice, or continuing:
Finding resources that will help us grow the relationship between the school and the community.
Quote(s) that resonated with me this week:
“People will forget what you said, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou
“Keep learning new stuff.” ~ BMS Open House
“We give kids the power to solve their own problems.” ~ NCHS Math
This weeks blog will continue the four week series on stakeholders in education. This has been exciting to think about because it factors in all of the moving parts that make an educational system operate. EdTechReview defines a stakeholder as follows:
“A stakeholder is anyone who is involved in the welfare and success of a school and its students, including administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents, community members, school board members, city councilors and state representatives”. ( EdTechReview)
For the purpose of this series we will focus on four specific groups of stakeholders: parents, community, faculty and staff, and of course, our biggest asset, students. As an educator as well as a parent of three school aged children (Ellie, G7; Brooke, G5, Nicholas, G1), I will consider both perspectives throughout the series. Now, let us take a look at “Community”.
Schools are sometimes considered the “crown jewel” of a community, and rightfully so. New Canaan High School has an amazing community partnership. Whether community members have a child in the school, had children go through the school system, or simply live in town, all residents benefit from a good school system. I have been blessed to work and live in some communities with excellent school systems. In many cases, the school system is a deciding factor on where families choose to relocate. I have already heard several instances of this being the case here in New Canaan. To oversimplify, this benefits everyone (real estate, local businesses, residents, etc.). The pride that goes along with knowing the children of a community are being provided an outstanding education crosses all lines within in a town.
Besides the positive “vibe” that goes along with a community, there are many benefits to a strong school/community connection. There are magnets and stickers on cars that show school spirit. There are school emblems emblazoned on clothing that is sold and worn throughout the community. In many communities, schools are represented on town property with murals on town buildings, school emblems or mascots on water towers, or flags and banners displayed proudly around town. In turn, there are paintings, portraits, or art celebrating buildings, culture, people or history of the town in the schools. All of this together brings about a sense of pride, ownership, and belonging to something that is positive.
A strong school community/school partnership results in everyone benefitting from shared facilities. The town may use the schools for community events, sometimes as emergency response shelter locations. The schools take advantage of the rich history and culture to enhance learning. Extra-curricular activities occur on town property. For example, the opportunity for student athletes to have an outdoor swim meet at Waveny is an experience they will remember forever. The YMCA and the schools are close in proximity and benefit from reciprocal use of facilities based on needs.
The relationship between the schools and the organizations in town go beyond positive team building. The police, fire, and first responders are all partners in keeping the community and schools safe. On top of this, they all go out of their way to bridge the gaps between municipal organizations and work together collaboratively to meet the objectives of keeping everyone safe, and happy.
In terms of events, communities are unique in their interests. Some are focused on and have a strong interest in the arts. Some are huge supporters of athletics. Others have a nice balance between them where schools and communities come together to benefit from top rated musical performances, art shows, athletic events of all levels and offerings, and oft considered broadway quality productions through the theatre program.
One key group that needs to be recognized is the Board of Education. Below is some information (abbreviated) that describes their role:
The New Canaan Board of Education is pleased to be the bridge between our community and our school system...
Among our primary duties are the identification of educational goals to be met by the school District; the consideration and approval of an annual budget for submission to the Board of Selectman, the Board of Finance and the Town Council; the selection of a Superintendent, who serves as the executive officer of the Board; and the employment of principals, teachers and other school employees...
It is important to recognize the efforts of these tireless volunteers. Not only do they have the best interest of the schools in mind, they work to ensure curricula are delivered with fidelity, the schools are fiscally responsible, the facilities are maintained and continually improved, and last but not least, students are provided the best education possible!
Please feel free to contact or follow me:
Email: david.gusitsch@ncps-k12.org
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