Since starting in March, the PSC’s Community Schools Coordinator has supported Joseph C. Briscoe Academy in maintaining family communication through the pandemic, transitioning to new leadership, and assessing the needs of the school by gathering input from parents, staff, and partners. While COVID-19 and telework have presented significant barriers, the following was accomplished in only a few short months:
- Boosted the school’s Instagram reach from 10 followers to 114
- Hosted needs assessment focus groups for 9 staff members
- Assisted two families with securing housing
- Gathered survey feedback about family and school needs from 9 parents
- Recruited and facilitated the principal selection panel to choose a new principal
- Built foundational relationships with two neighborhood associations
- Assisted 3 families with obtaining the technology needed for distance learning
- Supported a new partnership with Art with a Heart for student enrichment
- Maintained ongoing communication via call and text with 11 families
During work on the school’s needs assessment, parents expressed gratitude for the school seeking their feedback and concerns. One parent stated that this was the first time someone from the school had called him about something other than his student’s behavior in class. This truly reinforced the value of the community school strategy in building those positive relationships with families and making every member of the school community know they are valued.
