During the pandemic, Harlem Park’s Community School Coordinator implemented a system to have staff members connect with student families at least every other day. The coordinator trained staff during weekly staff meeting about how to engage families in deeper conversation beyond accessing academics in order to ascertain the needs of our families. They used a set of questions to help guide teachers and a procedure for referring families in need of additional follow up. The previous coordinator, who had been with the school for four years, transitioned to become the Assistant Director for the Community Engagement Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Harlem Park is excited to welcome the new coordinator who began in August!
These are several highlights from last year’s work:
- The coordinator and school staff distributed 5,660 pounds of food to the school community
- Ten volunteers provide 1,123 hours of support to the school community
- Harlem Park was ranked 3rd in schools district wide in their attendance growth from the beginning of the school year up until the pandemic started in March
- A private partner donated $5,000 for incentives/rewards for scholars and families in participating in distance learning as well as family engagement activities during the pandemic
Photo: Student participating in virtual field day via zoom.
