The Community Schools approach uses 4 pillars which reinforce each other to create synergy.

Integrated Student Supports ensure that children, youth and families have access to medical, dental, vision services and stable housing and food. We know that children must have basic needs met to be able to show up in school ready to learn.

Expanded and Enriched Learning Time could look like after school, summer school or intersession or enrichment programs.

Family and Student Engagement means establishing and maintaining trusting relationships and using those relationships to build a shared vision of what a community school looks like for our children, youth and families. It also means that students and families are able to participate in the process by ensuring interpretation services or bilingual presentations and culturally appropriate activities.

Finally, Collaborative Leadership leverages the expertise of ALL community stakeholders (children, youth, families, teachers, staff, community leaders and funders) to share in the decision-making process and commit to a cultural of continuous improvement.

Tomales Elementary School