Community School Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the “community school” at Lynn? Is there a difference between Lynn Community School and Lynn Middle School?
Community Schools is a process that drives the work of the school and the community. It is a philosophical approach to education that draws on local assets to realize a grassroots vision for success. Community schools is a whole-school strategy – “Lynn Community School” is not something separate from Lynn Middle School. Rather, Lynn Middle School is using the community school process, and that is driven by all educators, staff, students, families, and neighbors. Over 1,000 of these stakeholder were involved in the community assessment process. Every community school does have one extra full-time person to support the school and community in transforming into a community school. This extra person, a Community School Administrator, helps to drive a strategic plan and problem solving to support the school in achieving the community’s vision.
2. I heard that community schools were a 24/7 hub for the community. Does that mean more work for staff?
Community Schools does not mean more work for teachers or other school staff. Community schools emphasize a healthy work-life balance. However, the community school strategy shifts the focus of the work of education from compliance and testing to relationships, learning, and community connection. It does impact the work of educators -- not more work, but different work. The addition of the full-time community school administrator is also an extra-support to staff, and community partners are engaged to help overcome students’ barriers to learning to allow teachers to focus on teaching.
3. How long does it take for a school to become a community school?
Community Schools is an ongoing process, and a long-term strategy. It does not happen overnight. Some of the best community schools took 5-10 years to produce transformational results.
4. What is the role of a teacher in a community school?
First of all, to teach! Teachers are still primarily responsible for instruction at a community school just like a regular school, but have extra resources and partnerships to infuse in their curriculum and daily wok with students. Teachers are also given more of a voice in the values, vision, mission, and strategic plan of a school, as well
Community Schools is a process that drives the work of the school and the community. It is a philosophical approach to education that draws on local assets to realize a grassroots vision for success. Community schools is a whole-school strategy – “Lynn Community School” is not something separate from Lynn Middle School. Rather, Lynn Middle School is using the community school process, and that is driven by all educators, staff, students, families, and neighbors. Over 1,000 of these stakeholder were involved in the community assessment process. Every community school does have one extra full-time person to support the school and community in transforming into a community school. This extra person, a Community School Administrator, helps to drive a strategic plan and problem solving to support the school in achieving the community’s vision.
2. I heard that community schools were a 24/7 hub for the community. Does that mean more work for staff?
Community Schools does not mean more work for teachers or other school staff. Community schools emphasize a healthy work-life balance. However, the community school strategy shifts the focus of the work of education from compliance and testing to relationships, learning, and community connection. It does impact the work of educators -- not more work, but different work. The addition of the full-time community school administrator is also an extra-support to staff, and community partners are engaged to help overcome students’ barriers to learning to allow teachers to focus on teaching.
3. How long does it take for a school to become a community school?
Community Schools is an ongoing process, and a long-term strategy. It does not happen overnight. Some of the best community schools took 5-10 years to produce transformational results.
4. What is the role of a teacher in a community school?
First of all, to teach! Teachers are still primarily responsible for instruction at a community school just like a regular school, but have extra resources and partnerships to infuse in their curriculum and daily wok with students. Teachers are also given more of a voice in the values, vision, mission, and strategic plan of a school, as well