News Summary
The launch of Florida’s first Community Partnership School model at Evans High School in Orlando in 2012 represents a transformative approach to education. By combining educational, health care, and family services, this model has significantly improved student outcomes, leading to higher graduation rates and lower absenteeism. Five schools currently utilize this model in the area, with ongoing efforts to expand its reach. By addressing local community needs, the initiative has created a supportive environment conducive to student success, with partnerships from various organizations enhancing its sustainability.
Orlando – The launch of Florida’s first Community Partnership School model at Evans High School in 2012 marked a significant shift in educational support for students and families, combining education, health care, nutrition, and family services under one roof. This innovative approach has proven effective and is currently being replicated, with five Community Partnership Schools now operating in the Orlando area.
The Community Partnership Schools model aims to provide holistic support to students, enhancing their educational experience while addressing various needs. By bringing together academic resources and community services, the model has shown promising results, including higher graduation rates and lower absenteeism among students.
As an illustration of the model’s success, Brandan Louis, a former Evans High School student who faced numerous challenges, credits the supportive environment of the school for his transformation. Today, he has a successful career in finance in San Francisco. Similarly, another senior student at an Orlando school overcame significant anxiety issues with the assistance of the behavioral health team and guidance counselors. After receiving support, she graduated, joined the dance team, performed in the school play, and attended prom, showcasing the positive impact of the support systems in place.
The success of these schools stems from a robust partnership among various stakeholders, including local families, students, community members, the University of Central Florida (UCF), and Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). UCF serves as a foundational academic partner, while OCPS provides essential educational infrastructure. Additional collaborations with institutions like Valencia College and various local nonprofits further enhance the effectiveness of these schools.
Most Community Partnership Schools feature on-site clinics operated by Orange Blossom Family Health and Orlando Health, ensuring that health care is readily accessible for students. Community partners such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank, and the Heart of Florida United Way contribute to the comprehensive support network. Contributions from the Universal Orlando Foundation and Walt Disney World have also enhanced specific schools, focusing on community development and workforce preparation.
The model is particularly adept at addressing hyperlocal issues, especially within diverse populations, including Caribbean and Creole-speaking communities in West Orlando and Puerto Rican families in Kissimmee. The comprehensive approach has been linked to decreased child welfare involvement and improved teacher retention, reflecting its beneficial impact beyond just academic measures.
Recently, Carver Middle School joined the Community Partnership Schools initiative, broadening the outreach to middle school education in Orange County. This school serves 650 students, all of whom are classified as economically disadvantaged. Carver Middle School aims to bridge gaps in essential student health services during the school year, ensuring that all students have the support they need to succeed.
Successful outcomes from previously established Community Partnership Schools include increased parental engagement and a significant decrease in chronic absenteeism, supporting the argument for this model’s scalability. The sustainability of the Community Partnership Schools is maintained through a 25-year agreement among core partners, emphasizing long-term commitment to the initiative.
Implementation begins with a planning phase that includes community needs assessments, allowing services to be tailored to the specific requirements of each school’s population. Ongoing support is bolstered by additional grants awarded to expand the model into more schools across the region. This commitment to providing access to educational resources and tailored support continues to strengthen the fabric of the community and improve outcomes for families in need.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: Orlando Students Have Compassionate Network of Support
- Wikipedia: Community Partnership School
- My News 13: Orange County Public Schools Affordable Housing Partnerships
- Google Search: Community Partnership Schools Orange County
- Florida Trend: It Takes a Community
- Google Scholar: Community Partnership Schools
- EA: A Partnership for Play – Edgewater vs. The World
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Schools
- PNJ: Bellview Middle to Become Escambia’s 3rd Community Partnership School
- Google News: Community Partnership Schools
