Both schools are community schools; where schools, communities and families work closely for the benefit of every child.

A community school is both a place and partnerships between the school and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, services, supports and opportunities leads to improve student learning, stronger families and healthier communities. Schools become centres of the community and are open to everyone–all day, every day, evenings and weekends.

Using public schools as hubs, community schools knit together inventive, enduring relationships among educators, families, volunteers and community partners. Health and social service agencies, family support groups, youth development organizations, institutions of higher education, community organizations, businesses, and civic and faith-based groups all play a part.

By sharing expertise and resources, schools and communities act in concert to transform traditional schools. In an increasing complex and demanding educational climate, schools are not left to work alone.

Students engage in learning and service activities at a community school and have access to an array of personal and social supports. Community schools promote youth development activities and community-based learning and offer preventive health and social services before, during and after school.

Parents and community residents support their children’s learning while developing their own knowledge and skills. Literacy classes, adult and parent education, employment training, family support and leadership development all are part of the community school vision.

Families, youth and residents join with educators and community partners to articulate the community’s goals for its students, and to help design, implement and evaluate activities. Participation of these stakeholders as decision makers helps ensure that community schools meet local needs and show measurable progress.

The website for the Coalition for Community Schools, www.communityschools.org is an excellent resource for information about community schools. The web site for Saskatchewan Community Schools is www.communityschools.ca. Please feel free to check out these two websites for information.