In this conversation, Larissa and her guest, Whitley, discuss the importance of schools in the community and how educators can lead the transformation of school-community relationships. They emphasize the need for schools to be viewed as community hubs and highlight the impact that can be achieved through shared goals and stakeholder involvement. They also explore specific ways in which schools can engage with the community, such as partnering with local businesses and organizations, hosting events outside of the school building, and leveraging resources like public libraries. The conversation underscores the significance of building strong connections between schools and the community to support the holistic development of students.

Takeaways:

- Schools should be viewed as community hubs, bringing together various stakeholders and resources to create a sense of partnership and shared goals.

- Engaging with the community can have a positive impact on students, families, and educators, fostering a network of support and investment.

- Building bridges with the community requires intentional efforts, such as seeking out partnerships, hosting events outside of the school building, and leveraging existing resources.

- School culture plays a crucial role in community engagement, and it is important to prioritize the heart work of education alongside curriculum and instruction.

Check out these resources:

- National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments: Family-School-Community Partnerships: https://bit.ly/3wlqYLx

- School-Community Learning Partnerships: Essential to Expanded Learning Success: https://bit.ly/3uI7jor

- https://bit.ly/48q4zK2

- Branching Minds Guide for Community and Families: https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-guide-for-families

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