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Increasing Community Involvement in Schools
Colorado College has a long-standing tradition of collaborating with Lincoln Elementary School, not only based on proximity, but on outreach and cohesive goals for both institutions. Lincoln has partnered with Colorado College for four years, finding links through the service-learning curriculum and grant funded programs. Lincoln Elementary School was built in 1948, and instantly became a hub for family and community. The school currently has an enrollment of just over 300 students, with strong emphasis on diversity. Throughout the years, the Lincoln’s population has changed, seeing an increase in low-income students and families. Lincoln’s mission is to do whatever it takes to provide a safe, nurturing environment where all children can learn the social and academic skills needed to succeed in our ever-changing world. Lincoln is committed to its families and linking the school with the community. In 2000, Lincoln Elementary School’s principal, David Cook, decided to transform the school using a community school model. A community school is a partnership between the school and community organizations focused on connecting families with needed resources, developing a stronger sense of community engagement, investing the community in the success of the school, and giving each student an equal opportunity at academic and social success. The model is central to the school, with programs offered throughout the day and after school. The mission for Lincoln’s community school is to help stabilize the extremely mobile school population of approximately 60% and to educate families about local resources ranging from housing and employment assistance to free healthcare and parenting classes. Examples of programs include an evening workshop for parents about career planning, job searching, and basic skill development hosted by the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, and a four-week cooking and nutrition class hosted by Care and Share. Lincoln is well on its way to offering diverse programming for families throughout the year at all times of the day. Not only will these classes benefit students and their parents, but also the community. With such flexible and easy access to local resources, Lincoln families will find the support they need to create successful and healthy households, and learn the skills needed to survive in this ever-changing world. For more information on the community school model or about Lincoln's programs and resources for families, please contact the Community Liaison. |
