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At Student U, we believe that every person is worthy of opportunities that allows for growth throughout their educational journey.
We collaborate with schools, educators, and other community partners to share successful practices for creating joyful and equitable learning environments. Student U’s model was developed in direct response to a request from Durham Public Schools and the evolving needs of students and families. We are thrilled to announce our alignment with the national Full Service Community Schools (FSCS) movement. This comprehensive model is designed to engage, educate, and serve not just students, but the entire community surrounding the school.
Student U has been chosen as the leading organization in the central region, partnering with Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) and Vance and Orange County Schools to establish community schools. Our role is to share our expertise and support helping schools launch their programs and structures, which ensure the success of every student and family.
Improve the academic, mental, and physical health of North Carolina students through the development of full service community schools across the Central Region of North Carolina.
We utilize a “whole child” approach to education. It integrates a focus on academics with health, social services, community development, and community engagement. At each school we focus on these projects:
Embedding A Community School Coordinator
A full-time staff member who will oversee the asset and needs assessment and integration of cross-sector school-based supports to improve outcomes through community supported policies and practices.
Creating Family Resource Centers (FRCs)
A space in each school with physical resources (clothing, food, hygiene, etc) and access / support to access services (WIC, SNAP, referrals for appointments, etc.)
Building School Advisory Boards (SABs)
A group of staff, parents, students, and community members who determine how to spend CS funds / how to run CS projects.
Conducting Assets Needs Assessments
Surveys, focus groups, 1 on 1 conversations, and data collection + analysis to determine what projects the SAB should implement, what resources the FRC should provide.
Ashley Peters
Senior Director of the Community Schools Model
Luke Carman
Director of Community Schools Partnerships
Wendy Ji
Associate Director of Student & Family Services
Alyzia McAlmon
Associate Director of Family & Community Engagement
Brittany Parkins
Community School Coordinator for Central Elementary School
Joy Wright
Community Schools Coordinator for Vance County High School
Krystle Lindsey
Community School Coordinator for Clarke Elementary School
Cherokee McAdoo
Community School Coordinator for New Hope Elementary School
Pillar 1: Integrated Student Support Services. More children are present in school and ready and able to learn effectively due to physical, mental, social, and emotional needs being met. Student U has integrated various student support services, such as healthcare, behavioral health, meal programming, and eye and dental services.
Pillar 2: Expanded and Enriched Learning Time and Opportunities. More students are achieving academically and successfully progressing to and through post-secondary education. Student U has effectively incorporated extended and enhanced learning opportunities by extending the school day and year, providing after-school and summer programs, and expanding the curriculum to include enrichment and community-based learning.
Pillar 3: Active Family and Community Engagement. Schools are viewed as the “hubs” of the community, with caregivers, students, and school staff all invested in the success of every student and the school. Student U has actively incorporated family and community involvement through various initiatives. These include informative parent workshops, staff allocation specifically for engaging and advocating for families, financial support programs, community resource events, and regular communication and conferences.
Pillar 4: Collaborative Leadership Practices. School staff feel empowered, energized, and valued, enhancing their teaching abilities and the general classroom environment. Student U has embraced collaborative leadership and practices by fostering shared goal-setting and decision-making among students, families, teachers, school staff, school/district administrators, and personnel from community-based partner organizations. This integration is facilitated through focus groups, training sessions, mentorships, and councils.
Partners:
The North Carolina Community Schools Coalition supports communities across North Carolina to implement the community schools model. Through collaboration among local, regional, and state partners, we aim to promote the well-being of children and families in North Carolina communities most affected by systemic barriers and inequities.
Support for this work comes from a grant provided by the United States Department of Education.
Other Partners:
Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI)
State Steering Committee
NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
NC Association of Educators (NCAE)
Southeast Regional Coalition for University-Assisted Community Schools (SRCUACS)
National Education Association (NEA)Student U is deeply grateful for the efforts of the DPS Foundation and the Bull City Community School Partnership in establishing and nurturing pilot programs at Fayetteville St. Elementary, Lakewood Elementary, and Club Blvd. Elementary Schools in Durham. We eagerly look forward to engaging with them, gaining knowledge, and collaborating to further expand the impact of Full Service Community Schools across Durham.
