October 24, 2024 was a beautiful, sunny day as New Hope Elementary opened the doors to its new full service community school resource center. District and school leaders, community partners, joyful students, and their families gathered to mark this exciting milestone.

The event began with an acknowledgment of the sacred lands of the Native American people who first cared for the region, grounding the ceremony in respect and gratitude. Attendees also heard from Student U’s Cherokee McAdoo, the New Hope Community Schools Coordinator, who spoke about the vision for the new center and the services it will offer, including access to essential resources, safe spaces for family engagement, and dedicated support for students. Dr. Meredith Maier, New Hope’s principal, shared her insights on how the school is improving resources and deepening community partnerships to help close the achievement gap. She emphasized that the new center will play a key role in enhancing school support systems, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.

“I deeply believe school improvement is community work,” Maier said. “We want to continue to expand and develop our already-meaningful community partnerships, and to [cultivate] New Hope to be a true hub for our entire community — to learn, give and grow together. And to keep that going for, at the very minimum, the next five years and hopefully into perpetuity.”

Student U is proud to partner with New Hope Elementary on this important initiative, furthering our mission to drive the adoption of the full-service community school model across central North Carolina. With over 2,250 students already benefiting from this approach in Orange and Vance counties, we are committed to expanding access to these services. This model integrates academics, health, social services, and family engagement to meet students’ holistic needs and foster long-term success.

A Vision for Transformative Change

The full-service community school model ensures that students and families receive more than just academic instruction—it provides the support systems necessary for health, well-being, and community connection. Through partnerships with schools, universities, and community organizations, Student U works to expand access to critical resources and cultivate leaders who can advocate for change. By sharing proven practices and learning from our partners, we aim to strengthen school environments, address resource gaps, and push for systemic changes at the state level.

The North Carolina Community Schools Coalition plays a vital role in supporting the implementation of this model across the state. Through collaboration with local, regional, and state partners, the Coalition works to improve the well-being of children and families, especially in communities most affected by systemic barriers and inequities.

Support for this work comes from a grant provided by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring these important resources and services are available to the students and families who need them most.

The Heart of the New Resource Center

The new facility at New Hope Elementary offers:

• Clothing, food, school and hygiene supplies to ensure students have what they need to succeed.
• A washer and dryer to support families facing barriers to basic needs.
• A bright, welcoming space for the School Advisory Board to meet and engage in school activities.
• Support for families to enroll in benefits like Medicaid and WIC.

Safety and accessibility are prioritized, with secure sign-in protocols to ensure the center remains a trusted space for families.

Cherokee McAdoo, the community school coordinator, will lead these efforts, bringing experience and passion to this full-time role. Beyond coordinating family resources, Cherokee has also designed a “Zen Den” for teachers, providing a calm space for them to recharge during the day—acknowledging that supporting educators’ well-being is essential for a positive learning environment.

A Bright Future for Students and Families

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was not just an event—it was a celebration of community, partnership, and hope for the future. New Hope’s new resource center represents what can be achieved when schools, families, and communities unite to support students holistically.

Student U is excited to continue leading efforts to expand the full-service community school model across the region, ensuring that students receive the academic, social, and emotional support they need to succeed.

Together, we are creating thriving school environments that foster achievement and well-being, paving the way for a brighter future for all students in Orange County and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this special day. With deeper collaboration and shared commitment, we will continue to drive systemic change and create meaningful opportunities for students and their families.