Portland Public Schools (PPS) is focused on implementing the community schools model at a number of Elementary/(P)K8 Title I schools because we believe that community schools are a powerful tool to address the diverse needs of our communities and support a more equitable education system.

Key factors of PPS Community Schools:

• Holistic Approach to Education: Community schools recognize that student social/emotional success is rooted in academic success. Communities schools provide a range of integrated student supports, such as health services, mental health counseling, mentoring, and enrichment activities to address the barriers that may prevent students from learning effectively.
• Stronger Family and Community Engagement: Community schools actively involve families and community partners in the educational process. This collaborative approach fosters stronger relationships, builds trust, and empowers communities to take ownership of their schools.
• Equity and Social Justice: Community schools prioritize addressing systemic inequities and providing targeted support to historically underserved students. By focusing on the specific needs of each community, they strive to create a more just and inclusive learning environment for all students.
• Improved Student Outcomes: Research shows that community schools can lead to increased student attendance, improved academic performance, and higher graduation rates. By collaborating with the community and providing comprehensive support, they help students reach their full potential.

In summary, PPS believes in community schools because we see them as a vital strategy for creating a more equitable, supportive, and successful educational experience for all students.

The Community School Model

In PPS, we center students. Through the community school model, we are best able to support our learners through collaborative, data-driven decision-making, a culture of belonging, and expanded opportunities for our students and families. In most of the PPS community schools, SUN school programming, site coordination, and services are a key fixture of any of their school communities. SUN is an essential partner in a full-service community school model!

Link to Resources

More information about the community school model:

• Community Schools Playbook
• IEL
• Learning Policy Institute
• NEA

Communities in Schools (CIS) is a national organization focused on surrounding students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Working directly inside more than 2,500 school and community sites across the country, CIS connects kids to caring adults and community resources designed to support them with success. With a proven mix of evidence-based practice and human capital, we do whatever it takes to empower kids to realize their full potential.

In PPS, Communities in Schools (CIS) is supporting the implementation of the community school model by providing financial support, guidance, and training. Due to our partnership with CIS, we have been able to fund 20 community school site coordinators in 20 Title 1 schools!