Community Schools Update

Hello Jenifer Elementary Team,

As your Community School Coordinator, I’m excited to share updates on the amazing work we’re doing to support our students, families, and school community. The Community Schools program is more than just an initiative—it’s a partnership between staff, families, and community organizations, all working together to address challenges and create opportunities.

Through integrated supports like attendance incentives, needs assessments, and culturally relevant programming, we’re building a stronger, more connected community. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey—your dedication and teamwork are the foundation of our success!

We hope you find this newsletter informative and helpful.

• December 9, 2024: Attendance meeting 9:00am room 107
• December 11, 2024: Multicultural Night 6:00pm-7:30pm
• December 12, 2024: Family Food Market 1:00pm-3:00pm
• December 13, 2024: Weekend Backpacks (Every Friday weekend meals are provided to 45 students; families self identified)
• December 17, 2024: Angel Tree Program Gift Distribution
• December 18, 2024: Holiday Basket Distribution
• December 19, 2024: Shop with a Cop (Select students, we will notify teachers)
• December 20, 2024: Attendance Movie Day Incentive (Winners will be announced on December 15th)
• December 20, 2024: Weekend Backpacks

If you are interested in helping us with holiday baskets here are some things you can donate:

• whole chicken
• rice
• instant potato
• dinner rolls
• canned veggies
• pasta
• macaroni and cheese
• frozen or store bought pies

If you would like to donate anything please be sure to drop it off before December 17th.

Here are some things that we have been doing since we started as a community school:

• Community Day: we served 96 students during this event.
• Family Food Market: 111 families since September
• Weekend Backpacks: 292 weekend meals were provided to our students
• Holiday Food Baskets: 14 families for Thanksgiving
• Clothing Assistance: 5 students
• Jackets: 10 students

We are excited to announce that we will be starting a MCAP Testing ELO for 36 students starting in January. We are targeting 4th and 5th grade students. Permission slips will be going out before the Winter break.

We are also working on a Sports Mentoring Program to also start in January, this is in partnership with Mentoring Through Athletics.

As we prepare for the new year, we have been planning extended learning opportunities through Community Schools.

• MCAP Testing ELO: We will be working with 36 students in 4th and 5th grade to help boost our MCAP scores. Permission slips will be going out before the Winter break.
• Sports Mentoring Program: In partnership with Mentoring Through Athletics we will be hosting a sports mentoring program for 12 weeks for our students.

Thank you for taking the time to read through the Community School newsletter. I am excited to be a part of the Jenifer team and helping make this school year successful and enriching for all our students.