A Message from the Superintendent

This school year, I want to use my newsletter message to give you a closer look at the incredible work happening across FCSS. There is so much taking place every day, often behind the scenes, to support students, families, schools and communities throughout Fresno County. In each newsletter, I’ll highlight one of our programs, introduce you to the people behind the work and share more about the impact they are making. It’s also an opportunity to show what Kids First looks like in action and the many different ways our teams are helping create the conditions for students to thrive. This month, we’re starting with Community Schools and the work they are doing to bring schools, families and community partners together around students.

It Takes a Community- A closer look at Community Schools R-TAC
In education, we know that what happens outside the classroom does not stay outside the classroom. A child who is worried about where their next meal will come from brings that worry to school. A student who is struggling emotionally cannot simply turn it off when the bell rings. A family trying to navigate healthcare, transportation or other challenges may have less time and energy to engage with their child’s school.

On the other hand, when students feel safe, supported, connected and ready to learn, they are in a much better position to succeed. That is at the heart of Kids First. Putting kids first means looking at the whole child and asking what conditions need to be in place for that student to thrive. It also means recognizing that schools cannot create those conditions alone.
Community Schools are a great example of what that looks like in practice. And despite the name, Community Schools are not new or separate schools. They are existing schools that bring additional resources, services and community partners together to better support students and families.

The work begins by listening to our districts and their students, parents, educators and community members to understand what is working, where challenges exist and what families need. One community may prioritize expanded learning and career opportunities. Another may focus on health and wellness, food access or family resources. There is no standard menu because every community is different.

As our Community Schools Director Gina Amaro-McNamara has explained, what makes this approach work is its focus on “local needs, meeting the needs of our community.” That means the resources and partnerships at each school are shaped by the people who know that community best.

Across Fresno County, we are seeing what is possible when schools and communities work this way. Our FCSS Community Schools consortium includes 39 school sites across eight districts, connecting students and families with resources ranging from health services and food assistance to internships, expanded learning and other opportunities.

But what I appreciate most about this approach is that it does not ask schools to do everything themselves. There is so much expertise and generosity throughout Fresno County. Our healthcare providers, businesses, colleges, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, local agencies and community members all have something to contribute to the success of our children. Community Schools give us a way to bring those people and resources together around students and families.

FCSS has the privilege of helping lead this work locally and throughout the Central Valley. Through the Central Valley Regional Technical Assistance Center, our team supports Community Schools across an 11-county region, working alongside schools and districts to provide coaching, resources, professional learning and opportunities to connect and learn from one another.

I want to recognize the amazing FCSS team behind this work: Gina Amaro-McNamara, Director; David Castro, Executive Leadership Coach; Dr. Angelica Reynosa, Executive Leadership Coach; Marisa Gamboa, Executive Leadership Coach; Charles Clancy, Program Coordinator; and Alecia Ram, Program Assistant.

Their work is helping schools build stronger partnerships and turn the Community Schools vision into meaningful support and opportunities for students and families.

Our children do not experience their lives in separate programs, agencies or departments. They experience all of it at once. The adults and organizations that serve them should be just as connected.

Thank you to Gina and the entire Community Schools team for the important work you are doing to support our districts, students and families. I appreciate all that you do and am proud to have you representing FCSS throughout the Central Valley.

That is what Kids First asks of all of us. It reminds us that student success takes all of us, and that each of us has a role in creating the conditions that help students thrive. Community Schools put that belief into practice every day.
 

Check out the Community Schools website
And follow them on Instagram @Central Valley R TAC