AHRC NYC’s Camping and Recreation Department has entered into an exciting partnership, known as Community Schools, with two New York City public schools and the Department of Education.
In the fall of 2014, 45 schools became NYC Community Schools as part of an attendance improvement and drop-out-prevention grant in partnership with United Way NYC. In School Year 2022-23, there are 421 Community Schools across every district in NYC, funded through city, state, and federal dollars.
Community Schools support:
- the whole child
- the child’s family
- learning both inside and outside of the classroom
Each school has a lead Community-Based Organization (CBO) partner, such as AHRC NYC, that coordinates and delivers services. Every school also has a Community School Director, who is a CBO employee, that coordinates the partnership between the school and the organization.
Carnival at PS12X
AHRC NYC employees and interns gathered at PS12X, The Lewis and Clark School, for the school’s summer carnival, where students and families enjoyed a day of games and delicious food from unique vendors, and were provided information on service providers such as AHRC NYC and care coordination organizations.
“We serve students, grades six to 12, who are neurodivergent—from students who are on the autism spectrum to hearing impaired students to some students who are emotionally disturbed or have other learning disabilities,” said Terrance Brown, the school’s dean. “We have a strong transition program with the goal of getting students to transition into adulthood and live independently. We also work to get students employed whenever possible in professional fields that interest them.”
Dr. Kuvana Brown, PS12X’s principal, said the community schools initiative was suggested to her by their superintendent and provides a great opportunity for students and families alike.
“In signing up, I explained what a benefit it would be to embrace more parents as partners,” Dr. Brown said. “By having more parent engagement, it would bring me the much-needed aspect of solidifying the whole school community partnership that we need. Our school has always been seen, in my eyes, as just a place for students. But this means a wrap-around approach, with students being seen as fully functioning members of this community.”
The information being provided to families by AHRC NYC gave Dr. Brown warm feelings.
“At this inaugural event, I’m seeing the smiling faces of students, staff, and families that haven’t been seen in many years. Parents just having these conversations was so important because we haven’t felt the warmth the parents have felt in a long time.”
Krystal Melendez, Community School Director, will coordinate the effort for AHRC NYC at PS12X. At the Manhattan School for Career Development, PS751M on the Lower East Side, Tanika Marshall will direct the community school efforts.
“This is a new opportunity for AHRC NYC,” said Sacha Amry, Director of Recreation Services. “We have never been a part of this type of educational model before, and the Community Schools office has more limited experience serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, so we are all learning together. The past few months have been an eye-opening experience for me. Seeing the impact on the students, their families, and the community is tremendous. The work we do now will create a lasting impact for the students and their families.”
Visit NYC Community Schools for more information about the program.