This month we share stories from the first day of school at the UCLA Community Schools! We also share a study tour invitation, an update from our work with the State Transformational Assistance Center, and information about an upcoming convening of the University-Assisted Community Schools National Network.
Thanks for reading!
Back to School at the UCLA Community Schools
At the UCLA Community School, the first day of school was lively with chatter: lower school parents were greeted by teachers and students were eager to enter their classrooms. Upper school students were excited to hug friends and compare their schedules. Principal Queena Kim walked the hallways warmly greeting the students and families.
She shares, “It has been uplifting to see our entire community unite in preparation for this new school year. From setting up classrooms to buying school uniforms and planning exciting events for students and parents, the energy and enthusiasm has been palpable. I can feel the genuine excitement and deep commitment from everyone to make this year not just successful, but truly meaningful and joyful.”
The first day of school at Mann UCLA Community School was marked by a wave of enthusiasm and optimism as Principal Cris Phillips stepped into her new role, setting the tone for a promising academic year. With a warm welcome and an inspiring address, Principal Cris Phillips quickly made a positive impression on students, staff, and parents alike.
Her commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment was evident as she engaged with the school community, listened to feedback, and laid out a vision for the year ahead. The smooth start to the school year reflects Cris Phillips’ dedication and the collaborative spirit of Mann UCLA-CS, promising an exciting and successful year for all.
Fall Study Tour at the UCLA Community School
We are hosting a Fall Study Tour at the UCLA Community School on Wednesday, October 9th from 9:00am to noon. If you are interested in attending, please complete this form. Space is limited.
Upcoming University-Assisted Community Schools Convening in Philadelphia
The Netter Center and the Coalition for Community Schools are co-hosting a free, in-person UACS event at the University of Pennsylvania, November 11th and 12th. The convening will focus on developing sustainable K-20+ partnerships, the critical roles students (K-20+) play in community schools, and how to develop partnerships that simultaneously advance teaching, learning and student achievement while solving local problems such as those related to physical health, nutrition, behavioral health, the environment, employment, and more. Two additional offerings are also available over the two days. First, a deep dive on mobilizing the vast range of college and university resources that can support UACS work will occur on the morning of November 11th. Second, site visits to Netter Center-supported community schools will be offered on the afternoon of November 12th. Sign up for any or all of the three offerings by completing this survey.
Congratulations to UC Irvine and Santa Ana Unifed
We’re thrilled to congratulate UCI and Santa Ana Unifed on formalizing their ongoing partnership to launch their first university-assisted partnership at James Monroe Elementary School. Learn more about the partnership by reading the announcement here.
Measuring What Matters: A White Paper
California’s historic $4.1B investment in community schools presents an extraordinary opportunity to collect and use multiple measures of implementation quality and whole-child outcomes. This white paper charts a path for combining state and local measures to inform the development, monitoring, and improvement of community schooling across California.