The Northshore School District will continue implementation of its Community Schools initiative at the junior-high level thanks to a $75,000 grant from the Seattle Foundation. It is the largest education grant the foundation awarded this June. The project started at Kenmore, Northshore and Skyview junior highs during the 2010-11 school year and will expand to Canyon Park Junior High next school year.

The Community Schools initiative incorporates four components to support student achievement:

• Hang-Time, an after-school program that includes activities, clubs and academic support for junior-high students;

• Partnerships with community organizations to provide role models and mentors for students during the school day and Hang-Time;

• Natural Leaders, multi-cultural families at the schools who serve as a bridge between families and the school to increase parent communication and involvement; and

• Professional development for school staff to better understand and meet the needs of students and families.

“I am pleased that the Seattle Foundation has recognized and rewarded the success of the Community Schools project at Kenmore, Northshore and Skyview junior high schools with a second year of funding,” said Gretchen Schaefer, Northshore School District director of secondary curriculum and assessment.  “It is gratifying to see our community rally around the leadership of the project coordinator, Eileen Jowell, and provide extension and enrichment activities for our students.”

The Seattle Foundation initially awarded the district a $100,000 planning grant in 2010 to develop community partnerships and engagement opportunities to help break down barriers to student achievement for junior-high students.