On Wednesday, four district schools were proud to present the crucial role community schools play in student success to stakeholders from around the state participating in a conference organized by Network for Youth Success.
Community schools, supported by United Community Schools in nine buildings throughout the City School District of Albany, function as neighborhood centers providing additional support and services to students and families during and beyond the regular school day.
North Albany Middle School, Arbor Hill Elementary School, Sheridan Preparatory Academy and Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST) all hosted site visits as part of the symposium.
According to Arbor Hill Elementary School Principal Rosalind Gaines-Harrell, "By the end, many (attendees) said that they could sense the feeling of community here and that our school culture is great."
Network for Youth Success consists of three conferences over four days. It is one of the largest training and networking events for afterschool and expanded learning program providers in the state and the only state-wide community schools conference. Wednesday's portion was entitled Community Schools Resilience & Equity.
