Community Schools HALETHORPE ELEMENTARY

What is a community school?

Community schools promote positive, equitable outcomes by providing students and families with the physical and mental health, academic, and extracurricular supports needed to thrive. Community schools serve as hubs that bring families, communities, and partners together to remove barriers to learning, achievement, holistic growth and development . Using an asset-based approach, community schools strive to strengthen connections to generate improved student outcomes.

There are currently 56 schools that are identified as community schools in baltimore county, HALETHORPE ES is one of them. This means we get extra resources to help our students and families!

BCPS By The Numbers

In Maryland, a community school is any school that receives Concentration of Poverty Grants. The grants are formula-based and awarded to schools on an annual basis. The determining factor for eligibility is the 4-year average of the percentage of the school’s students living in poverty (excluding 2020-2021 school year), as determined by the compensatory education enrollment. This is essentially the number of students receiving free and reduced-price meals.

Commitment Areas

Commitment Areas is the five-themed approach for implementing the community schools strategy. The Commitment Areas are the "WHAT" of Community Schools.

Competencies

The Competencies is the "HOW" of Community Schools. We implement the commitment areas using the competencies.

Year 1: Needs Assessment

During the 2022-2023 school year, a comprehensive Needs and Assets Assessment of the school and community was lead and conducted by Dr. Danielle R. Green, Community School Facilitator. Steps 1-7 noted in the graphic above were the components of the assessment. Below is the report that was submitted to the Maryland Department of Education that summaries the finds of the assessment.
Halethorpe Community Schools Needs Assessment MSDE Report 2022-2023

Halethorpe Highlights 2022-2023

This graphic provides a brief summary of some of our accomplishments as a Year 1 Community School.
Our Partners (Kaiser Permanente, FedEx, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated and South West Emergency Services) provided school supplies for our students.
On this night, students received brand new coats, hats and gloves for the winter. Families learned about the Blueprint, which is Maryland's funded policy for education and provides funds for Community Schools. Villa Maria provided comprehensive supports and resources for those who experience grief and loss during the holiday season. Community stakeholders were able to participate in the Community Schools Needs and Assets Assessment. Students and families engaged in a service-learning project by making greeting cards for older adults in our community who are living in senior facilities.
Our Partner, Girl Scouts of Central Maryland provided Halethorpe Elementary, two six-week Out-Of-School Time community programs that promoted the pillars of Girl Scouts. Our Fall program (STEAM Dream) targeted 3rd - 5th graders and our Spring program (You GLOW Girl) targeted K-2nd graders.
Our Partner, National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated- Gamma Chapter provided snacks and resources during our Pre-K Round-Up Event. During this event, current and future parents were able to create "Make and Take" educational activities for their children that they could use at home. Dr. Green provided a workshop for parents about the importance of using at home items to create learning opportunities for children.

Year 2: Implementation Plan

The Community School Facilitator will develop and execute the Multi Year Implementation Plan for Halethorpe Elementary. The CSF leads the SDMT where stakeholders have the opportunity to provide ideas and suggestions that will be incorporated into the plan which becomes the programs for Halethorpe Elementary for the next three years.

SDMT Meetings 2023-2024

Mondays: October 9th and November 13th from 4:30 - 6:00 PM

Wednesday: December 6th from 4:30 - 6:00 PM

2023-2024 HES RSVP Form
HES SDMT 2023-2024 October 9th
HES SDMT 2023-2024 November 13th
HES SDMT 2023-2024 December 6th

Implementation Plan Goals

Goal #1: (CS Commitment-College and Career Readiness) By 2026, Halethorpe Elementary will reduce the number of students identified as chronically absent and moderately absent from 46.67% to 36.67%.

Goal #2: (CS Commitment- Enhanced Academics and Enrichment) By 2026, Halethorpe Elementary will raise the amount of family and student stakeholders participating in enhanced academics, outreach and enrichment programs from 28.2% to 75%.

Goal #3: (CS Commitment- Equity and Inclusion) By 2026, Halethorpe Elementary will increase the amount of students reporting that they feel a sense of belonging from 63% to 75% Per the annual school climate survey.

Partners

Partnerships are an essential component of implementing the Community Schools Commitment Areas. Below is a list of the businesses, non-profits, governmental agencies and faith-based institutions who support the Community School initiative here at Halethorpe Elementary.

In our first year of the Community School initiative, we acquired over a dozen new partners!
Within the first six months of our second year as a Community School, we have acquired 13 additional partners. Stay tuned for additional partner updates for SY 2023-2024!

Let's Celebrate!

In the month of May we take time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have played in our shared history. Explore Smithsonian events happening online and in-person and find resources, podcasts, and collection items to learn more about AANHPI contributions. In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, all students, staff and families are invited to participate in our Halethorpe ES AAPIHM Spirit Week from May 20th through May 24th. We look forward to honoring and celebrating the cultures of our students and families!
Asian Pacific Heritage
National Teacher Day is May 7, 2024, and National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10, 2024. Help educators know just how appreciated they are by sharing a message on social media, tagging @NEAToday, and using #ThankATeacher.

Resources | Services | Supports

Please see the attachment for information about 6th grade orientation night next week at Arbutus Middle School.
Marylanders Online program is a free, accessible digital literacy resource working to close the digital divide in Maryland. The program helps individuals get connected to free devices, digital skill classes, and affordable internet services. Access to technology can mean access to social services as well as physical and mental health resources. The toll-free Marylanders Online helpline 1-866-206-8467 is available Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by emailing marylandersonline@umd.edu.
Marylanders Online
The Crossing Guard Company needs your help. If you are interested in helping to keep children safe as they travel to and from school, become a crossing guard.
ACMS Safety
Summer Is Coming! Baltimore County Public Library Summer Kickoff Begins Saturday, June 1st. Pre-register using the QR Code on the flyer. Happy Reading!
BCPL- Arbutus Branch
Empowering low-income Baltimore County residents to move toward self-sufficiency requires one-on-one attention with an experienced Community Resource Specialist (CRS). CRS help stabilize low-income families by navigating clients through CAN's community partners for services. All activities include action steps for clients to move themselves toward greater stability and growth by promoting self-worth, encouraging personal responsibility, and providing linkages to community resources. CRS also work to improve and expand public awareness of the services CAN provides.
Community Assistance Network
Our partner, The Maryland Insurance Administration is​ eager to help you! MIA representatives are out and about in the community, but are also virtual. They are ready to ans​wer your insurance questions. Please join them online. Registration is n​ot typically required, but recommended.​
MIA Virtual Events

Lansdowne Library and CCBC TESOL Launch Conversation Group

Mondays April 8th through May 27th from 6:30-7:30 PM, adults can meet with CCBC TESOL program educators to practice English language conversation skills. No registration is required for the FREE opportunity. The Lansdowne Branch is located at 500 Third Avenue | Lansdowne, Maryland 2127.

BCPL CCBC ESOL Conversation Group
If you are 18 years of age or older and you want to earn your high school diploma, contact CCBC at 443.840.3428 or email gedned@ccbcmd.edu.
Parent University offers resources, videos, workshops, and BCPS system updates to support the needs of your family. Their program goals align with the BCPS Compass: Our Pathway to Excellence - Focus Area 4 - Community Engagement and Partnerships.
BCPS Parent University
BCPS Parent University's Newsletters
Join the PTA on Monday, May 13th at McDonald's!
Halethorpe Elementary PTA
Southwest Emergency Services (SWES) is a Christian-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to help individuals and families in need by providing groceries, household items, clothing, and financial assistance to avoid eviction and electric/gas shutoffs. 1201 Maple Ave., Arbutus, MD 21227 (Entrance off Shelbourne Rd, adjacent to Maple Ave)
SWES
Our partner, Girl Scouts of Central Maryland will provided a six-week program for students in Kindergarten through Second grades. Sign up now! We will begin programming Wednesday, April 3rd.
Camp opportunities are available during Spring Break and the Summer.
Lure of the Wild
The ESOL Welcome Center for Baltimore County Public Schools provide services for families with students new to Baltimore County Public Schools, who speak a language other than English. The button below will connect you to Notary, MD Children's Health Programs, Vaccine, Baltimore Medical Systems Healthcare, Free Legal and so much more!
ESOL Welcome Center Linktree

Education Advisory Council of Baltimore County

The Education Advisory Council of Baltimore County is made up of five area councils and serves a unique and important role in our school system. Recognizing the essential role parents and community members play in supporting our public school system, the Advisory Council was established in 1972. Since that time, the Advisory Council members have served as both informed advisors to the Board of Education and as liaisons to the communities they represent. Halethorpe Elementary is located in the Southwest Area. Please click the link below for upcoming meetings.

Next Meeting: Monday, May 13th at 6:30 PM | Meeting Topic: Summer Resources – What's new for families this year? | Meeting Information: Zoom Meeting ID 812 1561 5480 & Passcode: 343996 | Call in Number: 301-715-8592

Southwest Area Education Advisory Council

HALETHORPE HIGHLIGHTS 2023-2024

During the summer, we established our Community Care Closet. Through the generous donations of our PARTNERS, we have a space that houses clothes, socks, shoes, coats, hats, gloves, non-perishable food items, household necessities, toiletries, hygiene products and school supplies. Students, families and community members can express their interest for these items and can come to our Community Care Closet to access the resources we have.
Halethorpe Elementary Community Care Closet Essential Request Form
Summer 2023, Halethorpe Elementary participated in a joint Back To School Bazaar with Baltimore City and Baltimore County Community Schools. The event, sponsored by Amazon, provided families with the opportunity to receive school supplies, shoes, physical and mental health services and other comprehensive supports. Halethorpe Elementary received a special donation from Amazon for our Community Care Closet. Our Partner, National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated- Gamma Chapter volunteered for the event and registered citizens to vote. Halethorpe Elementary also hosted a table at Halethorpe National Night Out and provided free books to all students and families who attended the event.
We kicked off SY 2023-2024 displaying our Community School pride with our new Halethorpe Swag! Our marketing campaign includes signage, tshirts for all students, staff, BCPS community members and partners, birthday postcards to celebrate students and staff on their special day and so much more!

Community School Facilitator

Danielle R. Green is a data-driven and heart-led leader who is in constant pursuit of learning, growing, developing, and enhancing her skillset to be of service to the community. Dr. Green is described as a trustworthy master teacher who can operate in any space and for whom training comes naturally when working with teams of various backgrounds. Dr. Green wants to be remembered for living out her most treasured phrase: ETJ (enjoy the journey) and for establishing and leveraging meaningful relationships to produce radical results.

CSF Role

The CSF functions as the connector between the school and the greater community with a focus on improving outcomes for students, families and communities. The CSF does this through promoting and facilitating strategic conversations among diverse stakeholders; leveraging unique community resources and partnerships to meet community needs; and serving as a catalyst for change within the school and community at large. The CSF creates, strengthens, and maintains the bridge between the school and the community. The CSF facilitates and provides leadership for collaborative process and development of a continuum of services for children, families and community members within a school neighborhood.

CSF Expectations and Responsibilities

Marketing the CS Strategy to the school staff, partners and community stakeholders. Lead and conduct a comprehensive Needs and Assets Assessment of the school and community. Lead the Shared Decision-Making Team. Leverage partnerships and resources that support the Community School initiative. Participate on school-level teams and committees to integrate the goals of the Community School initiative. Develop and execute the Multi Year Implementation plan for the school. Facilitate connections between the school and the surrounding community. Participate in community association meetings, activities, events and programs that happen outside of the school. Coordinates and connects resources and services for stakeholders. Builds capacity of stakeholders through leadership development.

Connect With Dr. Green

Twitter (X) @DrDRG_BCPS | Email: dgreen9@bcps.org | Direct Line: 443.809.5563 | Mobile/Cell: 443.455.1685

CSF Chats

Mondays and Fridays 9:30 - 10:30 AM | Tuesdays and Wednesdays 2:00 - 3:00 PM