Shelley M. Davenport, Community School Program Manager, Belle Grove Elementary

Community Schools Overview

Anne Arundel County Public School's Community School Program is funded through Blueprint for Maryland's Future Grant. Maryland law defines "community school" as: Community school means a public school that establishes a set of strategic partnerships between the school and other community resources that promote student achievement, positive learning conditions, and the well–being of students by providing wraparound services. (Blueprint for Maryland’s Future)

The purpose of a community school is to help students and families overcome the in-school and out-of-school barriers that prevent children from learning and succeeding throughout their lives by having an integrated focus on academics, health, and social services, youth and community development, and family and community engagement.

All AACPS Community Schools have a Program Manager who works to connect families with community resources, establish and strengthen community partnerships, and plan programming to support students and their families in the following five areas:

Family Engagement and Community Partnerships
Physical Health Needs of Students and their Families
Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Needs of Students and their Families
Academic Enrichment and Learning Environment Needs for Students and Staff
2+ Generational Needs, Including Family Education, Workforce Development, and Early Childhood Outreach