Community schools coordinators recently wrapped up an eight-day community schools “boot camp,” an intensive and comprehensive training to prepare coordinators for the school year ahead. Boot camp included presentations, group discussions, hands-on planning, and meetings with various partners. Community schools staff also toured each of the nine schools that make up the first cohort of community schools.

The community schools team was greeted by Councilman Bobby Henon, Councilwoman Janie Blackwell, Councilwoman Helen Gym, and representatives from Council President Clarke’s office, who each reiterated their support and excitement for community schools. A highlight of boot camp was when Mayor Kenney stopped by to officially welcome the new hires and expressed his deep enthusiasm for the community schools initiative, a strategy that he believes will disrupt the cycle of poverty and inequity in Philadelphia.

“This is the height of public service,” Mayor Kenney explained. “You’re gonna be the intermediary, you’re gonna intercede in those problems that parents face, that teachers face, that neighborhoods face.”

During the training, community schools coordinators were immersed in sessions covering topics such as cultural competence, how to perform needs assessments, Philadelphia demographics, partnership coordination, and an introduction to city data. Staff members met with representatives from the American Federation of Teachers, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the School District of Philadelphia, and the Coalition for Community Schools.

After successfully completing boot camp last week, coordinators were ready to hit the ground running for what Councilwoman Gym has deemed “the most inspiring school year in Philadelphia in decades.” Equipped with a wealth of resources and know-how, community schools coordinators welcomed students and families into their schools on the first day of school, and are gearing up for the great school year ahead.