You’re likely familiar with the traditional African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This idea seems to be even more relevant today. Children benefit when the whole community assumes responsibility to raise, teach, and support them. In fact, research shows that strong relationships between schools, families, and community members can positively affect student achievement and outcomes. At ICS, we know this to be true.
We have been fostering mutual relationships between our school and the community since the very beginning. I believe these partnerships have contributed to our inclusive learning environment and increased student learning opportunities. The relationships also create a sense of responsibility for all involved.
My hope is that our students and families connect at school and with each other, but I am also eager for them to connect in the community. In turn, I love seeing the community connected to our school!
Our vision at ICS is to become a buzzing hub of resources for our students. We have always considered ourselves a full-service community school. That means we not only place importance on our students’ academic growth, but we prioritize the full scope of our students’ developmental needs. This focus includes social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and psychological health.
We can’t address all these important needs alone! That’s why we are so grateful for our community partners.
Just a snapshot of our partners from the 2021-22 school year...
The Georgia Department of Education says, “educating the whole child means to acknowledge AND address non-academic factors that impact academic outcomes while expanding learning opportunities.” They classify this approach as the Whole-Child model.
We have been doing this all along, but I’m excited about the ways we can grow our connection in the community. Our next steps include formalizing this approach within ICS so we will be able to access funding and additional opportunities.
The overarching goal is to provide our students with the resources they need to succeed. By combining the resources in our community, I believe we can have a greater impact. When schools, families, and the community work together, our students benefit!
“It takes a village to raise a child, they say, and it takes a community to raise a genius, no matter how singular the individual.”
-Orna Ross, based off of an African proverb
