Partnerships for Progress: Gilbert High Hosts School Connect Cafe
Tristan Chavez
Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) hosted its 3rd School Connect Community and Family Engagement event (Cafe) at Gilbert High School, bringing together over 20 local businesses and representatives from Gilbert High feeder elementary and junior high schools. By connecting key community partners and school representatives, the event sparked the beginning of relationships that can ultimately help students receive the best educational experience possible.
Acting as an opportunity to connect with community partners and increase student opportunities, Gilbert High showcased its talented students with performances from the school’s choir and orchestra. Taking place in the Gilbert High Library, the School Connect Cafe started with a welcome from GPS Superintendent Dr. Shane McCord who discussed the district’s history and potential opportunities the event could create for students, staff, and community members. Each participating school then sat down with about 10 community partners alongside representatives from their schools which included principals, assistant principals, teachers, social workers, students, and more.
“Being able to sit down and talk with community partners face-to-face is extremely valuable. Not only are we able to share the specific needs of our schools with the community, but they are also able to bring in wonderful ideas on how they can support our schools,” said Jodi Smith, Principal at Greenfield Junior High.
During the table discussions schools were able to talk about their campus and culture, highlighting what makes their school unique and the impact that partnerships can have on students. Representatives talked to community partners about the needs of their school, from campus improvements like updated sidewalks and landscaping to boosting school culture with student appreciation rewards and incentive programs. Other asks from schools included discussions about career options for students, adding murals across campuses, campus accessibility updates, sporting equipment, and more.
“It’s so empowering to hear from people at the school, especially the students,” added Haley MacLean, Education and Curriculum Specialist at STEM Sports and former teacher at Mesquite Junior High. “We can see and hear the passion they have for their school and the projects that are important to them. As a business, I know I’m investing in real people and I know that we can make an actual impact on them.”
“When you get to sit down with a small business or a community member and talk to them about your success and your vision, they want to be a part of it,” added Rod Huston, Director of Community Education at GPS. “We’ve already had two successful School Connect Cafes with more planned in the future. Ultimately, our hope is to share what our schools are doing with the community so we can continue to create an environment where students get the best education possible.”
The School Connect Cafe successfully connected community partners and schools, including, Finley Farms Elementary, Gilbert High, Greenfield Junior High, Mesquite Elementary, Patterson Elementary, Sonoma Ranch Elementary, and Val Vista Lakes Elementary. The next School Connect Cafe will take place at Highland High School (HHS) and will include feeder schools for HHS. If a Gilbert or Mesa business is interested in supporting a local school and making a positive impact on student's lives, contact Gavin Huffman at gavin.huffman@gilbertschools.net to participate in the next School Connect Cafe.