Hawaii Community Schools Seek To Support And Engage With Local Families 0 The schools are joining a national movement to create more community partnerships to help students thrive inside and outside of the classroom.
From the outside, Waipahu Elementary School looks like any other public school. Bright murals reminding students to “Be the I in kind” adorn the walls, while a faded blue and yellow sign reminds parents of upcoming events for the 2022-23 school year.
But beyond the campus gates, clothing racks filled with sweatshirts, washing machines available to families and bookshelves crammed with toothpaste bottles and deodorant provide evidence that this is a different kind of school.
Waipahu Elementary is one of the emerging leaders in Hawaii’s community schools movement.
Community schools function no differently from other public schools within the Department of Education. However, they distinguish themselves by partnering with local organizations to provide comprehensive services to students and families while also involving community members in the administration of the school. By considering the challenges children face inside and outside of the classroom, community schools aim to consolidate multiple programs and support systems in one place.
