Community schools serve as hubs that promote positive, equitable outcomes by connecting students, families, and school communities with local supports and resources to help them thrive. HCPSS’ Community School Vision is that students are engaged, connected, and life ready.
Our Community Schools implement four key practices based in the core values of voice, equity, empowerment, and transformation:
- High Quality Instruction and Learning
- Culture of Belonging, Safety and Care
- Family School Partnership
- Integrated Systems of Support
HCPSS’ community schools are funded through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a law mandating the use of programs and innovative approaches to eradicate achievement gaps and ensure opportunity for every student. For additional information, visit the HCPSS Community Schools web page.
Contact: Victoria Villegas, Community Site Coordinator: victoria_villegas@hcpss.org
Assets and Needs Assessment
A Community School Assets and Needs Assessment is a collaborative process that collects voice, strengths and areas of growth for our school community. By completing this data collection during our first year identified as a community school, we look at the whole picture of our community, by reviewing data like attendance and health trends, gathering feedback through surveys, and creating an inventory of local strengths like nearby clinics and non-profits.
This data is directly used to build a strategic 3-to-5-year Implementation Plan. By comparing local challenges against existing resources, the school can pinpoint exact service gaps and design targeted solutions. If the assessment reveals a widespread need for mental health support, the implementation plan outlines the precise partnerships, funding, and timelines needed to bring counselors onto campus. Ultimately, this process turns community voices into action, creating a tailored roadmap of wraparound services such as tutoring, healthcare, and family support that ensures every student can thrive.
Read HCMS' 2024-2025 Assets and Needs Assessment At a Glance.