Spring, 1999 No. 6  National Network of Partnership Schools

Questions & Answers

How Can Schools Improve
Type 6-Collaborating with the Community

Many members of the National Network of Partnership Schools raised important questions on the ‘98 UPDATE surveys. Several questions and answers are posted on the Q & A section of the Network’s web site, www.csos.jhu.edu/p2000. Because this information may be of interest to Network members who do not have Internet access, the Network will share selected Q & As in each issue of Type 2. Members may contribute other ideas by following the Q & A button or the Bulletin Board button on the Network’s web site.

How Are Community Partners Useful?

To determine how community partners can best help your school, the school Action Team should start by reviewing the school improvement goals and by writing a One-Year Action Plan for partnerships to meet important goals. Identify the Action Plan goals that will be reached more successfully with community support. Brainstorm with the Action Team a "wish list" of in-kind donations, services, programs, and/or money that will help meet these goals. Then, make a list of potential business, government, university, cultural, or other partners in your community who might be able to help. Write a clear, brief plan of how the support will help reach school goals.

Businesses can be approached for an in-kind donation such as food from a restaurant for refreshments at a meeting or plants from a nursery for door prizes at a workshop. Businesses and community partners can also be contacted to provide services such as mentoring, tutoring, or other ways of volunteering.

Whom Should We Ask?

Common places to ask for support include libraries, book stores, zoos, museums, religious institutions, universities, grocery stores, barber shops/beauty salons, hospitals, senior citizen groups, and community organizations (e.g., YMCA, Kiwanis Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters). Check the Network’s collection of Promising Partnership Practices—2000 and previous issues of Type 2 for more ideas.

How Do We Approach a Potential Partner?

Once needs are clearly outlined, you can approach potential business/community partners with a short letter. Later, you may follow-up with a phone call or a visit. Here are some suggestions for writing an initial letter:

• Find the name and address of the owner or president of the business/community organization and address the letter accordingly.
• Include the school’s name and location.
• Describe the school’s mission/goals for high standards and success for its students.
• Briefly explain your emphasis on school, family, and community partnerships.
• Describe how the partner’s support can help achieve important school goals.
• Illustrate how the partnership will benefit the community partner and/or the community as a whole.
• Specify how the business or organization will be recognized for its support.
• Note that you will call or visit in the next week.
• Include the Principal’s signature and a contact person’s phone number and address.

Send letters to many potential partners because not everyone will be able to match your school’s needs.

How Do We Maintain Community Partnerships?

It is important to thank your partners and recognize their contributions. Think of creative ways to recognize the value of their support, such as artwork or letters from students, an item with the school’s mascot, an appreciation breakfast, or a band/chorus/drama performance. Advertise the business/community partner’s support at the sponsored activity. Recognize partners in district, school, and local newspapers.

Ask all partners for feedback on the partnership relationship and activities. Use the feedback to improve your school-family-community partnership program each year. By reaching out to the community to meet specific school goals and recognizing their support, you will improve community involvement at your school.

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