Community Schools
What is a Community School?
A Community School is any school serving Pre-Kindergarten through high school
students using a “whole-child” approach, with “an integrated focus on academics, health
and social service, youth and community development, and community engagement.”
As a school improvement strategy, community school initiatives enable the local
education agency (LEA) and school to work closely with educators, students, and
families to understand and address the unique needs, assets, and aspirations of the
school community.
Dear MUSD Community,
We are thrilled to announce that the Montebello Unified School District (MUSD) has been awarded the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) Implementation Grant totaling $8,075,000.00. This grant will enable MUSD to enhance educational opportunities for our students over the next five years. The district will implement extended learning time and opportunities, provide integrated student support, and foster collaboration among families, educators, and the community to boost student success. By integrating these four key pillars, we aim to create an environment where students can thrive. The long-term success of the CCSPP will be measured by the expansion of learning supports and opportunities, the adoption of community-rooted and culturally relevant instructional practices, and the strengthening of partnerships to better serve the needs of students and families.
The following schools were included in Cohort 3 of the Implementation Grant Application: Applied Technology Center High School, Bell Gardens High School, Montebello High School, Montebello Community Day School and Vail High School. Over the next five years, these schools will receive annual funding ranging from $75,000 - $500,000, based on student population. This grant from the California Department of Education’s Community Schools Partnership Program will enable these schools to establish and expand community partnerships, develop sustainability plans, and conduct ongoing needs and assets assessment to ensure continuous improvement. The Community Schools strategy is rooted in equity, aiming to close the achievement gap and promote student success.
If you have any questions regarding Community Schools, please visit MUSD Community Schools or contact Community Schools Program Specialist, Rocio Zaragoza at (323) 887-7900 ext. 2262 or via email at [email protected].
California Community School Partnership Program Framework:
The Montebello Unified School District (MUSD) was awarded the California Community
Schools Partnership Program Planning Grant. Part of the planning process is to
establish a Community Schools District Steering Committee. In collaboration with the
Montebello Teachers Association, California School Employees Association, parents,
students, and community members, our first steering committee meeting was held on
Monday, June 12, 2023. The steering committee will meet regularly in the upcoming
2023-2024 school year to engage and inform the school community on the California
Community Schools Framework. The framework makes a commitment to asset-driven
and strength-based practices, racially just and restorative school climates, a
commitment to powerful, culturally proficient and relevant instruction and shared
decision making and participatory practices. The steering committee will develop,
facilitate, and implement the application process in order for MUSD schools to be
considered for the California Community Schools Partnership Program Implementation
Grant.
If you have any questions regarding Community Schools, please contact the
Community Schools Program Specialist, Rocio Zargoza at (323) 887-7900 ext. 2262 or
via email at [email protected].
(Agendas 2023-2024)