The Windsor Central School District’s success in implementing the Community School strategy drew over 30 attendees as the NYSED Central/Western Community Schools Technical Assistance Center offered statewide Community School practitioners an opportunity to network with a district that has successfully implemented the Community School strategy.

A community school forms a strategy to organize the resources of the school and community to support student success. 

“We asked Windsor to partner with us due to their extensive experience and success in the strategy, to provide valuable insights into the innovative strategies they’ve developed to support students and families,” said Casey Pulz, Director, NYSED Central/Western Community Schools Technical Assistance Center and Binghamton University Community Schools.

Windsor administrators and members of the Community Schools team shared the successes and challenges that have shaped their work. Participants also toured Windsor Central High School to observe how Windsor applies this approach.

“Our team shared Windsor's vision, partnerships, and programming that have helped us improve outcomes for our students,” said Dr. Jason Hans, Director of Student Support and Family Services for the Windsor CSD.

“Attendees were particularly impressed by the regionally-specific career pathways offered to students, especially the Agricultural pathway, which integrates community-connected classroom instruction. Feedback from participants indicated they left with practical strategies to enhance the Community School approach in their own regions,” said Pulz.

The Windsor visit was part of the second annual Mini Conference, Innovation for Impact: Transforming Community Schools. This two-day event featured the Windsor site visit and a full day of professional learning at Binghamton University that included a keynote presentation from the National Center for Community Schools, as well as spotlight sessions from regional practitioners sharing innovative practices in Community Schools.