Elementary Schools: Edison Career Speaker Series
Edison Elementary brought the community directly into classrooms through its Career Speaker Series, where 25 guest speakers visited 21 homerooms to share their career paths, educational journeys, personal passions, and hands-on activities. From entrepreneurs and educators to business professionals and tradespeople, students were exposed to a diverse range of role models who reflected their school community. United Way’s Community School Director, Tami Krzeszewski-Conway, coordinated all logistics and partner recruitment, ensuring smooth execution and meaningful interactions. The building buzzed with excitement as students asked thoughtful questions and explored new possibilities for their futures.
Aligns with Community School Pillars:
- Expanded Learning and Extracurricular Activities
- Family Engagement and Support
Middle Schools: National Fuel EDGEFuel Partnership Launch
Wilson Middle School launched its new Cultural Celebration Team—an idea sparked by a Positive Youth Development student—which aims to elevate cultural awareness and celebrate student identity. National Fuel’s EDGEFuel Group (Ethnically Diverse Group of Employees) immediately stepped in as a partner, offering mentorship, expertise, and ongoing support. Fifteen students joined the inaugural meeting, where EDGEFuel leaders shared examples of cultural programming and guided the group in identifying traditions they value or want to learn more about. The team plans to meet monthly, increase culturally relevant content during morning announcements, and host a community event by the end of the school year. United Way’s Community School Director, Julia Boyd, coordinated the partnership and continues to support the team’s development.
Aligns with Community School Pillars:
- Positive Environment for Wellness and Learning
- Expanded Learning and Extracurricular Activities
- Family Engagement and Support
Erie High School: First-Ever Reality Fair
More than 400 Erie High students participated in the school’s first-ever Reality Fair—a hands-on financial literacy simulation hosted in partnership with ERIEBANK. Students selected a career, budgeted a monthly income, and visited stations representing real-life expenses including housing, transportation, groceries, utilities, and healthcare. Every scenario was localized to reflect actual Erie County costs. A crowd favorite was the “Whammy Wheel,” which introduced unexpected expenses like car repairs or medical bills, highlighting the importance of financial planning. ERIEBANK Regional President and former United Way Board Chair Katie Jones joined volunteers onsite to support students and reinforce the long-term importance of strong financial decision-making. United Way coordinated the event through Community School Director Shateria Franklin, connecting students with practical skills that support post-graduation success.
Aligns with Community School Pillars:
- School Transitions and Life Preparedness
- Expanded Learning and Extracurricular Activities
- Family and Community Partnerships
Other Notable Highlights
Below is a snapshot of additional activities made possible by United Way of Erie County through the Community School Model. United Way directs funding to these activities, which are coordinated and led by the Community School Director. (This is just a glimpse - there’s so much more happening!)
Diehl:
- Students sent handwritten and handmade Veteran’s Day cards to residents at the Soldiers and Sailors Home, extending their school-wide Kindness Campaign into the community.
East:
- Hosted its Q1 VIP Party, celebrating students with strong attendance and grades; activities included art, board games, and jewelry-making, supported by PBIS and the Community School Director.
Edison:
- Wabtec volunteers visited three classrooms to support math lessons, engineering challenges, and Thanksgiving-themed enrichment activities.
Erie High:
- Welcomed Garry Gilliam, former Penn State and NFL player, who spoke with several hundred students about the power of resilience.
- Created significant growth in engagement on Erie High’s Facebook page. From September 1 to November 17, the page gained 167% more followers, saw a 112% increase in visits, a 512% increase in views, and generated more than 1,100 additional content interactions.
Grover Cleveland:
- Coordinated a holiday meal drive, distributing 100 complete meal kits to families during Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Harding:
- Hosted its second annual STEAM Fair featuring hands-on activities from more than a dozen partners, including corporate partner Eriez Magnetics.
Jefferson:
- Held a family BINGO night with support from PLAYtime and United Way funding, bringing more than 125 students and families together for food, fun, and connection.
JoAnna Connell:
- Reinstated quarterly awards assemblies, celebrating students for attendance, academic achievement, and PBIS expectations, with enthusiastic peer support and recognition.
Lincoln:
- Held a second-grade family night featuring cookie decorating, funded by United Way. Families engaged together in a fun activity that strengthened school connection.
McKinley:
- Launched its annual Holiday Shop, giving students the chance to purchase gifts at low cost with support from community donations and United Way funding.
Perry:
- Family PE Week brought 80 parents and guardians into gym class to participate in stretching, warmups, and physical activity alongside their students.
Pfeiffer-Burleigh:
- Hosted a Winterwear Give-A-Way through the United Way Community Closet, providing 50 students with warm coats, hats, and gloves.
Strong Vincent Middle School:
- Held their monthly invite-only events, such as in-school BINGO and other activities, to create positive momentum and reinforce/reward perfect school attendance. 197 students participated in November.
Wilson Middle School:
- Wilson band, chorus, and Improv Club students attended Mercyhurst University’s production of Coppélia, a first ballet experience for many.
