Elementary Schools: Royal NFL Flag Football
Over 1,200 fans filled Erie Veterans Memorial Stadium on Sunday, October 26, to cheer on more than 200 students from United Way Community Schools during the second annual Royal NFL FLAG Football Tournament. The event marked the culmination of six weeks of practices held across Erie’s Public Schools, giving students a platform to showcase teamwork, confidence, and sportsmanship. The tournament brought together families, teachers, and community partners to celebrate the power of safe, structured after-school activities. Supported through United Way funding and coordination, the event promotes student wellness, community pride, and school connectedness.
Aligns with Community School Goals: ‣Improved School Culture ‣Increased Access to Out of School Time Opportunities ‣Improved Family Involvement ‣Improved Community Partnerships
Middle Schools: Writing in Schools Programs
Students from all three middle schools - East, Strong Vincent, and Wilson - participated in the first session of the Writing in the Schools program at Werner Books. The initiative introduces students to creative writing through hands-on lessons with local authors and literacy advocates, sparking confidence in student voices and imagination. United Way funding supports transportation and materials for this enrichment opportunity, which will continue through four total visits during the school year.
Aligns with Community School Goals: ‣Increased Access to In-School Enrichment Opportunities ‣Improved Community Partnerships
Erie High School: Mobile Dentist Visit
Erie High partnered with SMILES Pennsylvania to support the unmet dental needs of students through a two-day mobile dental clinic on October 15 and 20. The clinic provided 47 students with cleanings and restorative care at no cost, helping reduce barriers to learning by improving overall student wellness. United Way of Erie County’s Community School model coordinated the clinic and partnership, ensuring access to essential health services for students who need them most.
Aligns with Community School Goals: ‣Increased Access to Health and Wellness Supports ‣Improved 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:
- Hosted Trunk-or-Treat with more than 400 attendees; United Way funding and partner donations provided snacks, water, and treats.
East Middle School:
- Launched United Way-funded after-school clubs in Drama, Model UN, Music, and Cheer, with nearly 80 girls signing up for Cheer tryouts.
Edison:
- Hosted Math in Class family night connecting home play to early math learning; families received take-home games and observed live lessons.
Erie High School:
- Hosted a student-led blood drive through its new Red Cross Club, collecting 42 donations, which is the highest ever for the school.
Grover Cleveland:
- Re-launched Sunrise Yoga Club for students and staff, offering before-school mindfulness and physical activity funded by United Way.
Harding:
- Fifth-grade Student Ambassadors attended Lunch with a Leader at Strong Vincent to connect with middle school peers and practice leadership.
Jefferson:
- Students trick-or-treated through the VA Hospital, spreading joy to patients and staff while strengthening community ties.
JoAnna Connell:
- Held Trunk or Treat for 700 students and families with over 100 volunteers and 20 community vendors.
Lincoln:
- Hosted its first Family Field Trip to Sisson’s Pumpkin Patch for 244 students and family members, with free admission and meals provided.
McKinley:
- Explorer’s Club visited Sisson’s Pumpkin Patch after weather delays, with 161 students and parents attending.
Perry:
- Hosted PBIS Glow Party for students earning rewards, creating a fun and active celebration in the school gym.
Pfeiffer-Burleigh:
- Junior Garden Club for K–2 students learned about healthy foods and participated in Erie Zoo’s Scarecrow Contest.
Strong Vincent Middle School:
- Launched monthly ‘Community Events at Strong Vincent’ series with partner Our West Bayfront, inviting families for workshops and recreation.
Wilson Middle School:
- Positive Youth Development students performed the puppet show ‘Applebee Pond’ at McKinley, teaching positive decision-making.
