Family Engagement Efforts Give Parents More Ways to Connect, Contribute and Be Heard
Across Erie Public Schools, United Way Community Schools began the new school year by creating opportunities for
families to build relationships with school staff, understand school priorities, and have a stronger voice in their school
communities. From larger family gatherings to new parent groups and feedback opportunities, Community School
Directors are helping make family engagement an ongoing part of the school experience.
At Perry Elementary, grade-level family breakfasts began in September with Pre-K/Kindergarten and first-grade
students and their families. More than 160 adults attended over two days. School administrators, school-wide staff,
and the Community School Director shared school updates, discussed Perry’s School Improvement Plan, connected
families with the Perry Page Turner Reading Club, and distributed educational materials families can use at home.
Perry plans to continue the breakfasts with additional grade levels throughout the year.
At Strong Vincent Middle School, the first Colonel Parent Connection meeting was held September 10. The new
group was created to replace the traditional PTSA model with a fresh approach focused on connecting parents,
building community, planning school events, recruiting volunteers, and providing families with additional ways to
become involved in the Strong Vincent community.
At Edison Elementary, the school held its first Family Impact Meeting this school year, providing parents and
caregivers with a dedicated opportunity to share feedback and help shape family engagement efforts. Nine family
members participated in the first meeting, with additional opportunities for families to provide input outside the
meeting.
Aligns with Community School Pillars:
Family Engagement and Support | Positive Environment for Wellness and Learning | Community and Neighborhood Partnerships
Student Leadership and Extracurricular Opportunities Strengthen School Connection
United Way Community Schools continue to create opportunities for students to become active participants in their school
communities. Student leadership programs, extracurricular activities, athletics, and service opportunities give students meaningful
ways to find their interests, build relationships, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their connection to school.
At Erie High School, approximately 500 students participated in the Fall Activities Fair on September 16. Students were able to meet
representatives from 19 Erie High clubs as well as all Erie High athletic teams during lunch periods. Students talked with advisors and
coaches, learned about extracurricular opportunities, and signed up for fall programming.
Interest in student leadership was especially strong at Harding Elementary, where 79 of the school’s 125 fifth-grade students applied
to become Harding Student Ambassadors. Because of the high level of student interest, Harding is also developing an additional
leadership opportunity in collaboration with the school’s Behavior Intervention Specialists. The new Harding CHAMPS group will
focus on compassion, hope, awareness, mindfulness, positivity, and support, with students leading school-wide efforts around
kindness, anti-bullying, and mental health.
At Jefferson Elementary, fifth-grade H.E.R.D. student leaders continued taking on greater responsibility within the school community.
Through hands-on service and leadership opportunities, students are developing communication, teamwork, responsibility, and
leadership skills while contributing to their school.
Aligns with Community School Pillars:
Expanded Learning and Extracurricular Activities | Positive Environment for Wellness and Learning | School Transitions and Life
Preparedness
Community Partnerships Help Families Extend Learning and Support Beyond the Classroom
Community Schools create connections between schools, families, and community organizations so learning and support do not
stop at the classroom door. During September, several schools used community partnerships to give parents practical tools,
strengthen early learning, and help families reinforce classroom skills at home.
At JoAnna Connell Elementary, the school partnered with Erie Family Center to bring the Incredible Years program directly into the
school. The evidence-based parenting curriculum is designed to strengthen parenting skills and family resilience. Erie Family Center
provides program facilitation as well as a meal and childcare, helping remove barriers that could otherwise make participation
difficult for families.
At Lincoln Elementary, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and first-grade families participated in a Family Night with PLAYtime. Students took part
in a coloring contest and BINGO with PLAYtime facilitators while parents participated in a workshop focused on practical ways to
support their children’s learning at home.
McKinley Elementary also brought together classroom teachers and community partners for a Pre-K and Kindergarten Kickoff.
Teachers planned classroom activities designed to teach students specific skills while also showing families how those same skills
can be practiced at home. The Achievement Center’s Project Launch provided a Craft & Connect activity, PLAYtime provided
additional family programming, and families were invited to provide feedback to help shape future quarterly educational workshops
for Pre-K and Kindergarten families.
Aligns with Community School Pillars:
Family Engagement and Support | Expanded Learning and Extracurricular Activities | Community and Neighborhood Partnerships
Other Notable Highlights
Below is a snapshot of additional activities happening across Erie Public Schools through the Community School Model. These efforts are funded and/or coordinated by Community School Directors in partnership with school teams and community partners. This is just a glimpse of the work we do each and every month!
Diehl Elementary: Diehl launched a campaign with its Corporate Partners to create Calming Corners in classrooms as
part of the school’s effort to become more trauma informed. The initial goal was to complete three
grade levels, and partners have already sponsored two grade levels and an additional classroom.
East Middle School: Students in East’s Life Skills and Autistic Support classrooms worked each Wednesday with Erie Farm
to School in the school garden. The hands-on activities help students develop practical life
skills, practice teamwork, and learn about gardening and where food comes from.
Edison Elementary: Edison’s Explorers’ Club took its first trip to Luke Vineyard with 55 children and adults
participating. The Webster family covered activities, food, and other expenses, while bus
transportation was supported through a Foundation for Erie’s Public Schools grant.
Erie High School: Veterans Delivery Workforce and Logistics Founder and CEO Victor Whitlock donated book bags,
school supplies, headphones, and electronic bags valued at $4,526 for Erie High students, providing
additional resources that can be used to address student needs throughout the school year.
Grover Cleveland: Approximately 90 adults participated in Grover Cleveland’s three-day “Book, Bagel, and Grandcougar”
celebration surrounding Grandparents Day. Families shared breakfast, participated in activities,
and visited the Werner Books book fair. Local author Nick Sorensen also visited to read The Bright
Red Little Cardinal, talk with families, and sign books.
Harding: Harding partnered with its PTO to host Popsicles on the Playground as an informal opportunity to
strengthen parent engagement and school connection. Thirty-six families attended.
Jefferson Elementary: Jefferson hosted a Family Movie Night that brought students, families, and staff together in a
relaxed and welcoming setting designed to strengthen relationships and build community within the
school.
JoAnna Connell: JoAnna Connell implemented weekly New Student Orientations to help newly enrolled students and
families begin the year with the information and relationships they need to be successful. Families
have an opportunity to meet the principal, assistant principal, and Community School Director while
learning about their new school.
Lincoln: Lincoln partnered with Master Gardeners of Erie County to redesign the school’s front garden using
native plants. Students are learning about the benefits of native plants, helping design the
garden, and participating in planting through the school’s after-school Garden Club.
McKinley: McKinley scheduled its third annual Explorers’ Club Family Field Trip to Sissons’ Pumpkin Farm for
September 23, with 165 attendees expected to participate in the family experience.
Perry: Perry launched a new year of the Perry Page Turner Reading Club with an increased emphasis on
family participation. This year’s goal is to welcome 100 reading visits from Perry family members.
Pfeiffer-Burleigh: Pfeiffer-Burleigh combined its annual Title I family engagement meeting with a Community Resource
Fair coordinated by the United Way Community School Director. Nine in-school programs and 13
community-based organizations hosted interactive tables to help families learn about supports
available both within the school and throughout the surrounding community.
Strong Vincent Middle School: Strong Vincent created a new monthly Colonel Family Calendar to make school events, activities,
celebrations, and important dates easier for families to access. The school also launched a new
volunteer recruitment effort, reaching out to families, staff, Gannon University, and community
partners to build additional support for upcoming school events.
Wilson Middle School: Wilson held its first-quarter Family Engagement Night at Presque Isle’s Beach 11. Approximately 50
students and family members participated in a free meal, games, and community-building activities
while learning more about the Community School Model, Title I, and Wilson’s newly formed PTA.
Transportation was available for families who needed it.
Recent Strategic Partnerships
Over the past several months, United Way staff have been excited to participate in several EPS-led strategic initiatives. These opportunities build on the strong partnership between United Way and the district, allowing backbone staff and Community School Directors to learn, share on-the-ground perspectives, and offer Community School knowledge and resources in support of
EPS priorities.
At the invitation of Dr. Rick Schneider, Sara Naughton (Vice President of Data and Evaluation), Meghan Easter (Vice President of Community Schools), Shanna Potter (Community School Director at Harding) and Bryan Barton (Community School Director at Erie High, with a focus on Positive Environments for Wellness and Learning) are contributing to the Attendance Committee. Because improved attendance is one of the goals of the Community School model, their participation creates a valuable
opportunity to share insights from school attendance teams and related supports as the committee advances EPS goals. Meghan Easter and Liz Nies (Community School Director at Lincoln) continue to participate on the EPS Wellness Council. They
are pleased to share updates on wellness activities underway in schools and contribute their perspectives to the council’s district- led work.
United Way staff are also contributing to the EPS strategic planning process. Sara Naughton, Meghan Easter, and Jeanette Craig (CSD Supervisor, Elementary) are participating on the subcommittee for Priority 5: Family and Community Engagement, while Cecelia Hollands (CSD Supervisor, Middle and High) is participating on the subcommittee for Priority 3: Well-Being and Safety. Their role is to offer relevant experience and community-informed perspectives as EPS shapes its priorities and next
steps. As EPS moves forward with BET 2.0, United Way looks forward to continuing this collaboration, supporting the district’s vision,
and celebrating the promising work ahead.