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Community Involvement

 Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) is an effective system designed to connect health (physical, social and emotional) with educational (cognitive and intellectual) programs. This coordinated approach to school health improves kids' health and their capacity to learn through the support of families, communities and schools working together.

Perhaps the most important vehicle to coordination of the school health program is the involvement of youth, parents, families and the community at large in the program. Full involvement of these entities as partners in the educational process brings valuable input to the program, increases the commitment of all partners to the program, and ensures that the "worlds of school and home" that form the primary sphere of influence for children are fully aligned and in agreement in the realm of health.

Portland Public Schools (PPS) invites community volunteers to complement and support instructional programs and extracurricular activities in the schools.

 The purposes of the volunteer program are to:

• Assist teachers in providing more individualized instruction and enrichment opportunities for students; assist staff with school projects; supervise or chaperone student activities; and perform clerical work;
• Build an understanding of and support for school programs among interested citizens; and
• Strengthen school/community relations.

 Healthy Portland - http://www.healthyportland.org/

Healthy Portland is a community coalition working to improve Portland’s health by promoting healthy, active ways of life. A community coalition is made up of folks from schools, businesses, worksites, media, public policy makers, community groups and residents. They all work together to make it easier for people living and working in Portland to eat healthy, be physically active and live their lives tobacco-free.

 For more information contact Chanda Turner at turnecportlandschools [dot] org

 Community Coordinators

A part-time Community Coordinator works in each of Portland’s schools.  The Community Coordinators develop and coordinate opportunities for meaningful family, business, and/or community involvement with our students and staff.  All responsibilities are carried out in collaboration with school personnel.

 For more information contact Susan L. Steele at steelsportlandschools [dot] org

 Parent Groups

Parent groups support many of our schools.  Each group works to meet the needs of its school, and often engage in local fundraising to support student programming.  They also provide volunteers and in-kind donations.

 For more information contact the school principal.

 Booster Clubs

The School Committee recognizes and appreciates the support provided by booster clubs for our co-curricular programs.  The purpose of booster clubs is to enhance our co-curricular programs with funding, volunteers and moral support for our students.  All co-curricular programs and activities remain under the control and direction of the Portland School Department and its administrators.  In addition, as a public institution, the Portland School Department must also ensure compliance with state and federal laws pertaining to equal opportunity and treatment of students.  All booster clubs must be approved by the school principal and are required to comply with all School Committee policies as well as the School Department’s Booster Club Guidelines.

 For more information contact the co-curricular coach/advisor or school principal.

 Business/Community Partnerships

Business and Community Partners are critical to achieving the Portland Public Schools’ mission.  These partners contribute time, money, expertise and resources to our schools to enhance student achievement.  Portland schools currently partner with over 100 area businesses and non-profit organizations.

 For more information contact the school Community Coordinator or Sue Ward at wardsportlandschools [dot] org