|
Volume 2, Issue 4| January 6, 2024
| |
If you have suggestions for the next issue of Hub Happenings, email Mary-Beth Matthews at mmathew1@tps.org. If you see three dots, make sure you click on them to see the expanded copy. | |
|
In this edition of Hub Happenings, you'll see the power of aligned partnerships in supporting students and families. This is a primary focus of our Hubs. In fact, we strive to avoid "random acts of partnership." Hubs are intentional about building and sustaining partnerships, and Hub leaders work hard to braid resources to strengthen families and support students. This was evident in the work of our Hubs throughout the holiday season.
As we launch into 2024, we are preparing for our remaining Town Halls. Please join us for our Riverside Town Hall on January 17 at 3:30 p.m. to contribute to establishing the priorities for our work in that community. Please register by January 12 through the QR code on the invitation here: Riverside Town Hall
| |
|
NEWS FROM THE JONES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY OF BUSINESS HUB
Heidy Eckel, Hub Director
The Art Tatum Zone is the Lead Partner
| |
|
CHRISTMAS FAMILY ADOPTION
During the season of giving, The Art Tatum Zone was able to adopt two families from Jones Leadership Academy of Business, reports Hub Director Heidy Eckel. "We were able to shop for gifts and bless families that would otherwise not have anything under the tree for Christmas," she writes. "One of the moms cried when receiving the gifts and said, 'these are the only gifts my kids are getting.' " Ms. Eckel adds, "We are extremely thankful that we got to do this!"
STAFF CHRISTMAS LUNCH
The Art Tatum Zone was able to sponsor JLAB’s Christmas staff lunch at a local restaurant. "During this time, we got to share a meal and exchange some gifts through a white elephant game. We made sure we expressed how thankful we are and that through this lunch we wanted to show appreciation to each staff member for all they do for our school community," Ms. Eckel shares.
| |
|
NEWS FROM THE PICKETT ACADEMY HUB
Aloee Jackson, Hub Director
The Art Tatum Zone is the Lead Partner
| |
|
CHRISTMAS SHOE BOXES
Cedar Creek Church and Art Tatum Zone gifted all Pickett Academy students in grades Kindergarten through second grade with Christmas shoe boxes. Each box included several small toys and hygiene items.
| |
|
|
TOWN HALL
Parents, teachers, and community members gathered to go over data and establish priorities for the Pickett community at a recent Town Hall (photo at right). The priorities that surfaced after the data review and community conversation were parental involvement, PreK support, reading/math support, and student safety, shares Hub Director Aloee Jackson.
Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!
| |
|
ADOPTED FAMILIES
The Art Tatum Zone adopted a six-student family from Pickett for Christmas. Each child received at least three gifts from their wish lists. Right Direction donated the BMX bike (in photo below right)
| |
|
NEWS FROM THE REYNOLDS ELEMENTARY HUB
Zahra Collins, Hub Director
Pathway 4 Successful Leadership is the Lead Partner
| |
The students and staff members at Reynolds Elementary had a busy few weeks before their winter break. Hub Director Zahra Collins caught all of the excitement. Take a look: | |
|
NEWS FROM THE RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY HUB
Jazzma Chandler, Hub Director
The YMCA of Greater Toledo is the Lead Partner
| |
|
COOKIES AND COCOA...
AND SANTA
The Riverside Hub held its second annual Cookies and Cocoa event right before students left for their winter break. "Children were able to make holiday crafts, decorate cookies, have cocoa, play games, and [have] a visit with Santa. A big thank you to our partners at Perrysburg First Church for being able to help us with this event," writes Hub Director Jazzma Chandler.
| |
|
FAMILIES ADOPTED FOR CHRISTMAS
Also at Riverside, Ms. Chandler worked with the Hub's various partners to get 25 families adopted for Christmas. "We are extremely thankful for this, especially because children who were chosen also had their siblings adopted," she shares. "Children received bikes, tablets, clothes, shoes, Barbies, trumpets, learning activities, games, and so much more. It was truly a great way to kick off the holiday season."
| |
|
NEWS FROM THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL HUB
Mark Ferrell, Hub Director
Junior Achievement of Northwestern Ohio (JA)
is the Lead Partner
| | |
|
The Rogers Hub was busy during the holiday season, hosting a movie night for students in grades sixth through eighth (see photos), and supplying more than 10 students with vouchers for coats and boots. "In addition, working with our partners and the Rogers staff, especially Ms. A. Owen, we were able to share the love of Christmas by supporting a family with gift cards, student gifts, and pet food to brighten their holiday season," proudly shares Rogers Hub Director Mark Ferrell. | |
|
NEWS FROM THE SCOTT HIGH SCHOOL HUB
Joe Peterson, Hub Director
New Concepts is the Lead Partner
| | |
|
Scott High School Hub Director Joe Peterson writes, "Thanks to our generous alumni, ten families enjoyed festive meal baskets this holiday season. This act not only provided nourishment but also showcased the enduring spirit of our community. A heartfelt thank you to our alumni for their continued support and commitment to making a difference." | |
|
COPING WITH GRIEF
DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Mr. Peterson also shares: "During the holiday season, which often symbolizes joy, many can grapple with intensified grief for the loss of a loved one. Recognizing this, the Community Hub organized a safe space... Attendees had the opportunity to share, learn coping strategies, and find solace among others who understood their experiences. New Concepts facilitated the difficult but meaningful conversation, further emphasizing the invaluable support of the community during challenging times."
| |
|
Mark Ferrell, Hub director at Rogers High School, wants to give a big thank you to partner Second Baptist Church for providing the school's Community Closet with a generous amount of hygiene needs "which were quickly depleted by our students. It is our hope to further address the student needs as winter pushes on with our GET WARM request (hats and gloves) and the continuation of coat vouchers for the January drive." He adds: "I'm overwhelmed by the generosity and thoughtfulness of Bishop J. Boose and the Second Baptist Church for their continued contribution to not only our students but our community as well. Your gift is a perfect reminder of a love that shares."
| |
DID YOU KNOW ...
...Schools as Community Hubs take an assets-based approach when looking at priorities within a community? During Town Halls and other strategic conversations, leaders emphasize the strengths within neighborhoods, schools, and individuals. We aim to strengthen these assets to help students and families succeed.
| |
|
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jones Leadership Academy of Business
Family Night
-
When: Thursday, January 25, 5 to 7 p.m.
-
Where: Jones Leadership Academy of Business, 430 Nebraska Ave.
-
Who: Families of JLAB and surrounding community
Pickett Academy
Dream Kit Building (in collaboration with SSOE and the University of Toledo Athletic Department)
-
When: Friday, January 12, 2024
-
Where: Pickett Academy, 1144 Blum St.
-
Who: Third to Fifth grade students at Pickett will receive kits that include a blanket, a plush toy, a book about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and hygiene items.
Riverside Elementary
Town Hall
-
When: Wednesday, January 17, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
-
Where: Riverside Elementary, 500 Chicago St.
-
Who: All community members are invited; get the details here: Riverside Town Hall
| |
|
Schools as Community Hubs launched in Toledo in 2012 as a way of organizing resources to meet the needs of students, families, and residents in the neighborhoods surrounding our schools. Currently, TPS has six full-service community schools that promote academic success, foster health and well-being, and facilitate family and community engagement - and we're exploring two more. To learn more, visit our website to explore our FAQs and other helpful resources. Schools as Community Hubs is funded in part by Toledo Public Schools, and its lead partners: New Concepts, Pathway 4 Successful Leadership, The Art Tatum Zone, and YMCA/JCC of Greater Toledo.
For more information on Schools as Community Hubs, contact Gayle Lake at glake@tps.org.
| | | | |
