Volume 2, Issue 7 | April 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.

HUB HAPPENINGS

During March and this last quarter of school, we focus on building positive school culture so that our students, our families, our staff, and our community partners know they belong and are connected. Hubs can bring stability and very concrete evidence of the "village" available to support our students. You'll see several great examples of culture building in this issue of Hub Happenings. If you want to explore how you belong within our Hub work, email me at glake@tps.org.

NEWS FROM THE JONES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

OF BUSINESS HUB

Heidy Eckel, Hub Director

The Art Tatum Zone, Lead Partner

Heidy Eckel, Hub director at Jones Leadership Academy of Business, proudly writes: "We held our first Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Day for our high school students. Collaborating with partner organizations, we explored critical topics like healthy relationships, human trafficking awareness, and grief support. Additionally, engaging physical activities emphasized the importance of holistic health. Spearheaded by Ms. Burns, alongside dedicated staff, this unique experience empowered our students with invaluable insights and skills."

Several JLAB seniors recently embarked on a career exploration trip to the Toledo Police and Fire departments, thanks to our partnership with Junior Achievement (JA), writes Mrs. Eckel. "This hands-on opportunity allowed students to tour the facilities, gaining valuable insights into what it means to pursue careers in these vital organizations. It was a fantastic chance for our students to envision their future paths and get a firsthand look at these dynamic professions. We’re thankful that we can help provide enriching experiences as we continue to support our students' career aspirations."

NEWS FROM THE PICKETT ACADEMY HUB

Aloee Jackson, Hub Director

The Art Tatum Zone, Lead Partner

Color House Party Fosters School Community Spirit

Pickett Academy Hub Director Aloee Jackson proudly shares that late in March, the school campus was abuzz with vibrant hues and infectious energy as students had a Color House Party during lunchtime. "This lively event wasn’t just about fun and games; it was a deliberate effort to strengthen our school’s positive climate and foster meaningful connections among students," she writes. The party provided "a unique opportunity for students to break free from the confines of their grades and classes, allowing them to mingle and bond with fellow house members they might not usually interact with. As laughter and music filled the air and friendships were forged, the spirit of unity and camaraderie flourished."

Ms. Jackson shares that such events are not just about having a good time; they’re about building a stronger, more inclusive school community where every student feels valued and connected, adding that there will be more exciting events and initiatives sponsored by the Hub and aimed at nurturing school spirit, celebrating diversity, and building an inclusive school environment. "Together, we can make our school a place where every student thrives."

NEWS FROM THE REYNOLDS ELEMENTARY HUB

Zahra Collins, Hub Director

Pathway 4 Successful Leadership, Lead Partner

March was another busy month at Reynolds Elementary, reports Hub Director Zahra Collins. Take a look:

NEWS FROM THE RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY HUB

Jazzma Chandler, Hub Director

The YMCA of Greater Toledo, Lead Partner

Riverside Elementary students in preschool through fifth grade had fun participating in the second annual Easter Egg Hunt, enjoying dancing, finding Easter eggs, and winning prizes. Hub director Jazzma Chandler writes: "Thank you to our partners at Northwestern Holdings and Perrysburg First Church for helping put on this amazing event and making everything come together!"

NEWS FROM THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL HUB

Mark Ferrell, Hub Director

Junior Achievement of Northwestern Ohio (JA),

Lead Partner

March was another busy month for the Rogers High School Hub. Director Mark Ferrell reports that the school's Community Closet continues to be beneficial for both students and their families, with the number of requests being matched with an increase in donations from partners. March also heralded the start of a group by Good Grief of Northwestern Ohio for students coping with the death of a loved one, and discussions have started with members of the Class of 1967 for a memorial with a commemorative tree dedicated to their class.  

The photos below show Rogers students participating for the first time in the annual Stock Market Exchange sponsored by lead partner JA. "It was an exciting event which our students enjoyed; they are already looking forward to next year," Mr. Ferrell writes.  

Also at Rogers, a community discussion of finance was held, with a presentation given by Timothy Clark of New York Life, "who offered some insight on how to make your money work better for you with informed spending," Mr. Ferrell writes. 

NEWS FROM THE SCOTT HIGH SCHOOL HUB

Joe Peterson, Hub Director

New Concepts, Lead Partner

STAND-UP Summit

The STAND-UP Summit was a dynamic day-long gathering at Scott High School that ignited the spirit of activism and leadership in high school students, reports Hub Director Joe Peterson. He writes, "Through engaging workshops, inspiring speakers, and interactive activities, students gained valuable insights into critical social issues, honed their leadership skills, and forged connections with fellow community leaders."

He continues: "We reached out to you to be a part of this transformative experience, seeking guest speakers, life-changers, and motivators who could bring their passion and expertise to Scott High School. As speakers, your mission was clear: to empower and inspire our students to STAND UP for their dreams and aspirations."

The theme for this year's summit was Beyond the Concrete: Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams. Students were encouraged to envision a future where obstacles were overcome and aspirations became a reality. 

This month, we spotlight Junior Achievement of Northwestern Ohio (JA). Not only does JA lead the work of our Rogers Hub, but the organization also serves as a partner across many of our schools to provide enriched learning opportunities. Students from Rogers, JLAB, and other schools were recently able to participate in a mock stock market challenge, for example. Junior Achievement has coordinated many site visits for students with local employers, and facilitated a Business of Life event that was highlighted in last month's Hub Happenings. On May 8, students from across Toledo (with intentional engagement of our Rogers, JLAB, and Scott Hubs) will participate in JA Inspire, an experiential event for students to explore career possibilities in northwest Ohio. Come by to engage in this powerful event!

DID YOU KNOW...

... a pillar of the national community schools model is Integrated Student Supports? Our Hubs ensure resources and services are available during the school day and outside of school hours that promote a sense of belonging and grow emotional stability and self-confidence. Integrated supports also create pathways for students and families to become active contributors to the conditions necessary for their success. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Our final Town Halls have been scheduled for spring. Please join us for one or all! See registration information on the flyer to the right or visit our Hubs website for information on each Town Hall.

• Rogers Town Hall (222 McTigue), Wednesday, April 17, 6 p.m.
• Reynolds Town Hall (5000 Norwich), Wednesday, May 1, 3:30 p.m.

MORE UPCOMING EVENTS

Riverside Elementary

Literacy Night

When: Thursday, April 25 (5 to 6:30 p.m.)

Where: Riverside Elementary, 500 Chicago St.

Rogers High School

Rammy Awards

• When: Monday, May 6, 6 p.m.
• Where: Rogers High School, 222 McTigue Dr.

School Tour and Guest Speaker

• When: Wednesday, May 8 (6 p.m.)
• Where: Rogers High School, 222 McTigue Dr.
• What: The Rogers Community Hub, along with Caresource, is hosting a school tour and a speech by Cardale Jones, the quarterback of The Ohio State University football team that one the  inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship in January 2015.

Spring Orchestra Concert

• When: Friday, May 17 (7 p.m.)
• Where: Rogers High School, 222 McTigue Rd.

Senior Sunset

• When: Monday, May 20 (8 p.m.)
• Where: Rogers High School, 222 McTigue Rd.

Graduation

• When: Tuesday, May 21 (7 p.m.)
• Where: Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd.

Scott High School

Fourth Quarter Parent & Community Power Hour (see flyer)

• When: Wednesday, April 17 (5 to 6:15 p.m.)
• Where: The cafeteria at Scott High School, 2400 Collingwood Blvd.
• What: Focus will be on eighth graders successfully transitioning to Scott

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.