Manchester kicks off $2.5 million Community Schools project
Apr. 15—Saying the Manchester School District now has additional tools to ensure student success in and out of the classroom, officials held a kickoff Monday for the grant-funded $2.5 million Community Schools project.
The project is expected to be up and running by the start of the 2024-2025 school year at Gossler Park and Beech Street elementary schools.
In December, Manchester was awarded a $2.5 million community schools grant by the U.S. Department of Education.
City school officials say the funding will allow the district to scale up and expand work under the Community Schools initiative.
"Just over a year ago when I sent Aimee (Kereage of Manchester Proud) a grant announcement from the University of New Hampshire and Community Schools, I never imagined we would be standing here celebrating our federal award, the first ever in the state of New Hampshire," said Nicole Doherty, assistant superintendent of schools for the Manchester School District.
Mayor Jay Ruais said the funding will help the city with "planting the seed for tomorrow's successes."
"The awarding of this grant to the Manchester School District speaks to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to our educators, administrators, parents and community members," Ruais said. "It is a testament to our collective belief in the power of education to shape lives and build better futures. From health care to mentorship, enrichment activities and parental involvement, the Community Schools model is an approach that addresses the multifaceted challenges our community faces."
Community Schools offer multiple services to students beyond education, including health and nutrition services. Manchester is among 30 districts and organizations nationwide to share grants totaling $74 million.
The Queen City was the only community in New Hampshire to receive funding.
Manchester school officials worked with Manchester Proud to develop the grant application.
Christine Brennan, the state's deputy education commissioner, said focusing on the whole child and offering key services helps set students up for "success in the short term and when they grow into adults they will have bright futures."
Manchester Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Gillis said local officials and partners have "come together to champion our schools and to create opportunities for students."
"This achievement is not just a milestone, it's a testament to the dedication and passion of everyone involved," Gillis said. "Our students are the heart of this endeavor, and their futures will be shaped through the partnerships we've cultivated."
Activities funded through the program are expected to include multilingual family liaisons, play-based kindergarten, English for Speakers of Other Languages classes for families, increased attendance and improved behavior.
The latest round of Community Schools grantees will support 102 school districts, 292 schools, and 229,549 students across the U.S. by providing a range of services, including by increasing early learning opportunities and expanding cross-agency coordination for community violence interventions.
"These new investments support what I've heard from parents and families across the country," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a statement. "Additional funding will deepen community partnerships and connect children and families to vital resources that meet their holistic needs. We know that comprehensive, wrap-around approaches — including nutrition assistance; mental health services; early childhood education; and access to high-quality afterschool summer learning and enrichment programs — all are crucial for accelerating our students' academic success and their recovery from the pandemic by helping them thrive both inside and outside of school."
