I am sharing this post because I feel other school districts could also be doing what they are doing in Mashpee, Massachusetts:. #WeAreMashpee is a community partnership model we all should follow:

Community Partnerships

School Volunteers

Community Outreach Center

The Mashpee Schools (with the nickname Falcons) have created wonderful community partnerships with the Southport Falcons, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Kiwanis, and Falcon Friends.

I attended a meeting at Southport an active adult 55+ community where the superintendent and assistant superintendent of the Mashpee Schools  (Patricia DeBoer, Superintendent  @PDeBoerMPS  and Hope Hanscom, Assistant Superintendent @Hanscom_MPS ) gave a presentation to encourage more Southport residents to become Southport Falcon volunteers who give countless hours to tutor and mentor students.  Those residents who are interested will be given a school bus tour of the Mashpee Schools and a visit to the Community Outreach Center.

School volunteers work with students on all levels in the classrooms, and in after school. programs  There is a wide range of activities and there are countless ways volunteers can lend a hand.They mentor students for example: a student wanted to build a computer and he was helped by a Southport resident who worked in that industry.  Another student interested in biology helped monitor a pond for the community.  Residents also conduct mock interviews with students who come dressed up and with their resumes.

#We Are Mashpee is the Community Outreach Center for the Mashpee Public Schools (located in Mashpee Commons which provided them the store) The center is: a showcase for student work (products made by students in wood, from a 3D Printer etc.) a community space, a spirit wear store (Falcons-themed shirts, hats, scarves, mugs, and T-shirts)  and a place to volunteer in our schools. Students serve as interns in the store and give presentations.

Schools should take advantage of the expertise and experience people in their community possess.