Community Development and Family Partnerships
Grow Society understands that authentic teaching and learning neither start and end within the limited hours of the school day, nor can they be confined between classroom walls. To reinforce, sustain, and expand student learning and community growth, schools must envision the hours outside of the classroom as extensions of instruction. To do this effectively, Grow Society proposes a re-thinking of community assets.
At Grow Society, one of the ways we support the building of community is by shifting the lens from parent involvement to thinking about family partnerships and family communications — recognizing the critical roles played by all members in multi-generational households. This lens is a corrective for non-inclusive and segregating approaches that have historically:
- Alienated families and family members with limited English proficiency
- Marginalized non-parental family members and caretakers
- Negated the outreach and support services offered by schools
- Overlooked the roles of family members and community organizations as education stakeholders
- Increased the work that falls upon leaders, teachers, guidance counselors, and social workers while reducing their efforts’ potential effectiveness
In partnering with schools to address and develop community, Grow Society actively assists in the building and facilitation of partnerships with local and national enterprises. With our support, our schools have sourced more than 4.5 million dollars in services and donations that have provided:
- Contributions of hydroponics labs
- Installations and provisions of new water fountains
- Sidewalk repairs and schoolyard beautification
- Parking spaces for staff usage
- Culinary stations and training
- Videography training and equipment
- Athletic and academic team apparel
- Opportunities for internships
- Mentoring and career pipelines
Grow Society schools that utilize our community development and family partnership services have seen academic improvement resulting from the following outcomes (averaged across schools):
- 49% reduction in chronic absenteeism
- 57% decrease in student truancy
- 62% reduction in suspendable offense
- 66% reduction in chronic lateness
No matter where your school is located, Grow Society is committed to ensuring that your partnerships with families and local communities thrive in ways that bring greater outcomes for students, families, and teachers.
We at Grow Society look forward to speaking with you about the ways that a focus on family and community partnerships can impact your school. Please see the link to schedule a complimentary consultation so that we can get started on your partnership plan today!