![Full-Service Community Schools highlighted for modeling supports for all students and families]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1567045997/rochesterk12mnus/afbcanrwwnw0jaowp8vt/Gage-5.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1567045997/rochesterk12mnus/afbcanrwwnw0jaowp8vt/Gage-5.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1567045997/rochesterk12mnus/afbcanrwwnw0jaowp8vt/Gage-5.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1567045997/rochesterk12mnus/afbcanrwwnw0jaowp8vt/Gage-5.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1567045997/rochesterk12mnus/afbcanrwwnw0jaowp8vt/Gage-5.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1567045997/rochesterk12mnus/afbcanrwwnw0jaowp8vt/Gage-5.jpg","width":2200}])
In Rochester Public Schools, we have implemented the community schools model at four of our sites: Gage Elementary, Riverside Central Elementary, the Rochester Alternative Learning Center and John Marshall High School.
What is a Community School?
A community school is both a place and set of collective partnerships between Rochester Public Schools, United Way of Olmsted County, the individual school site, and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, health, social services, youth and community development, and community engagement leads to improved student learning, stronger families, and healthier communities. A full-service community school has components engaging instructions, expanded learning opportunities; college, career, and citizenship; health and social support; community engagement; early childhood development; family engagement; and youth development.
Meet Our Team
Franklin Elementary School
Meet your Franklin Community Site Facilitator, Kara Merrill
Gage Elementary School
Meet your Gage Community Site Facilitator, Julie McLaren
Julie believes that our students are changing the world for the better. She feels community schools can empower students by providing a strong academic foundation, developing global and community connections, and clearing barriers. Julie has been with Rochester Public Schools since 2008 as a teacher, implementation associate, and instructional coach. When she isn’t working, you can find her exploring town with her children, drinking coffee and reading, or hiking in the wilderness.
Phoenix Academy
Meet your Phoenix Community Site Facilitator, Jasmine Bissell
Jasmine is originally from North Carolina and lived in Texas before moving to Rochester in March 2018. Jasmine graduated from Winona State University’s Social Work program and, like most people in the field, felt most fulfilled when being of service and helping others. She has a passion for equity, advocacy and accessibility and loves that she has the opportunity to mesh these callings together into truly meaningful work. In her free time, Jasmine enjoys painting, listening to podcasts, and spending time with loved ones.
John Adams Middle School
Meet your Phoenix Community Site Facilitator, Eric McRae
John Marshall High School
Meet your John Marshall Community Site Facilitator, Erin Vasquez
Erin is motivated by her students’ innate curiosity to learn, the desire to continue to learn ways to better serve students and families and the excitement that continuously fills the air in every school building. When Erin is not at work, you may find her hitting the bike trails with her children, delving into a good book, or planning her next travel adventure.
Community Schools in the News
![Community Schools In Person Banner]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1565873837/rochesterk12mnus/ur12tr2koympf01unsan/CommSchoolBanner.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1565873837/rochesterk12mnus/ur12tr2koympf01unsan/CommSchoolBanner.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1565873837/rochesterk12mnus/ur12tr2koympf01unsan/CommSchoolBanner.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1565873837/rochesterk12mnus/ur12tr2koympf01unsan/CommSchoolBanner.jpg","width":900}])
John Marshall is now the fourth RPS full-service community school.
Community schools help students get access to basic needs and expanded learning opportunities.
![High School Students reading to elementary students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1565873925/rochesterk12mnus/fmenivdlwp12ffwzbnsl/HighSchoolStudentsreadingtoelementarystudents.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1565873925/rochesterk12mnus/fmenivdlwp12ffwzbnsl/HighSchoolStudentsreadingtoelementarystudents.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1565873925/rochesterk12mnus/fmenivdlwp12ffwzbnsl/HighSchoolStudentsreadingtoelementarystudents.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1565873925/rochesterk12mnus/fmenivdlwp12ffwzbnsl/HighSchoolStudentsreadingtoelementarystudents.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1565873925/rochesterk12mnus/fmenivdlwp12ffwzbnsl/HighSchoolStudentsreadingtoelementarystudents.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1565873925/rochesterk12mnus/fmenivdlwp12ffwzbnsl/HighSchoolStudentsreadingtoelementarystudents.jpg","width":2000}])
Distractions take away from learning opportunities for students. Getting rid of them is the goal behind John Marshall High School becoming the fourth full-service community school in the Rochester Public Schools district.