Vancouver School District's Family-Community Resource Centers
Family-Community Resource Centers create a better foundation for student learning by coordinating resources for families. The rate of poverty in Vancouver Public Schools is 53 percent. In several elementary schools the poverty rate is 80 percent or higher. Meeting the needs of our families improves the educational experience of our students.
Family-Community Resource Centers are a place where families can access a range of support including academic and early learning programs, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement. Community partners work together to provide support and services.
Vancouver Public Schools is committed to establishing Family-Community Resource Centers in its high-needs schools. To date centers are located at 11 district schools. A center has been in operation at Fruit Valley since 1999 and at Washington since 2008. This year centers opened at Lincoln, Minnehaha, and Hazel Dell elementary schools.
The centers have led to many positive and dramatic outcomes. Fruit Valley has seen improvement in student achievement, daily attendance, and kindergarten readiness. At Washington Elementary School there has been an increase in volunteerism and parent participation, new afterschool programs, and a decrease in tardiness as a result of the “walking school bus.”
When students and families are engaged in school, academic achievement increases. When extended learning opportunities exist, children’s lives are enriched. The entire community benefits when everyone is invested in improving students’ lives.
