We know that schools are anchors of the community. They are where our children learn and play and where our neighbors gather for information, for friendship, and to participate in civic engagement. Community schools are similar neighborhood hubs, but differ from traditional schools in that they also intentionally connect families with partners who provide in-school wrap-around services that address the needs, wishes, and concerns of the school community.

Beginning this school year, Arts for Learning Maryland will be the Community Schools Lead Agency for three Baltimore City public schools: Mount Royal Elementary Middle in Bolton Hill, Hazelwood Elementary Middle in Northeast Baltimore, and Green Street Academy in West Baltimore!

We’re happy to welcome Ketia Jamerson – Community School Coordinator at Mount Royal, Mikala Nuccio – Community School Coordinator at Green Street, Edward Pinder – Community School Coordinator at Hazelwood, and Cheryl Grayson – Community Schools Manager to Arts for Learning Maryland.

All year long, the community school coordinators at these sites will develop collaborative relationships that support the school community, ensuring more equitable access to integrated services, to resources like food and technology, to opportunities within health and mental wellness, and to academic and extracurricular activities including, for example, at-home learning or arts-infused experiences.

Please be sure to say hi to Ketia, Mikala, Edward, and Cheryl if you happen to see them during the school day, at Back-to-School night, at a community day, or at a PTO meeting this year! We know you will think they are as wonderful as we do!