Reflections from CAW 2023
By Deanna Hron
As I sit down to write this directly following National Community School Coordinator Appreciation Week, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had as a Full Service Community School Coordinator in Deer River, Minnesota. My role in this tight-knit rural community has shown me the power of local resources, dedication, and grassroots movements. Today, I want to share the story of our Community School’s humble beginnings and offer some advice to my fellow Coordinators who, like me, know what it’s like to operate with limited resources.
Our school district adopted the Full Service Community School strategy in 2016, but well before that, I saw the challenges students faced outside of school that made it hard for their basic needs to be met, and in turn affected their ability to thrive in school. To help serve our students beyond the wall of our classrooms, I sought out resources in our local communities. Other employees in my school and district supported the momentum of these partnerships, and in 2016 the District was able to secure a referendum to fund the much needed upgrades and services to Deer River’s Elementary School. This referendum allowed us to remodel our school, transforming it into a hub of support not only for the students but the community at large. We added an Early Childhood Wing, a senior center and a dedicated mental health space , among other improvements, which set the stage for the comprehensive services we could provide.
Since the referendum, we have secured a Federal Full Service Community School grant to implement the strategy, as well as other state funding. However, our success as a Community School didn’t solely hinge on bricks and mortar. It took a small group of dedicated staff members to recognize the need for additional support and reach out to the community. The heart of Community Schools, I’ve learned, lies in the people who are committed to making a difference.
As we reflect on the importance of Coordinator Appreciation Week, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all my colleagues across our District who tirelessly work to support students and families. We share a common mission: to bridge the gaps and create opportunities for those we serve. But I also want to offer some advice, especially to those coordinators who are just starting out or facing resource constraints.
Start small and then scale up. It’s a mantra I’ve lived by in my role, and it has served our community well. The truth is, you don’t need a large budget or a sprawling infrastructure to make a difference in your community. Instead, focus on one or two things you know you can pull off effectively. Perhaps it’s forging a partnership with a local dentist to provide free dental check-ups for students or collaborating with a food pantry to ensure no child goes to bed hungry.
Community Schools are at their best when they are directly informed by the needs of the students, families, staff and community members that they serve. Embrace the spirit of your community and involve them in the decision-making process. Engage parents, teachers, and community leaders to identify the most pressing needs and work together to find creative solutions.
My journey as a Coordinator has taught me that it’s not about the size of the resources; it’s about the size of our hearts and our commitment to making a difference. It’s about recognizing that every small step we take can have a profound impact on the lives of those we serve.
So, as we look back on Coordinator Appreciation Week, let’s continue to celebrate the incredible work of coordinators across our state, every day. Let’s remember that, no matter where we are or how limited our resources may be, we have the power to effect positive change. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities, one small step at a time.