GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Howe Elementary School in Green Bay is now Howe Elementary Community School. Officials say it’s more than just a name change.
Better focus in the classroom starts at home, teachers say.
“Unfortunately not everybody comes with the same set of circumstances,” said Amy Kallioinen, Howe Elementary Principal.
With a new approach at Howe Community School, staff will focus on what families need outside of the classroom. The new partnership aims to make it easier for families to get basic needs.
“Mental health, medical, dental services, it could be expanded learning–extra opportunities kids might not have like after-school programs,” said Amy Kallioinen.
Howe Community Resource Center and United way will assist the school in tackling the root of learning and behavioral issues, to better prepare students for high school and beyond.
“The new commitment is really to wrap around Howe school again and provide comprehensive services to them,” said Amanda Johnson, The Howe Resource Center executive director. One new concept is offering extracurricular activities at lunch.
“They’re looking for extended learning opportunities within the school day because we know that it’s often hard for parents to come back to after-school activities,” said Johnson.
Howe Community School’s goal is to have “10 thousand people on the path to stability in 10 years,” but they say immediate effects will be noticeable too.
“Not only do the kids graduate and find careers and college, but the families also improve their family well-being as well,” said Johnson.
Howe Community School is the flagship project. Green Bay Area Public Schools say it hopes to adopt the same layout in other schools as well.
Green Bay district leaders point to districts in Baltimore, Chicago, and Ohio as having success with the community school model.
