Whole Child Education

Albury Wodonga Community College is an independent school for disengaged youth who face multiple barriers to learning and engagement in school. Since opening in 2006, the school has realized that it needs to provide both school and community level support for its students. The school is not solely focused on helping students finish school, but given the high number of students with mental health issues, is also committed to providing students with the knowledge and resources they require to cope with their issues. This includes knowledge of local support agencies and referral and links with community partners. Many students leave the school with the capacity to identify when they need support and know how to access it.

Recognized as a MindMatters School in 2011 by whole child partner Principals Australia Institute, Albury Wodonga Community College has increased opportunities for students to successfully re-engage with education, established alternative pathways for student success, provided programs for young mothers, built facilities to assist with engagement with and connectedness to the school, and created stronger and more efficient community partnerships to support off-site classes along with a case worker to follow up with those students with extensive needs.

Melrose High School nurtures and values social and cultural learning abilities and styles. The inclusive environment provides students with a diverse range of learning opportunities with the goal of producing leaders and learners of the future. The school reinforces strong values which are based on "RESPECT:" Resources, Effort, Self, Peers, Environment, Community, Teachers. The values guide the school community in the way they conduct themselves. They also reinforce a safe and health-promoting environment which ensures that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Recognized as a MindMatters School in 2011 by whole child partner Principals Australia Institute, Melrose High School is an outstanding and inclusive government school whose multicultural composition is reflected in the strong cultivation of students as global citizens. The school works closely with its local and extended community to provide a well-balanced and stimulating curriculum with strengths in academic, sporting, and cultural pursuits. Specialist learning facilities, a new gymnasium, and a wonderful array of sporting and recreational facilities enable students to enjoy the educationally stimulating environment and the friendship of a diverse student body.

Known as the hub of the community, Roy Clark Elementary School, in Tulsa, Okla., is the epitome of a community school that focuses not simply on the academic performance of their students, but also on individual lifestyles.

Examples of its commitment to student overall well-being are evident: Roy Clark Elementary School showed an incredible jump from 68 to 100 percent participation in parent-teacher conferences and an astounding increase—from 25 to 100 percent—in the number of students eating breakfast.

As a recipient of the 2011 National Community Schools Award for Excellence from whole child partner the Coalition for Community Schools, Roy Clark Elementary is using its community resources from more than 30 partners to create a truly outstanding environment that positively affects students.

"Our diversity is our strength" is the mantra that rings throughout Glencliff High School, a recipient of whole child partner Coalition for Community Schools' 2011 National Community Schools Award for Excellence. Representing more than 40 different countries and nationalities within its student body, Glencliff is the most diverse high school in the state of Tennessee.

Thanks to strong support from business and community partnerships as well as the school's drive to promote student learning, Glencliff High School has the largest number of dual-enrollment students in all of Nashville. Students' scores on writing assessments have skyrocketed from 58 to 93 percent proficient or advanced. More than 80 percent of students feel that the school climate has improved because of the partnerships. Based on Glencliff High School's inspiring work, its school climate will only get better.

A recipient of the 2011 National Community Schools Award for Excellence from whole child partner the Coalition for Community Schools, Ethel M. Taylor Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the true spotlight of its community.

Focused on strengthening the seamless integration of academic and nonacademic partnerships, the school provides easy access to a host of services through its Community Learning Center, where partners and community and family members are able to play a vital role in students' success. Forty-two percent more of students are scoring proficient or higher on the Ohio Achievement Assessment, and community volunteers have increased by over 100 percent—a true testament to the excellence in academics and infectious dedication Ethel M. Taylor Academy inspires.

Ranked as one of the best places to live, Honolulu, Hawaii, is fully committed to serving its youth population. The city hosts programs such as YouthBuild Honolulu, a project aimed at motivating young and expectant parents to become self-sufficient, and 21st Century Ahupua'a Ambassadors Program, an initiative that encourages students to learn and be proactive about creating a sustainable environment.

The city provides local government support for the Keiki (Child) Caucus, a partnership focused on identifying and recommending legislation about issues that affect youth and their families. These programs are specific examples of inspiring practices Honolulu is using to spread the importance of community engagement among a wide range of individuals and speaks to why the city is a three-time winner of whole child partner America's Promise Alliance 100 Best Communities for Young People recognition.

"Dream ... Believe ... Achieve ... Remember ... Anything's Possible" is the motto that echoes throughout the hallways of Tri-West Middle School in Lizton, Ind., a recipient of the 2011 School to Watch® award from whole child partner National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.

One of 2,000 Renaissance Schools in the United States, Tri-West Middle School motivates both its students and its staff to achieve excellence and be enthusiastic about education through various rewards programs, such as the High-Five Luncheon and Honor Roll Breakfast of Champions, events that applaud the students' and the staff's drive to succeed.

Setting the stage for student engagement, performance, and growth is what Charles M. Russell Middle School of the Performing Arts and Sciences in Colorado Springs, Colo., is all about.

Through the integration of Positive Behavior Intervention Support, Response to Intervention, and character education, the school has escalated the growth and achievement of its students by incorporating academic practices with global and cultural awareness and helps instill a moral compass within each student.

Designated as a Colorado School of Character for the past two years and a School to Watch® by whole child partner National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, Russell Middle School truly values creating an invaluable school experience for its students.

"E2: To Exceed Expectations" is the vision of Franklin Middle School in Champaign, Ill., a recipient of the 2011 Breakthrough School Award from the MetLife Foundation and whole child partner National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Thanks to Principal Angela Smith's leadership, the school has created a positive environment focused on building strong relationships among the staff and students, collecting data through innovative methods that allow for effective responses to students' needs, and achieving excellence through collaborative leadership. Located in an economically challenged area with years of racial conflict and with 52 percent of the student body economically disadvantaged, 18 percent students with special needs, and 62 percent racial minorities, Franklin Middle School has transitioned from a rough past to an incredible present and a very bright future.

Motivation is key at Smokey Road Middle School in Newnan, Ga., a recipient of the 2011 Breakthrough School Award by the MetLife Foundation and whole child partner National Association of Secondary School Principals.

After previous instability, Principal Laurie Barron stepped in and placed a priority on finding a common mission, collaborative leadership, and a continued focus on academic improvement. Committed to making the school a place where students could flourish both in and out of the classroom, the school also partners with local businesses to recognize and reward students and celebrate their academic and nonacademic talents. For the last five years, Smokey Road Middle School has met its adequate yearly progress goals to qualify as a Title I Distinguished School.