Public education has always played a vital role in communities across the United States. Despite the various educational choices available to parents and families today, K-12 public schools remain at the heart of our communities, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to fostering strong connections to build a better and more robust community for everyone.
Our recent partnership with School Connect and our community activities with our Career and Technical Education (CTE) students demonstrate how the district is constantly building positive relationships throughout our community. These opportunities are designed to engage our parents, businesses and community in building the strongest possible K-12 public education system.
In January, the district hosted its first Community CAFE in partnership with School Connect. This event brought together approximately 80 students, staff, parents, businesses, faith-based organizations and community members to learn more about our district. The event is the first of many, and is slated to include Community CAFEs that support the district as a whole as well as each of our schools individually. These gatherings aim to provide insight into what’s happening in our district while offering chances for stakeholders to get involved in our schools.
Another excellent opportunity for community engagement is through our upcoming annual Mock Interview event, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 29. This event will provide approximately 280 students with an opportunity to build their interview skills, while simultaneously offering our community partners an opportunity to connect with their future workforce. This event routinely results in offers of jobs, internships or volunteer opportunities for our students and business partners, and those interested in participating can contact John Scrogham, coordinator of Career and Technical Education, at jscrogham@jocombs.org.
As a district, we appreciate all those in our community who volunteer time in our schools. This year, the J.O. Combs Unified School District Governing Board has set aside time at each monthly meeting to recognize community groups and community members who selflessly give their time to support our students, staff and district. We present them with a Blue Apple, symbolizing our appreciation for their positive impact on our district. The apple represents our gratitude for their help educating our students, while the color blue represents our district. Community volunteers are essential components of the broader effort to educate our students.
Parent involvement, engagement with local businesses and community volunteerism in schools are all crucial elements in helping our students prepare for success in both school and life. These positive partnerships foster a sense of community pride and the growth of a vibrant, interconnected community that thrives and prospers.
Dr. Gregory A. Wyman is superintendent of the J.O. Combs Unified School District.
