Bridgeville Elementary Awarded $711,000 California Community Schools Implementation Grant

Bridgeville, CA [August 17, 2024] — Bridgeville Elementary is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded the California Community Schools Implementation Grant (Cohort Three) for a total of $711,203. This significant grant, which will be distributed over five years from 2024 to 2029, marks a transformative step in enhancing educational opportunities and community engagement within the district.

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The grant will enable Bridgeville Elementary to implement a comprehensive community school model built on four key pillars:

1. Integrated Student Supports: Ensuring that every student has access to the necessary resources to succeed academically and personally. This includes social-emotional learning, mental health services, and family support.

2. Expanded Learning Time and Opportunities: Offering additional academic support and enrichment activities beyond the standard school hours. This includes after-school programs, holiday activities, and summer learning initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of students.

3. Family and Community Engagement: Strengthening the relationship between schools, families, and the broader community. This will foster a collaborative environment where families and community members are active participants in the educational process.

4. Collaborative Leadership and Practices: Encouraging shared decision-making among educators, administrators, families, and community partners to ensure that the school meets the needs of all stakeholders.

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Superintendent John Blakely expressed his enthusiasm for the grant, stating, "This funding will allow us to deepen our commitment to providing a holistic, supportive environment for every student. The community school model is about creating a hub where education, health, and well-being intersect, and we are excited to bring this vision to Bridgeville."

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Administrative Assistant Jessica Springer also emphasized the impact of the grant on the school community, adding, "The resources provided by this grant will enable us to build stronger connections with our students and their families. We believe that by working together with our community partners, we can create an educational environment that is not only academically rigorous and culturally enriching but also compassionate and responsive to the needs of all our students."

As part of the grant's implementation, new positions are being considered to support the district’s community school initiatives:

• District Co-coordinators will unify our district and the community by working with all our regional partners in a more holistic way.

• Credentialed Early Childhood Ed Teacher To keep local families engaged and supported with their early childhood needs.

• Attendance Support Team To assist parents and students in making regular attendance a top priority. 

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Additionally, the grant includes funds for purchasing professional development materials and opportunities in collaboration  with the Humboldt County Office of Education. These resources will cover a wide range of topics, including early childhood education, sports activities, health and safety education, and after-school programming. All teachers in the district will benefit from professional development in areas such as Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), leadership, and community outreach.

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Bridgeville Elementary is committed to leveraging this grant to build a stronger, more resilient community. By fostering partnerships between schools, families, and the community, the district aims to create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.

For more information, please contact:

John Blakely
Superintendent, Bridgeville Elementary
jblakely@bridgevilleschool.org