a community connection

JM: a Full Service Community School

Check out some of the initiatives happening through the efforts of a Full Service Community School model.

1

Our Rocket Community Room is in a centrally located space, and a hub of activity. Each day, dozens of students visit the space to access a wide variety of items and supports. These range from a pin for a hijab to support for medical insurance. From a snack due to a missed breakfast to connecting with a housing support specialist. From a pair of shoes that fit properly to food to take home for the weekend.

I work to connect personally with every student that enters the room for two main reasons. The first is just to make them feel welcome & seen. The second is to see if there are additional ways we can help them. Often times a student comes in for something small, but that opens a door to see if we can support in other ways. Do they need to seen at the Dental Clinic? Do they know about the after school clubs offered? How are their classes going?

Want to support our Rocket Community Room? See Section 5 at the bottom of the newsletter for our Top 10 Current Needs.

Ms. V - this room saved me. I am so happy we have this at JM.

— John Marshall Student

We really love our growing partnerships with elementary schools. This year, Jon LaRochelle was eager to have his Advisory students meaningfully engage in our community, so we found two host classrooms at Washington Elementary. Thank you for welcoming us!

3

Our Newcomer students have had the opportunity to engage with our greater community in meaningful ways. We are continuing with our monthly get-togethers with Gage Newcomer students. Earlier this month, as part of their Civics & Government curriculum, we visited the Government Center.

Students learned about the City of Rochester & Olmsted County services, toured the facilities, and even got to meet Mayor Norton. We were joined by our District interpreting staff, which were critical in explaining all of the intricacies of government, and were also able to have dialogue about similarities & differences in how governments are run in different countries.

Waad ku mahadsan tahay inaad na haysato. Waxaan aad ula dhacay quruxda goobta.

Thank you for having us. I was very impressed with the beauty of the place.

— Abdibasir Omar

JM STUDENT

We piloted a parent info session focused on Teen Substance Use. Our goal was to empower parents to protect their teens in a judgement free & informative format. Participants heard a presentation by Olmsted County Public Health, had Community Resources shared by our Chemical Health Specialist, and had an opportunity to ask questions. A link was also shared for parents to virtually search a bedroom for hidden substances.

Fresh pumpkin bars were baked & decorated, using new piping skills, in our culinary classes. Students from our FCCLA Club served the food at our Fall Harvest Festival in October.

Rocket Boost is still going strong after starting three years ago. This is a initiative offered to all students and staff monthly to boost connections, mood & overall health.

This year, we are joined by our John Marshall HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) with a focus on supporting our efforts with education surrounding mental health supports. Thank you!

Top 10

— Donation Details

— Drop Off Details