“Representatives from the LensCrafters Foundation Gift of Sight program came to Burton Elementary to explain their free exam and free glasses program. Soon after the meeting, we used the program and I assisted a Spanish-speaking mom and her 9 year old son during his first eye exam. It was awesome to see the little boy’s excitement and the mother’s appreciation for such a valuable service made possible by KSSN working with the community. It turns out that LensCrafters has been trying to get their information out to the community for the past 4 years!”
Martha Boks, MPA
Community School Coordinator

“A boy broke his glasses and Medicaid wouldn’t cover the replacement. With KSSN resources, Burton Elementary was able to work with the boy’s family to help him get a new pair. I asked how he liked his new glasses and he gave a big smile and said, ‘I can hear better with my new glasses!’ Not only did the Community School meet the student’s needs, but it helped raise a child’s self esteem by providing resources to make him a better, brighter learner.”
Martha Boks, MPA
Community School Coordinator

 “Burton held its last Community School Leadership Team meeting of the school year and celebrated and reflected on successes throughout the year. One of the main successes – 100% of Burton Elementary CSLT members will return in the fall! Next year will start with a team that has ‘yes’ in its heart as Burton continues to grow as a Community School. This means the team will be able to dive deeper into adult programs and involve more community members.”
Martha Boks, MPA
Community School Coordinator

“KSSN partners L&L Store and the Belknap Beautification Committee will provide a farmer’s market for the Coit community this summer! Produce will come from four gardens, including the Mixed Greens garden. L&L will give away whatever they can grow and a neighbor plans to buy fresh produce from a local farm and sell the items at cost. No one is looking to make a profit. Everyone just wants bring healthy, affordable produce to the Coit community.”
Deborah Crothers, MSW
Community School Coordinator

“One of Coit’s community partners, Monroe Community Church, has raised $1000 for Coit’s Kids Games! There will be more tracks and more volunteers than in the past. The Gleaners Food Truck and the local Fire Truck will be there too!”
 Deborah Crothers, MSW
Community School Coordinator

 “The Coit community has recently extended to include Keep Michigan Beautiful (KMB) who plans plan to do a pilot program at the school. Not only will Coit be on their website but so will information about KSSN! The Executive Director is very interested in hearing more about KSSN and becoming more involved with local schools –he even spoke with Jennifer Granholm about us!”
 Deborah Crothers, MSW
Community School Coordinator

“There are usually only 2-3 Sibley students with perfect attendance for the year, but this year was different. We made a huge effort to improve attendance and teachers, administrators, students, parents and the loyal community partners all helped. We had 15 students with perfect attendance and no tardies! One of our partners, the West Michigan Whitecaps, rewarded the students with family passes to a game, snack vouchers and baseballs for the players to sign. Thank you, Whitecaps! And thank you to the parents and students for achieving such a great goal!”
Christina Damhuis
Community School Coordinator