Read the full story form EdSource here.
“In late February, students at Coarsegold Elementary School in Madera County roamed around a classroom that’s like no other on campus.
One student jumped on a mini-trampoline, releasing pent-up energy. Others settled into a rocking chair or on beanbags to read books. Another wore headphones as she constructed blocks.
This is Coarsegold’s Zen Den. Designed to help students manage their emotions, the calming space is a small part of California’s multi-year, $4 billion effort to turn thousands of high-poverty campuses into community schools.
Community schools are not a new concept. The model is defined by a few key principles and provides services not normally found at a traditional school, including health care, mental health support and food pantries. These schools emphasize the “whole child approach,” which aims to meet a child’s academic, physical, mental and social and emotional needs. Educators work with families and local organizations to figure out how to best support students and communities.
Based on early signs of success, Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed permanent funding for community schools. If approved by the Legislature, another $1 billion each year would go toward expanding and maintaining the model.”