Columbia, SC
Richland County School District One
Yolanda Smith, Parent & Family Engagement Specialist
Town Hall: Project Success!
Working with its community partner—100 Black Men of Greater Columbia—the high school’s Action Team for Partnerships (ATP), teachers, and school leaders planned a new kind of Town Hall. The goal was to help more students and families learn about the curriculum, clubs, and programs for student participation, voter registration, and police and community relations. The school is always working to correct inequities and injustices in school programs, clubs, and other activities to promote the success of all students.
Sessions focused on important issues to support students’ emotional health, positive behaviors, and progress through high school. Speakers were engaging. For example, the expert on Police and Community Relations traveled from Florida. He simulated a police officer stop to show students how they should respond. The high school students volunteered to assist with all aspects of the program.
For extra excitement, planners scheduled a comedian, a competition among members of the school’s dance team, and a raffle for a scholarship. Students received rewards for answering questions in each session. Attendees received T-shirts, lunch, and other valued give-aways throughout the day (e.g., a laptop, Apple watch, and Beats headphones). Funds came from a grant from Coca-Cola to the 100 Black Men of Columbia and from other community donations.
This was an important “first” gathering of parents, students, and educators at the school after COVID-19 closures and restrictions. It refocused their shared support of the school, education, and each other. Parents met other parents and started important conversations about equity and opportunities for success. More than 60 students, 60 parents, and 70 teachers and community partners participated. One parent summed the views of many: “Not only were the sessions informative, but the speakers were engaging—especially on the topic of policing and inequality.”
Read more about Town Hall: Project Success in Promising Partnership Practices 2022.
