"I think mental health is important. A lot of people are going through a lot right now, especially me," said Neyeh Toe, an eighth grader at West Hertel Academy.
We introduced you to 716 Squash back in 2020, right before the pandemic started. After two years of navigating an after school sports program through a pandemic, we checked back in with them to see how things are going.
In many localities, community schools are a game changer for students and families. They serve as a hub for accessing vital resources like health care, social services, child-care and job training. They help schools move toward educational equality by providing support for students and families who lack stable housing, food and internet access. And they build partnership at the community, state and national level, allowing communities to tap into a wider range of resources.
New York State United Teachers is campaigning for the creation of more community school models. The head of the statewide teachers union visited Buffalo Friday to observe two of the city’s community schools, while stating the case to add more. NYSUT executive director Melinda Person visited West Hertel Academy and Dr. Lydia Wright School, joined by educators, Buffalo public school district officials, parents, and community advocates. The union, which represents 600,000 members statewide, is calling for a $100 million state investment to create more community schools, which provide services beyond basic education.