Community Schools
Our Vision!
We partner to create an environment where all voices come together as a community school, where students are excited to learn, and everyone is engaged and belongs.
About Community Schools
A community school is a public school where educators, local community members, families, and students work together to strengthen conditions for student learning, whole-child engagement, and healthy development. Collaborative leadership coordinates in- and out-of-school resources, supports, and opportunities so all young people thrive.
In 2022, we started the planning process to become a “Community School” through a grant from the State of California. Aspen actively partners with the State and Regional Technical Assistance Centers, working closely with Community Schools within the Fresno County Office of Education. Our Community School Advisory Council consists of family members, students, school staff, and community partners/residents. Each of our three community school Advisory Councils helps guide our process and strategically direct resources to make the most impact.
Advisory Council
The Community Schools Advisory Council is a volunteer team of up to four students, four school family members, four staff members, and four community partners/members. From a collaborative leadership approach, this team guides the community school process at each school.
The team practices deep listening, shared decision making, creative learning, and strategic action in efforts to transform our community by developing exceptional leaders! Gatherings are open to everyone and are hosted in English and Spanish. To learn more and for the 2024-25 schedule, view the Meadow/Valley/Ridge info page.
We want your voice on this team! Diverse perspectives are essential. Apply today! https://forms.gle/h6Wqp5tTLsZCg1Xy5
Student at the Center
As a community school, we elevate the voices of our students and lead with them, with the goal of learning from them and celebrating diversity among us. We have Community School student teams learning, imagining, and creating together. We don’t just listen to students - we work WITH them to build the future we all want to be part of.
The Four Pillars
Our efforts are aligned with the four pillars of community schools as established by the California Department of Education.
Pillar One is Integrated Student Support. “Students must be well-known so they can be well served.”
Pillar Two is Family and Community Engagement. “If it is not developed with us, it is not for us.”
Pillar Three is Collaborative Leadership Practices. This supports a “culture of professional learning, collective trust, and shared responsibility for outcomes.”
The Four Pillars Pillar Four is Extended Learning Time and Opportunities. This includes our Expanded Learning programs at Aspen Meadow and Aspen Valley and more learning experiences for families, partners, and community members at all three schools.
To learn more, view the Community Schools Brochure in English or Spanish.
Community Engagement Initiative
Aspen has a team from all three schools who are part of this Peer Leading and Learning Network that travels together with schools all across the state of California! These experiences help shape our community schools, and they are SO fun.
To learn more and get involved view our info page in English or Spanish
Fill out our form to apply https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UEIAflqAB6LEzw7Sqa38eZsr3z7EaCoqg2CGPVA-xaY/edit
if you're interested in joining us!
Get Involved: Community schools are full of LIFE! We believe learning should be fun and enhance our relationships and experiences. Email communityschools@aspenps.org to connect.
Show Up: We are in the early stages of several projects (such as an Aspen Community Garden), so look for updates soon! For info on the Aspen Community Garden or to volunteer, fill out our Garden FORM.
Learn more:
Watch a short video to learn more about community schools.
View a few of our Advisory Council Meeting Notes.
Aspen Community Garden!
Our community schools coordinator shared important updates and insights about the ongoing developments at the Aspen Community Garden.
Community Schools
Gain valuable insights into Aspen's community schools through the experiences shared by our students, parents, and community school coordinator.
Meet Jessica Pittman
Community Schools Coordinator
Hi, I’m Jessica Pittman, Community Schools Coordinator. Over the years, I have worked as a leader in the faith community, youth services, advocacy, nonprofit launching, leadership, and community-based education in the Fresno area and statewide.
For over a decade, I guided a team of leaders and activists in establishing the Central Valley Justice Coalition, one of the first community-based networks in the Central Valley to prevent human trafficking through education, partnership, and outreach. From there, I spent two years with the Child and Family Policy Institute of California, establishing a statewide system of support for social services and community partners working with child trafficking victims.
In 2022, I joined the Aspen team as Community Schools Coordinator. I love connecting Aspen to our incredible, innovative community partners and finding new ways to transform our world. I have a Master's in Civic and Social Entrepreneurship. My favorite things include the ocean, hiking, music, fun food adventures with friends, and exploring new places with my husband and two kids—or anyone up for the ride!