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

Decision Making

View our Decision Making guidance for Aspen Public Schools in English or Spanish.

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.