Last week, the Manchester School District’s Family Welcome Center at French Hall was bustling with the energy of collaboration and possibility. In its cozy and welcoming Compass Room, 21st Century, a district program designed to extend learning time for elementary and middle school students, hosted a meeting with various community partners to explore potential partnerships.
The 21st Century program is a vital part of the Manchester School District, offering students three key time blocks: academics, enrichment activities that broaden student experiences, and family engagement opportunities. These structured blocks provide a well-rounded experience for students, ensuring not only academic growth but also personal and social development, along with strong family connections.
The meeting in the Compass Room was more than just a conversation—it was a brainstorming session filled with innovative ideas on how community partners can support the program. There was also discussion on how 21st Century can connect its participants to the resources and opportunities offered by these community partners. By facilitating these exchanges, 21st Century hopes to expand the reach of its program and create more enriching experiences for its students.
This gathering was a clear demonstration of how the Compass Room serves as both a resource hub for families and a comfortable environment for community collaboration. The space encourages meaningful discussions and partnership-building, which is key to enhancing the overall student and family experience in Manchester.
As 21st Century continues to grow, this meeting serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and the potential that exists when we come together to support our community. The Compass Room, a physical and symbolic space for guidance, is helping chart the path forward for stronger partnerships and a brighter future for Manchester’s students.
Thank you to the community partners in attendance who participated in this conversation, Manchester School District Community School’s facilitators, Scouting America Daniel Webster Council, Center for New Americans, Friends of Aine, UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center INC., Girls Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, Access Academy, Statewide Family Engagement Center, and Amoskeag Health.