JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School will become the third school in Duval County to adopt the Community Partnership School model.
The school will work closely with different organizations to tackle problems that may interrupt students' learning and success such as poverty, food insecurity and access to healthcare.
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The model was previously introduced to Duval County at Long Branch Elementary and Edward White High School.
Children's Home Society of Florida received $80,000 in state grant funds after being selected by the University of Central Florida's Center for Community Schools to launch the partnership at Matthew W. Gilbert.
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"Through our work with the Community Partnership Schools at both Long Branch Elementary and Edward White High School, we have witnessed firsthand the impact this model can have on meeting the unique needs of an entire community," said Tara Haley FSCJ Dean of Education and Human Services. "We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with the other partners to champion overall student success and well-being."
AGAPE Family Health, Duval County Public Schools, Florida State College at Jacksonville and the University of North Florida have agreed to a 25-year commitment to work within Matthew Gilbert Middle School.
The project has entered the planning phase, which includes a community needs assessment. Students, teachers, parents and community members will identify their primary needs and challenges, to help determine the solutions that will be brought into the school.