Two New Guilford Elementary School Partnerships Support Student and Family Well-Being

January 26th, 2015

Guilford Elementary School has partnered with the Asbury United Methodist Church – Jessup (AUMC) and the Columbia Community Center of Seventh-day Adventists (CCCSDA) to support the school community by providing resources to students, families, and school staff. The partnerships will be formalized with an official partnership signing Wednesday, January 28 at the Sheraton Columbia Waterside Restaurant, 10207 Wincopin Circle, Columbia.

AUMC will collaborate with GES staff to identify parenting resources and guest speakers for a GES Family Resource Evening covering a variety of topics including stress management, child care, and study habits. AUMC also will conduct a book drive for GES classrooms and will facilitate a monthly GES Parent Book Club.

CCCSDA will help to plan a school Health Fair for GES parents and students to include fitness demonstrations, nutrition/wellness information, and health seminars. The organization will also support GES staff in conducting parent workshops on topics such as nutritional needs for children, behavior management, and allergies.

Both organizations will support GES parents enrolled in Academic Skills and GED preparation classes at Howard Community College, with AUMC providing volunteer tutors and CCCSDA offering scholarships. In line with Vision 2018, these partnerships benefit students and families who need additional supports and support family education programs.

Howard County Board of Education Members Ellen Flynn Giles and Cynthia Vaillancourt will join Guilford Elementary School Principal Genèe Varlack, Asbury United Methodist Church – Jessup Pastor Gay Green-Carden and Columbia Community Center of Seventh-day Adventists Pastor Gary Wimbish to sign the formal partnership agreements at the January 28 event.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office unites businesses and community organizations with schools to enhance the educational experience. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses, and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.

For more information, contact Partnerships Office Manager Mary Schiller at 410-313-6655 or mary_schiller@hcpss.org.