UPPER LAKE, Calif. – On Sunday, Oct. 6, more than 20 representatives from schools, districts, agencies and service providers crowded into the newly renovated building known as “The Hub,” adjacent to the Upper Lake High School campus, to welcome State Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson and show support for the innovative initiative.
Torlakson praised the collaboration, enthusiasm and determination of the The Hub team.
The Hub – based on the community school model, where services for children and families are located on or near the local school – is common to urban areas, but there are limited examples of rural communities developing such a model.
Torlakson recognized the collaborative spirit, and the hard work of willing partners in developing a dynamic rural community school model.
One in five students in the United States attends a rural public school, and The Hub is considered a model for rural communities to create a support system to ensure that our children have equal opportunities for future success.
The Hub, which opened its doors on the first day of school, removes barriers for students and families to get the support they need.
It can be difficult to navigate the various agencies to find needed resources and services, and transportation around the Lake is often challenging.
The Hub seeks to be a “one stop shop” where students and families can connect with the resources that will help them succeed.
“The concept of The Hub is to support families by providing services and resources that meet the needs of the whole child, all centered around the school as ‘the hub’ of the community,” said Lake County Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook. “The more we can support families, and build a community of support to provide access to the services and resources they need, the more we can help each and every child reach their full potential.”
The long-term vision is to establish The Hub in each community in Lake County.
For more information on The Hub, please contact Joan Reynolds at 707-262-4146 or visit http://www.lakecoe.org/departments/program_subpages/lake_county_office_of_education_healthy_start/436 .