Next Wednesday, Pocomoke High School will open its doors not just to students, but to the entire community.
The 2nd Annual Community School Showcase will take place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM, highlighting the partnerships and programs that have grown under Maryland’s Community Schools initiative. This public event invites families, local leaders, and community members to see firsthand how schools across Worcester County are working to support student success; not just in the classroom, but in every aspect of life.
So what is a “community school,” and why is Pocomoke High School hosting this event? Here’s what to know ahead of the showcase.
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What Is a Community School?
A community school is more than just a building where students go to learn; it’s a local hub where schools, families, and community organizations work together to make sure students have what they need to succeed. Under Maryland’s model, funded through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a community school becomes a hub for services and supports that address students’ academic, emotional, and physical well-being.
Schools that qualify for the state’s Concentration of Poverty Grant receive funding to hire a community school coordinator and bring in resources tailored to the specific needs of their students and families.
According to the Maryland State Department of Education, community schools are built around four key pillars:
** Integrated student supports (like health care or mental health services)
** Expanded learning time and opportunities
** Family and community engagement
** Collaborative leadership and practice
“The goal is to ensure all children are healthy, safe, engaged, and challenged,” says MSDE’s Blueprint website.
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How Pocomoke Is Involved
Pocomoke Elementary, Middle, and High Schools have all been designated as community schools within the past three years:
** Pocomoke Elementary and Middle are entering their third year as community schools.
** Pocomoke High School is entering its second year in the model.
Each school conducted a needs assessment to understand what barriers students face and what resources families need, which included input from parents, students, and staff. From there, WCPS hired community liaisons to coordinate services, connect with local organizations, and ensure that schools are not operating in isolation. These liaisons help bring in everything from after-school programs and food assistance to clothing closets and dental care referrals, often with support from local nonprofits, healthcare providers, and faith-based partners.
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What You’ll See at the Showcase
The July 9 Community School Showcase at Pocomoke High will feature a tour of several of the school’s student-centered resources:
** A school-based health center operated in partnership with Chesapeake Health Care, where students can receive basic medical care without needing to leave campus.
** The Warrior Warehouse, a free clothing closet that provides everyday essentials for students.
** The food pantry, stocked with non-perishable items available to students and families in need.
** A student-maintained garden, which promotes hands-on learning, healthy habits, and environmental awareness.
The showcase will also highlight how these programs are made possible, not just through funding, but through partnerships with community members and organizations.
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Why It Matters
The idea behind the community schools model is simple: students learn best when their basic needs are met. Whether it’s access to a warm coat, a hot lunch, or a safe place to talk, these services help ensure that children are ready to succeed in the classroom.
Rather than promoting one-size-fits-all programs, each community school builds its own approach based on what its students and families need most. In Pocomoke, that has meant everything from early-childhood playgroups at the Judy Center (located at Pocomoke Elementary) to family engagement events, tutoring partnerships, and expanded student leadership programs.
These are not one-size-fits-all initiatives, they’re tailored to the school, shaped by the community, and focused on helping students thrive in a way that respects parental values and voice.
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Join the Conversation
If you’re curious about what’s happening behind the scenes in our schools, or want to know how you can be part of it, the Community School Showcase is a chance to see it all in action.
Pocomoke High School
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Whether you’re a parent, a neighbor, a local business owner, or just someone who cares about Pocomoke’s future, this event offers a window into the kinds of partnerships that are helping students and families thrive.
