Say Yes Buffalo Partnership with Strong Community Schools

Say Yes to Education has more than 30 years of experience convening partners to find new ways to support students and families. Our approach mirrors the Community Schools model, which understands that the entire community must come together if we are to create an environment where students and families have the tools and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

We are proud to serve as a strategic partner with the Buffalo Public Schools in supporting and facilitating the Community Schools model in Western New York. Through our Community Schools initiatives, we offer academic support, mentoring, and social-emotional enrichment for our students, programming for parents and families, and adult education opportunities.

We recognize that in urban areas where the Community Schools model has been implemented, there have been:

• Increases in student academic scores and school attendance rates
• Increases in parent and community engagement
• Decreases in suspension rates

All of these outcomes are needed in Buffalo if we are to strengthen our public school system, prepare students to be successful in college and career and strengthen the quality of life for all.

Learn more about the 24 Community Schools and 4 Parent Centers at buffaloschools.org. Stay informed about upcoming community events at BPS Community Schools and BPS Parent Centers.

Organizations interested in partnering with the Community Schools, should contact Tanya Staples at [email protected] or (716) 247-5310 ext. 220 to discuss presentation opportunities.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in a Community School, call the Buffalo Public School Student Registration Office at (716) 816-3717 or visit 33 Ash Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 to fill out an application.

If you have questions about our Say Yes Buffalo Community Schools programming, contact Ariel Peters, Community Schools Specialist at [email protected]

Through the Buffalo Public Schools New Education Bargain, Community Schools are here to build bridges between families and communities, leading to improved student learning, increased parent involvement, and healthier communities.