Community Schools: 15 Years of Supporting Student Success, Thanks to You
“There is nothing more important in a child’s life than having access to a good education.”
Bill Spence
Former PPL Corporation Chairman and CEO
For 15 years, Community Schools have supported student success in the region’s highest-need schools by focusing on students’ basic needs and building trusting relationships with children and their families.
That’s why former PPL Corporation Chairman and CEO Bill Spence and his wife Denise have joined United Way in providing the resources to make Sheridan Elementary School in Allentown School District the newest school in the Lehigh Valley Community Schools Network.
“There is nothing more important in a child’s life than having access to a good education,” said Spence. “We felt that partnering with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, a trusted and highly regarded organization, would provide the oversight and insights needed to ensure that Community Schools will be successful.”
Thanks to dedicated supporters like you, Community Schools serve almost 19,000 students and their families in 31 schools in Allentown, Bangor Area, Bethlehem Area and Easton Area school districts.
The Spences have joined the Barnes and Lovett families as Tocqueville Society members who pledge their support to Community Schools.
“We grew up in families where access to a good education was a family affair, and viewed as foundational to success, a fundamental right of every child and a community responsibility. United Way has taken that concept to a whole new level, and it is so inspiring to see the amazing improvements for the students,” said Dan Barnes, who supports Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem Area School District with his wife Susan.
“It is an honor to be a part of this nationally recognized initiative. We hope many more donors will join this movement to adopt a school and help United Way to continue to expand this extraordinary program, especially after the devastating setback experienced by our students during this pandemic,” added Susan Barnes.
Using schools as hubs, Community Schools organize programs and services such as food, housing and health care in one central place for students and families, while also providing enhanced academic experiences for kids and engagement opportunities for parents. As a result, Community School students have increased reading and math scores and excel in other academic areas.
“Our community can do great things when we work together. Community Schools has been a great vehicle to allow us to do this. East Allentown has been underserved for many years. Community Schools has allowed us to support East Allentown in the important field of education,” said Bob Lovett, who directs support to Mosser Elementary School in Allentown School District along with his wife Sandy.
