News Stories

In 2009, Brooklyn Center Community Schools became the first full-service Community Schools district in the state of Minnesota. We work with families and the community to help ensure all of our scholars are socially, mentally, and physically prepared for an ever-changing world. With over 100 partnerships with community organizations, we’re able to better serve the whole child — eliminating barriers to learning so that each child can freely pursue their potential. 

The Health Resource Center and Family Resource Rooms together provide a range of services for students of all ages, including medical, mental health, dental, vision, sexual health education, food, clothing, county services navigation, and so much more. 

Discover the community school resources available during the 2024-25 school year.

Josh Fraser, principal of Brooklyn Center Middle and High School STEAM, says he sees the community schools model at work in two ways: the tangible ways that services are provided to students and families, and the mindset. “We almost take for granted that what we have is normal, and it’s not,” he said. “When it comes to the structure of our school, it's also about how we center the community in decision making, strategy, and teaching.”

Each staff member at BCCS plays a role in meeting the needs of our students. If a staff member sees a student or family in need who wants to be connected to resources, they are able to work with the Community Schools team to connect them to the right coordinators, liaisons, and information. “This helps us do something really unique, and that is to blend the external resources that my team coordinates with all the other resources that are already built into the school structure,” said Renee Starr, Community Schools manager.

While the community schools model is most effective for students and families in our buildings, BCCS strives to extend its offerings to its Insight Online students as well. Since these students live across the state, BCCS currently offers them telehealth opportunities and internet resources including Wi-Fi hotspots, but is looking to also create in-person gatherings, home visits if needed, and a bank of resources that list Minnesota counties and their community offerings, from food shelves and shelters to utility services. 

“There are so many barriers that can prevent you from being successful in the classroom: if you’re hungry, if you don’t have glasses and you need them, if you’re not getting medical care, whatever reason,” said Michael Miller, principal of Insight Online. “If we take care of all of those barriers, if we give a level playing field, we believe that every kid can be successful no matter what.” 

As BCCS looks to expand its resources for virtual students and enhance the classroom experiences of its in-person students, increased funds for technology have become increasingly essential. Increased funds for technology would not only benefit students’ learning, but they would allow current staff to focus more on their roles and serving the whole child. Learn more about the upcoming referendum on Nov. 5.