Edison becomes third AASD designated 'Community School'

Edison Elementary became the third school in the Appleton School District to be designated a ‘Community School,’ joining Jefferson and Dunlap Elementaries.

A designated “Community School” serves as a hub for its surrounding community, integrating academic instruction with health, social services, and community development to support students and families. It moves beyond traditional academics to address the "whole child" by partnering with a wide range of community partners – including families, local businesses, non-profits, and government agencies – to leverage resources and address community needs. 

As a Title I school, Edison's enrollment includes a significant percentage of students in need. Among the things offered to Edison students is access to clothing and food.

The designation of Edison was made official in a ceremony in late August that was attended by Edison Elementary staff, Appleton school administrators, school board members, area organizations, and community members. 

“This is already an amazing community," said Katie Schmeltzer, Edison Elementary principal.  “What we hope to do is to bring all the ‘amazingness’ together.”

Schmeltzer, who was born and raised in Appleton and went through the Appleton school system, added that the school aims to build on the strengths of its educators, families, and community to support its students. She went on to earn degrees or certifications in Elementary Education, Bilingual Teaching, and Educational Leadership.  As principal, she is committed to fostering a school culture that is accepting, safe, and respectful to all, she said.

Jennie Micke, Community School Resource Coordinator for Edison Elementary, expressed her excitement to connect families with community resources and for the school to become an asset to the community. 

“We are a rich community of people who want to volunteer our resources,” Micke said, showing off the new Community Resource Room where families have access to a food pantry, clothing donations, counseling services, and other community resources. “I can't wait to connect those community resources with our Edison families.”

Following the Community School announcement, attendees joined Edison families and students on the school playground for games, food, and even haircuts.  Various community organizations were available as resources.  Lawrence University students were on hand to challenge young students in a friendly soccer game. During the Open House, families visited their children' s classrooms and met their teachers.

“Community is not created by just being geographically close to one another,” said AASD Board of Education member Edward Ruffolo. “Rather, communities are built when we care for each other.”