A community affair: Meadowbrook School maintains an energetic yet relaxed and positive climate at a time when pressure to achieve higher test scores has turned some schools into tense academic factories

Leadership, Jan-Feb, 2002 by Mike Martucci, Susan Van Zant

Detention has been re-named the Campus Clean Up Club and students assigned for various minor infractions against school rules contribute to the cleanliness of their community by picking up trash under adult supervision.

A Rainforest Club consists of students, parents, teachers and community members who earn funds and travel to the Peruvian rainforest every other summer.

The Boys and Girls Club has a building on campus where more than 100 student members complete their homework and participate in a range of after-school activities within a safe, secure and supportive environment until 6 p.m. daily.

In addition, the school gym is open for 45 minutes before school each day for sports and socializing, and the learning resource center is open for 45 minutes before school and an hour and 15 minutes after school each day for work on homework and projects.

Funding and coordination

A variety of state, school and district funding sources provide payment to staff members for their extra efforts at a district-set hourly rate, to which coaches stipends roughly correspond.

The functional framework of this program is monitored and adjusted as needed by a coordinator. As a long-time site veteran, the coordinator has a major stakeholder's appreciation of the school culture and commitment to the school community.

Nurturing success

Middle schools can promote a nurturing community environment designed to help students grow and develop the academic, social and emotional skills needed for future success. These successful Meadowbrook programs can be adapted to meet the unique needs of any school to create a positive climate and a thriving school community.

Susan Van Zant is principal of Meadowbrook School in San Diego County, where Mike Martucci serves as the before / after school program coordinator.