Community Schools

Western Heights Middle School has been identified as a community school and recipient of Concentration of Poverty Grant funding by the state of Maryland.

A Community School is defined as follows:

“Community Schools are public schools that provide services and support that fit each neighborhood’s needs, created and run by the people who know our children best—all working together.” -Nea.org

“Community school” means a public school that establishes a set of strategic partnerships between the school and other community resources that LEVERAGE SHARED ACCOUNTABILITY, COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP, CAPACITY BUILDING, AND AUTHENTIC FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, USING A STUDENT–CENTERED FRAMEWORK TO promote INCLUSIVE student achievement, positive learning conditions, and the well–being of students, families, EDUCATORS, and the community [by providing] THROUGH A VARIETY OF ENGAGING PRACTICES INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF wraparound services.” - 2024 MD Senate Bill 161

At WHMS, being a community school takes many forms as we work to support students and families. Our most popular family outreach activities include Literacy Night, during which families get dinner, information on promoting their children's literacy growth, and a free book, as well as our winter Cocoa, Cookies, and Crafts event. For students, our Beyond the Bell after school program, which runs several multi-week sessions per year, provides students with access to clubs and schoolwork assistance, a free meal, and transportation home. Registration information for upcoming BtB sessions will be posted for upcoming sessions approximately a month prior to each session's start date. 

If you have any questions about Western Heights Middle School's Community School driven initiatives, need support, or wish to volunteer at a community engagement event, afterschool programming, or other appropriate opportunities, please reach out to our Community School Manager, Matt Miller, by email here or by phone / text at 240-744-1692.