In early May, the Lemon Grove School District (LGSD) welcomed their community to their final Community Schools Steering Committee Meeting of the school year to listen, learn, and celebrate the impact of their community schools work. District staff, school site teams, students, families, art educators, community partners, the Lemon Grove business group, and Revitalize Broadway gathered at The Neighborhood to hear school leaders share about their community schools journeys and the progress taking place across the district.
Attendees heard presentations from Lemon Grove Academy Middle School, Monterey Heights STEAM Academy, Mt. Vernon Dual Immersion Academy, Lemon Grove Academy Elementary, and San Miguel Elementary. Each school shared highlights from their Needs and Assets Assessments (NAA), attendance and behavior data, student and family engagement efforts, and how community schools implementation has strengthened school climate, relationships, and student connection. Across every presentation, one common theme emerged: relationships are at the center of successful community schools implementation.
School teams shared how they gathered both quantitative and qualitative data through surveys, focus groups, and community conversations to better understand the strengths and needs of their communities. Sites highlighted improvements in attendance, decreases in suspension and behavior incidents, expanded wraparound supports, increased family engagement opportunities, and stronger collaboration among staff.
At Lemon Grove Academy Middle School, staff reflected on how partnerships with organizations such as UCSD and the San Diego Gulls have expanded opportunities for students through academic, wellness, and enrichment programs. The site also highlighted how Conscious Discipline and PBIS practices have helped strengthen belonging and reduce suspension rates through restorative and relationship-centered approaches.
Monterey Heights STEAM Academy shared how welcoming spaces, restorative practices, and strong community partnerships have supported student engagement and attendance. Through initiatives such as STEAM Family Fridays, therapy dog visits, sensory spaces, and campus beautification efforts, the school has intentionally created environments where students and families feel connected and supported.
Mt. Vernon Dual Immersion Academy discussed how strengthening relationships and systems has contributed to improved attendance and increased family engagement. Staff highlighted family workshops, student performances, restorative supports, and community partnerships that have helped strengthen school culture and student connection.
Lemon Grove Academy Elementary reflected on how community schools implementation has expanded upon an already strong sense of community on campus. Through partnerships with PIQE, SDCOE FACE, SDSU tutors, and local organizations, students and families have gained access to mentorship, academic support, and family engagement opportunities. Staff also highlighted the leadership role families have taken in supporting food distribution and community outreach efforts.
San Miguel Elementary shared how student voice and restorative practices have transformed school culture through student-led clubs, structured recess activities, and expanded engagement opportunities. Staff reflected on significant decreases in behavioral incidents and the ways students are now independently using restorative practices to resolve conflict and strengthen peer relationships.
Following the presentations, attendees participated in an art walk along Broadway where LGSD art educators partnered with local businesses to showcase student artwork throughout the community. The partnership with Revitalize Broadway reinforced the idea that students and families are an integral part of the Lemon Grove community and that art has the power to bring people together.
