Offers information and resources to help schools work in partnership with families and communities to strengthen both families and schools in order to promote children’s well-being and academic success. The toolkit is a resource for school staff specifically working with young people and their families in Making Connections communities, which are supported by funding from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The Making Connections initiative is based on the premise that children do better when their families do better, and families do better when their communities are healthy and vibrant and supportive. Through the Foundation’s Web site, school principals, teachers, and support staff get information about: (1) the experiences of other schools in strengthening families; (2) ways to strengthen families, including increasing families’ economic success, developing social networks, and providing services and supports; (3) ways to strengthen schools, including developing community schools, investing in professional development, and making use of education resources at the federal level; and (4) state and local policies supportive of strengthening families. School staff, parents, and community leaders who are committed to children’s educational success and healthy development understand the important role families play as their children’s first and continuing teachers.
