Rise Community School is now celebrating its designation as a “Community School of Excellence” for its strong wraparound services to support students and their families. Recently, the school successfully held “Community Unity Day,” where local leaders and residents gathered to celebrate the academic progress of its young scholars. Rise students are also learning outside in a new outdoor classroom space for hands-on environmental science lessons.

Q1. What are the “wraparound services” provided by Rise Community School to help families in the Upper Falls neighborhood?

Ans. We provide on-site health care referrals, food pantry and housing assistance to promote stability and support to our families.

Q2. What is the role of the restorative justice model in the resolution of daily student conflicts at Rise Community School?

Ans. Our staff leads community circles on a daily basis to discuss feelings and find peaceful, respectful solutions together.

Q3. Does Rise Community School have an outdoor classroom for experiential nature and environmental science classes?

Ans. Yes. Students use our dedicated garden space to study plant biology and urban ecology in a hands-on, outdoor classroom.

Q4. How can Rise Community School parents get involved with the school’s decision making through the community council?

Ans. We have monthly Family Voice meetings where parents work with administration to plan events and set school-wide goals.

Q5. What kind of music enrichment programs are available to students at Rise Community School at this time?

Ans. We have an orchestra program where kids learn to play different instruments in a team setting every day.