Be Better Together:Share the UmbrellaDr. Phillip Cook, SuperintendentTracie Skaggs, Public Relations DirectorCarl Junction Schools, Carl Junction, Missouri

From the start

• 3,276 students• 38% qualify for Free or Reduced

Lunch• 7,551 people reside in our

community• Small bedroom community (near

Joplin) with very few businesses• Very involved community, many are

business leaders in the Joplin area

From the start

• Weekend Food Backpacks –District At-Risk Committee

• School Supplies for students in need – Ministerial Alliance

• Mentors – High School Guidance • Shop with a Cop – Police Department• Angel Mommies – Parent Network• Vision Needs – Lions Club

Bright Futures

• April 2010 - Joplin began Bright Futures

• Dec. 2010 – Carl Junction signed a Bright Futures affiliate agreement

• April 2011 – Carl Junction began Bright Futures

Same & Different

• We are in the “kid-business”• Bright Futures is a BRIDGE to

services & Social Services agencies in our community

• Parents were added as BF Partners (businesses, faith-based, social-service agencies, parents)

Do you see it?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4

Community Connections

• Businesses• Faith-based Organizations• Social Service Agencies• Parents

They all want to be a part and invest in our schools

Bringing them together

• They are not alone• Strength, consistency, continuity,

sustainability• Organization, record keeping• Everyone is invited to participate

Grow with Community Resources

Program Before BF After BF

Food Backpack Program 65 180

School Supplies 45 300

Mentors 5 45

The Bright Futures Umbrella

WEEKEND FOOD BACKPACKS

School SuppliesBulldog

Buddies

Bulldog Spirit Wear/Share

Angel FundShopwith a Cop

Community Connections

Involving our community has led to• 45.5 M in bond issue improvements

+ levy increases• Partnership for Wellness (staff &

students)• Athletic improvements with ‘private’

money• Access to SS grant funds

“Take Aways”

• Involve everyone• Make BF fit your community needs• Always stay kid focused• DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK PEOPLE TO

HELP KIDS!!!!

Questions?

Dr. Phillip Cookpcook@cj.k12.mo.us

Tracie Skaggstskaggs@cj.k12.mo.us