Heather RidgeSchool

Enrollment

Math Student Growth

Attendance Rate

English Language Arts Student Growth

Graduation Rate*

English Learners Making Progress Towards Learning English

Students by the Numbers

Partners Engaged in the Community

View the Educational Partnerships Annual Report for a comprehensive list of our community partners.

Students

Families

Staff

Community Members

Student
Feedback

Therapist Introduction: Each student meets with a therapist during their first week at HRS. This initial meeting begins the process of building rapport and opening lines of communication between students and mental health support staff.

Student Voice in Incentives: Students participate in surveys conducted by our MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) committee to share their preferences for attendance incentives. This empowers them to have a voice in shaping positive reinforcement strategies.

Sense of Belonging: Many students are referred to HRS for punitive reasons, which can make it challenging for them to feel welcomed and supported. We are mindful of this and work intentionally to foster a sense of community and belonging for all students.

Access to Support Staff: Students are encouraged to use counseling slips to request meetings with a therapist, administrator, or behavioral support staff. This process provides a respectful and structured way for students to express concerns and emotions.

Meeting Basic Needs: Students feel comfortable communicating their needs to staff, allowing us to provide necessary supplies and resources to support their academic and personal success.

Awareness of Building Climate: Students are often aware when tensions or concerns arise within the building. While they feel safe to share these concerns with staff, they are frequently linked to issues outside of school, which can complicate our response.

Progress Coaches: Each student is assigned a progress coach who meets with them daily. These coaches maintain regular communication with families and students' comprehensive schools, helping to ensure alignment and open communication among all stakeholders.

Family
Feedback

Requested Supports and Interests:
Families have expressed interest in more club opportunities, especially those focused on art and LGBTQIA+ inclusion, to help students feel more connected and accepted.

Barriers to Engagement:
Families face ongoing challenges such as lack of transportation, inconsistent internet access, and nonworking cell phones, which significantly impact their ability to engage in the learning environment and attend events.

Past negative experiences with schools have left some families hesitant to engage, but we are working to rebuild trust through consistent, supportive interactions.

Communication Channels and Trust:
Families regularly reach out to Progress Coaches, the Community Coordinator, and teachers for support with supplies, food, hygiene items, and health-related needs.

Parents feel comfortable sharing sensitive information with our team and trust us to maintain confidentiality.

Parent Feedback:
Multiple parents have noted they value the welcoming environment at HRS and wish their children could remain with us longer.

Staff
Feedback

Mental Health Services
We continue to see a significant impact of mental health challenges on student behavior and academics. Expanding access to support services remains a priority.

Community School Awareness
We recognize the need to increase awareness and understanding among staff and families about the full range of services a community school can provide.

Inclusive Culture
Some staff have shared that they do not always feel included or valued. We are committed to ongoing work to strengthen our internal culture and ensure all voices are heard.

Strengthening Relationships
Building deep, trusting relationships among staff, students, and families is foundational to our success. We aim to strengthen this by:
Continuing to support and develop the Progress Coach model

Promoting trust among staff so it carries over into interactions with families and students

Community
Feedback

In the 2024–2025 school year, HRS added 9 new community partners, expanding our ability to support students and families across a wide range of needs.

We’ve begun open dialogue with 3 additional organizations to receive feedback and suggestions on improving school culture and community engagement.

One partner has joined our steering committee, actively contributing insights and support aligned with our school's mission.

Most current partners provide basic supplies (food, hygiene, clothing), but we are working to deepen these partnerships to include:

• Mental health services
• Behavioral support
• Transportation assistance
• Parenting education and support

We are prioritizing access to services during the school day and also encouraging partner involvement in after-school activities.

Rigorous, Community-Connected Classroom Instruction and Expanded, Enriched Learning Opportunities

Improve Academic Performance
Focus on strengthening outcomes in reading, math, and science.

Expand Learning Opportunities
Increase availability of after-school programs, summer learning, and enrichment activities.

Enhance Mental Health Support
Boost access to mental health services and encourage student engagement.

Increase College, Career, and Parent Supports
Provide resources for college and career preparation alongside parent education programs.

Collaborative Leadership, Shared Power, and Voice

Proactive Communication
Develop consistent, effective ways for students, families, and staff to feel heard.

Multiple Engagement Methods
Offer both in-person listening sessions and virtual meetings (e.g., Google Meet) to increase accessibility.

Strengthen Progress Coach Relationships
Continue using progress coaches to build strong connections with families and comprehensive schools.

Transparent Feedback Loops
Ensure communication includes clear follow-through so all stakeholders see their input is valued.

Elevate Student and Family Voice
Increase opportunities for student and family leadership, especially in anti-racism efforts and decision-making processes.

Integrated Systems of Support

Deepen Partnerships to Address Critical Gaps
Expand partnerships to better support families with needs related to; Housing, Internet access, Phone service

Increase Parent Involvement
Create events and opportunities that align with family schedules and needs to boost participation.

Sustain and Strengthen Key Services
Build longer-term partnerships focused on; Mental health support, Transportation, Parenting resources, Behavioral intervention

Culture of Belonging, Safety, and Care

Restorative Practices
Expand use of restorative circles to strengthen empathy, peer respect, and community within the school.

Anti-Racism Efforts
Partner with outside organizations to introduce student-led anti-racism forums and curriculum enhancements.

Transportation Barriers
Address transportation challenges that limit family participation, especially for events, given our county-wide student population.

Open Communication
Continue growing transparent and respectful communication channels among students, families, and staff.

Safe and Supportive Environment
Preserve and build on the trust students have with staff to discuss concerns around racism and safety openly and safely.

Powerful Student and Family Engagement

Build Trust with Staff
Continue fostering trust among staff so they can extend that same support and care to students and families.

Promote the Community School Vision
Regularly share our mission so families and students know we are here to support and partner with them.

Increase Parent Involvement
Engage families in ways that meet their needs—flexible, accessible, and responsive to barriers like transportation and scheduling.

Support Transitions to Home Schools
Work with families and comprehensive schools to carry over the positive supports and experiences from Heather Ridge, ensuring continuity and student success.