COMMUNITY SCHOOL

What is a Community School?


Community schools are public schools that partner with stakeholders to create the conditions students need to thrive. Watch the video "What is a Community School?" to learn more.



Become a Volunteer Chanticleer

We love volunteers text with hearts on the palms of raised hands Become an approved volunteer at Harford Hills by creating an account, watching the brief training video and completing the related quiz, and completing an online application.  Everything you need is on the BCPS Volunteers webpage.

If you have trouble accessing the on-line volunteer application, you may submit a paper copy to the school together with your printed certificate indicating that you watched the training video and completed the quiz.

We need volunteers for any number of activities and events.  If you aren't sure how you can help, let's talk.

Reminder:  Parents/guardians MUST be volunteer trained to chaperone a field trip.  Volunteer applications must be completed 30 calendar days in advance of field trips, and 10 school days in advance of school-based activities.

Questions should be directed to Stacy Bryan, Community School Facilitator and HHES Volunteer Coordinator.


Your Voice Matters

From September 2025 through February 2026, we surveyed our school family and community using the MSDE Community School Survey to determine what parents, students, community members, and staff felt were our school's greatest needs.  You can see the results of that survey here:
HHES Community School Survey Results to Date - SY 25-26 .

In direct response to this survey, several partnerships have been formed to address needs.  Additionally, school and community members can use the Support Request form to the right to reach out for support.

Our Shared Decision Making Team (SDMT) has been meeting over the last several months to review that data and drill down deeper, especially related to student interests.  Additional data will be shared at our March PTA meeting, where students will present their recommendations and decisions to school-based and community-based leadership teams.

Any day is a good day to communicate.  If you'd like to share thoughts, make recommendations, or ask questions, email or call your community school facilitator today!


Chanty's Sharing Table

In partnership with First Fruits Farm in nearby Freeland, Maryland, Harford Hills Elementary Community School hosts Chanty's Sharing Table on the second Tuesday of each month.  


During the farm's growing season, they provide the school with fresh from the farm produce to ensure our families have free access to healthy food options.  During the winter months, the farm partners with The Maryland Food Bank to continue providing a range of produce and non-perishable food items.

Families in the Harford Hills community should bring a reusable grocery bag to fill.  Chanty's Sharing Table is set up in the school lobby or in the front of the school from 12 PM through 4:30 PM while supplies last.  Coming early ensures the pick of the crop!


Contact

 

Bitmoji likeness of Stacy Bryan, CSF
Stacy Corcoran Bryan
Community School Facilitator
[email protected]
443-809-5236



Our Amazing Partners

The following partners have shown tremendous commitment to and generosity toward the students, families, and staff of Harford Hills Elementary Community School:

...And countless individual citizens and neighbors!

The Nest at Harford Hills

The Nest is our community cottage located behind the school next to the playground.  Managed by our Community School Facilitator and supported by a network of volunteers, this space is a safe space for our families to seek and receive resources, supports, and information necessary to the well-being of their students and families.

  • HHES has a monthly food distribution for our families on or around the second Tuesday of each month; refer to the school calendar for dates.   This opportunity is provided in partnership with First Fruits Farm, A Can Can Make a Difference, and private donors.  In addition, our Food Access Points Month 2025.pdf lists food access points in and around NE Baltimore.  Be sure to call ahead for information.
  • Families with urgent emergent food and clothing needs can call the school and schedule a visit to Chanty's Care Closet and/or Chanty's Pantry at The Nest at HHES.  Due to generous donors, we have gently used clothing to share as well as non-perishable food items.
  • In collaboration with our school's Student Council, we are pleased to have Chanty's Toy Box.  Thanks to the generosity of donors throughout northeast and central Baltimore County, our families can schedule a visit to The Nest at HHES to select new and/or gently used toys, books, games, or more to gift to their children during holidays and for birthdays.

BCPS Community School logo