Citizen councils work to build thriving school communities

The community school article (March 18) by Angelo J. Gonzales was welcome information. Does the Journal know there are more than 60 community school councils in Albuquerque Public Schools? As a community member of the council at West Mesa High School, I’d like to share our story.

The APS community school councils were started by APS, United Way, Bernalillo County and the city of Albuquerque. Participants at West Mesa High School include UNM Health, New Mexico Department of Health, West Side Business Association, WMHS alumni, teachers, a construction company, a local FM radio station, student advocate organizations, teachers, parents, students and administrators.

Exciting current activities include establishing a school-based primary care clinic for students, working with the Bernalillo County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and district court to train teachers in restorative justice practices, and starting a student-run Mustang radio station.

Another project that is getting traction is partnering with the Westside Business Association and the Department of Health with our fine arts department to create murals in bathrooms to help create pride in self and school and to limit bathroom security issues and vandalism.

A group of council members and school staff have developed gardens on campus maintained by students and staff. The council is dedicated to support the work of staff and students to build a thriving and effective school community.

The Journal follows and critiques education from the Legislature to school boards to critical issues of interest to citizens. Learning about the citizen/school collaboration by APS community councils would be enlightening and encouraging for Journal readers.