BOURNE — Calling all community organizations and families: The Bourne Public Schools wants to connect you through the district’s new family engagement initiative, “Building Bridges.”
“Building Bridges,” which is being led by BPS’ Pre-K-5 Curriculum Director, Lisa Dix, will connect members of the district — including both students and their families — to important services available to them and will in turn give community organizations and groups the opportunity to share their vital knowledge and services with those in need.
As a kickoff to this special new program, the Bourne Public Schools will be hosting a Community Resource Fair on Thursday, Sept. 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Bourne Intermediate School. It will provide BPS families and residents with access to a variety of vital information and resources.
“We hope this fair is the start of a much broader program that connects families in Bourne to critical resources and services,” Director Dix said. “We are encouraging community groups to get involved and will be working to spread the word over the next few months.”
Resources available at the fair will include: youth and family recreation, assistance with nutrition, housing and clothing, wellness and mental health services, safety, education and more!
Any community resource organization or group that would like to participate in the fair is asked to fill out a Google Form with some basic information. The district will respond with additional details.
Any organization located within Bourne, or those which are utilized by Bourne residents, are welcome to attend.
A variety of clubs and groups within the Bourne Public Schools will also be present at the fair sharing information and engaging with members of the community.
The BPS Community Resource Fair is free for residents to attend, as well as for any community organization that would like to participate.
Dix, who has been with the Bourne Public Schools for several years, helped to implement a similar program as part of her previous position within the Sippican School in Marion. That program — Anchor — served as a community outreach initiative to foster positive relationships among those in the greater Sippican community. Dix has since presented on similar topics to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
She said having the support of the Bourne administration has encouraged her to bring such a program to BPS.
“Family and community engagement means so much to any school district, especially one that is as close-knit as what we have here in Bourne,” Superintendent Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou said. “It not only helps the members of the school community and our residents get the assistance they need, it also creates a tremendous sense of belonging that can have positive effects on all who are involved. We applaud Director Dix for her efforts organizing this Community Resource Fair and we look forward to seeing the impacts that her passion for family and community engagement will have moving forward.”
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