Best Practices: Lake Hills Elementary School Offers Support to the Community
By Carter Hawley

The Wrap-Around Services Project at Lake Hills Elementary School provides comprehensive programs and services to more than 500 families every year in the Lake Hills neighborhood of Bellevue. Developed through a partnership between United Way of King County, the City of Bellevue and the Bellevue School District, the program has transformed the school into a center of learning and community for people of all ages and interests.

This pilot program builds on existing programs and services to meet the needs of students and families in this highly diverse, lower-income area. The Wrap-Around staff works closely with the neighboring Jubilee REACH Center where children receive early morning care and nourishment. At the YMCA Kids University, co-located in the school, kids can participate in after-school enrichment, recreation and homework support activities. Additionally, kids, parents and neighbors can receive assistance at the Family Connection Center, also situated in the school, which provides free clothing, diapers and basic necessities.

Before the program began in 2005 student test scores at Lake Hills Elementary lagged behind Washington Assessment of Student Learning standards. Since the start of the Wrap-Around project, more students are entering school prepared and meeting state standards. Teachers have found that they can now focus on academics in the classroom with their students' social service, health and nutrition needs being met.

By supporting children and their families during the early years, we know we can positively affect the rest of their lives. Programs like the Wrap-Around Services Project at Lake Hills Elementary School take a holistic approach to getting kids ready to succeed in school by creating an environment that makes learning possible.

For more information on the Wrap-Around Services Project e-mail Community Impact Manager Doug Whalen or call 206.461.5078.

Read Rachel Tuinstra's Febraury 8, 2008 feature in The Seattle Times about Lake Hills Elementary School.

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