“SWISH”  The sound of a basketball gliding through the net with ease and bouncing on the gymnasium floor quickly followed by the rush of footsteps and cheers echoed through the air.

Proud parents, family members and teachers filled the stands, cheering on the 13 young men who make up the boys basketball team at OCPS ACE, A Community Partnership School. These students, ranging from grades 6-8, share a love for the game and an unbreakable bond.

Through tribulations and triumph, these young men had a remarkable season, but it was far from the typical story of athletic success.

It was clear from the start they had dreams of succeeding at the highest level, however several barriers stood in the way of their academic and athletic success. Students must maintain good grades, attendance and behavior, and physicals are required before they can play school sports. Many were struggling academically due to heavy course loads in middle school, long practices after long days of learning and parents were trying to navigate the typical challenges of adolescence and a complicated healthcare system.

Although the initial outcome may have seemed discouraging, these young athletes attend a Community Partnership School, where not only  are they surrounded by dedicated teachers and caring adults, they have a variety of health, wellness and educational services and resources – right at their fingertips!

The foundation of a Community Partnership School is built on four pillars: health and wellness, expanded learning, family engagement and collaborative leadership; and each pillar contributes to students’ success.

Kasiim Barr, CHS Expanded Learning Coordinator at OCPS ACE, A Community Partnership School, was the first to begin working closely with the head coach as he connected students to enrichment opportunities and resources to support their academics. Next, the entire Community Partnership School team stepped in to address each students’ unique needs, from facilitating medical appointments and physicals at the Orange Blossom Family Health Clinic located on the school campus, to communication with parents and families, helping them find ways to become more involved and navigate the necessary consent forms  and documents required to participate.

Our core and community partners then wrapped arms around the entire team, providing financial support, new warm-up suits, pre-game meals and snacks.

The once empty gym transformed into a hub of excitement, filled with proud parents and supporters. A community formed around the basketball team empowering the students to reach for — and achieve — success, both on and off the court.

This experience taught the students discipline, it allowed them to be social and make new friends and over 90% of the team improved academically in one or more classes throughout the school year!

Once he was on the basketball team, my son had to maintain his grades,” said Paulina, an OCPS ACE parent. “He needed to be a part of something and that helped him be a better student!”

Learn more about OCPS ACE, A Community Partnership School and how you can join us in building bridges to success for students! Contact Jania Fuller, Community Partnership School Director at Jania.fuller@chsfl.org.