Who We Are - Ottawa Community Schools Network

Who We Are

The Ottawa Community Schools Network (OCSN) integrates the various health and community supports for students and families in the Ottawa Area into one seamless system delivered through existing school-based facilities through the community school model.

Four Pillars of Community Schools

OCSN recognizes that relatively little can be done in isolation, and that members must work together for collective impact. OCSN is a community led initiative that supports the development of full-service community schools through infrastructure and technical assistance within a collective impact framework.

OCSN focuses on four priority areas:

  • Integrated student supports

  • Active family and community engagement

  • Collaborative leadership and practices

  • Expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities.

Community Schools bring together families, educators, and community partners and provide access to top-quality academics, enrichment, and health and social services under one roof so all students can succeed in school and life. Through these partnerships, community schools become the center of the neighborhood and a safe space to seek help and support educationally and otherwise.

Community schools are in the community, with the community, and for the community.

 

The Ottawa Community Schools Network (OCSN) was formed to integrate the various health and community supports for students and families in the Ottawa Area into one seamless system delivered through existing school-based facilities.

OCSN recognizes that relatively little can be done in isolation, and that members must work together for collective impact. OCSN is a community led initiative that supports the development of full-service community schools through infrastructure and technical assistance within a collective impact framework.

In 2017 OCSN was started using OAISD and CMH Mental Health Millage dollars to begin the implementation of the community school strategy with three Community School Coordinators in three school districts: Coopersville Public Schools, Holland Public Schools and Zeeland Public Schools.

In 2019 we grew by adding an Assistant Director and six Community School Coordinators. We added Coordinators to Allendale Public Schools, Hamilton Public Schools, Hudsonville Public Schools, and additional Coordinators in Coopersville and Holland Public Schools.

OCSN continues to grow. In 2020 we added a part-time Assistant Community School Coordinator in Allendale, and are leading county initiatives to meet the needs of school staff and of children and families in the county.

In 2022 we added two OAISD programs, Young Adult Services and Ottawa Area Center,and expanded services in Hudsonville and Hamilton.

In 2023, with collaborative leadership and in partnership, we are shifting from providing OCSN staff to providing technical assistance, training and support for school-based staff with Zeeland Public Schools and Ottawa Area ISD staff, in addition to the OCSN staff across the county.