Enjoy the August issue of Hub Happenings!

Volume 4, Issue 1 | August 18, 2025

If you have suggestions for the next issue of Hub Happenings, email Mary-Beth Matthews at mmathew1@tps.org. If you see three dots, make sure you click on them to see the expanded copy.

HUB HAPPENINGS

Before we launch into the 2025-2026 school year, let's look back on all that was accomplished last year. We are eager to continue to strengthen our Hubs in the year ahead.

Toledo Public Schools, in collaboration with Sofia Quintero Arts & Cultural Center and Escuela SMART leadership launched a SEVENTH community Hub school! All of our Hub partners have supported this launch in some way.
More than 11,000 individuals participated in nearly 100 events hosted and facilitated by Hub leaders and partners.
Nearly 40 new partnerships were launched last year to support student success.
Students accessed school-based community closets more than 750 times to have their basic needs met.
Nineteen community leaders have committed to advancing Schools as Community Hubs through participation on the Hubs Strategy Council. This Council is reigniting the vision for our community Hubs work, and planning for greater sustainability and systems integration.

NEWS FROM THE SMART HUB AT ESCUELA

Belinda Strode, Hub Director

Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center,

Lead Partner

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON

KICKING OFF AT EL CENTRO SMART

Hub Director Belinda Strode enthusiastically shares, "The new school year is launching with energy and care at El Centro SMART. We’re partnering with local organizations to host a Back-to-School Community Welcome for the whole neighborhood — including the distribution of up to 150 backpacks for students and families in August."

She adds: "On the first day of school, we’ll also host the SMART Start Welcome — an uplifting morning where community members line up to cheer students on with smiles, high fives, and words of encouragement. This is our way of showing our children that their village is here — and we’re walking into the year together."

We’ve also launched our Community Survey, open to anyone who lives, works, or plays in the Old South End, and to anyone who identifies as Latino/a/x/e in Lucas County. This is your chance to help shape what comes next for our neighborhood. If you’re eligible, please take the survey — and share it with others who are too.

NEWS FROM THE JONES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

OF BUSINESS HUB

Sarah Wack, Hub Director

The Art Tatum Zone, Lead Partner

JLAB HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE NEW COLLABORATIONS, FUN LEARNING ABOUT VIDEO GAMES

The Jones Leadership Academy Hub had a vibrant and productive summer, filled with a variety of enriching programs and new partnerships, Hub Director Sarah Wack proudly shares. "One highlight was a collaborative program with the Art Tatum Zone, where students explored the exciting world of video game development and art."

She adds: "The Hub [also] forged new connections with organizations like Teen PEP, laying the groundwork for expanded student engagement and opportunities throughout the upcoming school year."

NEWS FROM THE PICKETT ACADEMY HUB

Christine Sweeney, Acting Hub Director

The Art Tatum Zone, Lead Partner

PICKETT STUDENTS FIND DISCOVERY AND GROWTH WITH THE ART TATUM ZONE

This summer, students from Pickett Academy had an exciting and enriching experience through the Art Tatum Zone program, reports Acting Hub Director Christine Sweeney. She continues: "They engaged in a variety of activities including reading, math, STEM, and art, all designed to inspire creativity and learning. Highlights of the summer included hands-on projects, collaborative challenges, and, of course, our favorite field trips that brought learning to life. It was a season full of discovery, growth, and fun for every student involved!"

NEWS FROM THE REYNOLDS ELEMENTARY HUB

Pathway 4 Successful Leadership, Lead Partner

REYNOLDS HUB HOSTS COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

AND EXPANDS SUPPORT SERVICES

The Hub at Reynolds Elementary served as the host site for two community partner programs this summer. Unison Health held a summer camp during June and July, providing structured activities and engagement for participating youth. In addition, UrbanVolley 419 offered a summer volleyball training camp focused on skill development and positive youth experiences.

But the activity didn't stop there. With the addition of a newly designated classroom space, the Reynolds Hub Community Pantry will now be more accessible to students, families, and community members. During the summer reorganization, a group of volunteers sorted through donated items to prepare for the upcoming school year. Items that exceeded current needs were donated to Cherry Street Mission to support broader community efforts. The Hub was also able to provide support to a nearby family impacted by a residential fire in July.

NEWS FROM THE RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY HUB

Debbie Frison, Hub Director

The YMCA of Greater Toledo, Lead Partner

Editor's Note: Debbie Frison has been appointed as the permanent director of the Hub at Riverside, a role that reflects her extensive commitment and deep-rooted connection to the Riverside community, where she has dedicated more than 25 years of service, including as a substitute teacher, PTO president, and afterschool director. Since the inception of the Hub strategy in the 2018-2019 school year, she has played a pivotal role in its development, ensuring that it aligns with the overarching goals of Toledo Public Schools to foster collaboration and provide comprehensive support for all students. Congratulations to Debbie!

SUMMER PROVES BUSY

AT RIVERSIDE

School may have been out for the summer, but the students, families, and staff members of Riverside Elementary and its Hub have had a busy few months.

For most of June, participants in Riverside's 21st Century program dove headfirst into hands-on academic adventures, field trips, and fun recreation activities that made learning feel like a thrilling ride. The absolute highlight? Unforgettable field trips. Picture this: the young creators crafting their very own Bath Bombs at Buff City Soap, excitedly cheering on the Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field, and setting sail on the Maumee River aboard the Sandpiper to soak in the sun and the sights. Hub Director Debbie Frison writes: "We also had wonderful partners who facilitated activities at school, including 4H, Toledo Zoo, Imagination Station, and the Challenger Learning Center."

In July, the Riverside Hub collaborated with Universal Health Aid, a progressive non-profit public health organization dedicated to promoting a grassroots, community-centered approach to health education and preventative medicine to mitigate the impact of social determinants of health. "We had 130 community people through the doors," Ms. Frison shares. "They received some information from community agencies and were able to get their vitals taken and see a doctor. Many students came through to get physicals. We look forward to making this a yearly event."

NEWS FROM THE ROGERS

HIGH SCHOOL HUB

Kya Collins, Hub Director

YMCA of Greater Toledo, Lead Partner

ROGERS WELCOMES NEW LEAD PARTNER

This summer, the team at Rogers High reflected on its success in strengthening meaningful family and community engagement, and its goal to further integrate community supports into the educational experience of Rogers students. Rogers Hub leadership is thrilled to welcome the YMCA of Greater Toledo as its new lead partner to carry the Hub work forward. Kya Collins will remain the Hub Director and will continue to build on the strong foundation that's been established at Rogers.

NEWS FROM THE SCOTT HIGH SCHOOL HUB

Joe Peterson, Hub Director

New Concepts, Lead Partner

SCOTT HOSTS TWO YOUTH CAMPS FOCUSED

ON MENTORSHIP AND COMMUNITY

This summer, 34 students completed the Amare Lockett Youth Fishing Camp — an annual program founded in memory of 9-year-old Amare Lockett, who tragically died in a house fire in 2021, writes Scott High Hub Director Joe Peterson. Led by his grandfather, Mark Lockett, the free camp teaches kids ages 8–14 the basics of fishing, outdoor survival skills, and character development.

Held at Scott High School, the camp not only honors Amare’s legacy but also brings the community together through events like the annual Feed the Need city-wide fish fry. "With each passing year, the camp continues to grow, making a lasting impact on Toledo’s youth and families," Mr. Peterson says.

The 23rd Annual Dr. Carnel Smith Youth Football Camp returned to Scott this summer, bringing energy, excitement, and life lessons to boys in grades 3 through 8. Held in mid-June, the free camp offered a week of football drills, character-building, and mentorship in a safe, supportive environment, Mr. Peterson shares.

"Led by dedicated coaches and community volunteers, the camp focused on more than just athletic skills. Participants learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and leadership, values that extend far beyond the field," Mr. Peterson writes.

Campers were provided breakfast and lunch each day and engaged in non-contact drills that helped build confidence, coordination, and sportsmanship. From the first whistle to the final huddle, the focus remained on developing well-rounded student athletes and strong young men.

"For more than two decades, the Dr. Carnel Smith Youth Football Camp has shown what is possible when a community invests in its youth," Mr. Peterson concludes. "This year’s camp continued that tradition and reminded us all that investing in young people today helps shape the strong, capable leaders of tomorrow."

In June, leaders from all seven Hubs convened for a day of reflection, fellowship, and planning. Site level leaders identified intentional efforts to consistently cultivate a culture of belonging, safety, and care. This is one of the greatest areas of strength in our Hubs, and yields a more positive experience for students, families, and our community members. Hub leaders intend to leverage this culture of belonging to improve collaborative leadership, shared power, and voice. Each of us contributes to the success of our Hub work, and each voice matters. Further, each Hub identified specific activities and strategies they will use to support engagement and student attendance in the year ahead. If you want to play a deeper role in our Hub work, please email Gayle Lake.

Schools as Community Hubs launched in Toledo in 2012 as a way of organizing resources to meet the needs of students, families, and residents in the neighborhoods surrounding our schools. Currently, TPS has six full-service community schools that promote academic success, foster health and well-being, and facilitate family and community engagement - and we're exploring two more. To learn more, visit our website to explore our FAQs and other helpful resources. Schools as Community Hubs is funded in part by Toledo Public Schools, and its lead partners: New Concepts, Pathway 4 Successful Leadership, The Art Tatum Zone, and YMCA/JCC of Greater Toledo.

For more information on Schools as Community Hubs, contact Gayle Lake at glake@tps.or g.