Volume 4, Issue 2 | September 6, 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

There is such energy at the start of each school year! We are thrilled to welcome back our students, embrace our families, and engage our community to meaningfully support our students over the long nine months ahead. Our Hub directors have spent the summer planning and recharging so that they are well equipped to meet the challenges and celebrate victories in the 2025-2026 school year.

One thing we're particularly excited for is the official launch of our SMART Hub at Escuela. Please join us at Sofia Quintero Arts and Cultural Center on Thursday, September 11, at 5 p.m. as we share what we've learned from our community these past nine months, and co-create our action steps as we move forward. See the flyer below in Upcoming Events for more details.

NEWS FROM THE SMART HUB AT ESCUELA

Belinda Strode, Hub Director

Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center,

Lead Partner

STARTING THE YEAR WITH CULTURE AND CONNECTION

"On the first day of school, our scholars were welcomed with live Spanish guitar and greeted by community leaders and partners who lined the entrance to cheer them on," writes SMART Hub at Escuela's Belinda Strode. "The music, smiles, and encouragement created a moment of joy and belonging - showing every student that they are surrounded by a community that believes in them."

She adds: "These moments set the tone for the year ahead: culture, connection, and success for the Whole Child, Whole Family, and Whole Community."

NEWS FROM THE JONES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

OF BUSINESS HUB

Sarah Wack, Hub Director

The Art Tatum Zone, Lead Partner

A HEALTHY, HAPPY START AT JLAB

The beginning of the school year brought many exciting events to Jones Leadership Academy, shares Hub Director Sarah Wack. "We kicked things off with our PTO’s annual Hygiene Drive Packing Party, where community members and partners came together to help organize and pack hygiene donations."

She adds: "We also partnered with NHA to host a vaccine clinic, ensuring our students received the necessary vaccinations to start the school year healthy and ready to learn. Additionally, we celebrated our seniors with a special Senior Breakfast to help them gear up for their final year of high school. It’s been a strong start, and we’re looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!"

NEWS FROM THE PICKETT ACADEMY HUB

Christine Sweeney, Acting Hub Director

The Art Tatum Zone, Lead Partner

PICKETT ACADEMY ROCKETS

INTO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

"We were thrilled to welcome students and staff back to school with the help of The University of Toledo Athletic Department," writes Pickett Academy's Acting Hub Director Christine Sweeney. "Huge thanks to the incredible staff and student athletes who showed up to cheer on our Tigers and make the first day back to school extra special. Not only did they bless us with their presence, but they also donated 300 game vouchers for students and staff to be able to attend a home game." She says this continued tradition promotes a strong start and a united community spirit.

NEWS FROM THE REYNOLDS ELEMENTARY HUB

Pathway 4 Successful Leadership, Lead Partner

SCHOOL SPIRIT TAKES FLIGHT AT REYNOLDS

The new school year at Reynolds Elementary launched with energy, excitement, and community spirit during the Back to School Open House, hosted by the Hub's lead partner, Pathways for Successful Leadership, in partnership with school administration. Families and students were welcomed back by teaching staff ready to greet both familiar faces and new Rockets beginning their journey this year.

Hub partners made the evening memorable by volunteering their time, talents, and delicious food donations. Special highlights included free haircuts from Barber Byron Johnson and spirited performances from the Reynolds Rocket cheerleaders. Deputy Superintendent Jim Gant joined in to show his support, cheering on the collaboration that fuels student success. The event set the tone for a year of strong academic achievement, family engagement, and school pride - blasting the Rockets into a bright and successful new school year!

NEWS FROM THE RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY HUB

Debbie Frison, Hub Director

The YMCA of Greater Toledo, Lead Partner

RIVERSIDE SAYS 'WE READY' FOR A YEAR

OF SUCCESS

August 21st was a busy day at the Riverside Hub! 

Ten United Way volunteers helped teachers get classrooms ready, straightening rooms, moving furniture, and setting up for students.

After their first staff meeting, educators and staff members at Riverside enjoyed a great Italian buffet from Olive Garden before the evening's Open House, which drew more than 200 attendees.

Students received backpacks and school supplies from Mustard Seed Outreach Ministry and ARK Restoration and Construction, while volunteers from First Church of Perrysburg and Universal Metals helped with Community Closet giveaways and serving a light meal.

Community partners joined the fun: the City of Toledo shared updates on the Jamie Farr Park renovations and the new splash pad, the League of Women Voters registered attendees to vote, Penta shared GED and other programs, and RFS’s TACKLE program connected with families about mental health services. Some students even got free haircuts!

The day ended on a high note with the staff's fun video welcome - everyone swayed to We Ready (by Archie Eversole) in matching Riverside swag! (See the video below).

NEWS FROM THE ROGERS

HIGH SCHOOL HUB

Kya Collins, Hub Director

YMCA of Greater Toledo, Lead Partner

ROGERS WELCOMES NEW LEAD PARTNER

The Hub at RHS has been full of energy this month, writes Hub Director Kya Collins, who says the fun included introducing freshmen to programs and services available to support their academic, social, and personal growth, and welcoming its new lead partner - the YMCA of Greater Toledo - which will bring even more enrichment and support for Rogers students.

Ms. Collins adds: "Our returning partners have also re-engaged, ensuring continued access to resources in academics, mental health, and extracurricular activities. Thanks to generous donations over the summer and ongoing community support, we are planning upcoming events, workshops, drives, and so much more to empower students throughout the year."

The Hub is the place where students connect, grow, and thrive—and Ms. Collins can’t wait to share what’s next!

NEWS FROM THE SCOTT HIGH SCHOOL HUB

Joe Peterson, Hub Director

New Concepts, Lead Partner

HONORING ALUMNI

AND PROMOTING MEN'S HEALTH: A SEASON OF CELEBRATION AT SCOTT HIGH

The third annual Golden Bulldog Brunch at Scott High School brought together nearly 300 alumni for a day of celebration, connection, and Bulldog pride, shares Hub Director Joe Peterson. Now a growing tradition at Scott, the event honors graduates who have reached their 50th class reunion and welcomes them into the Golden Bulldog Club.

"This year, the Class of 1975 joined the distinguished ranks as the newest members of the club," Mr. Peterson continues. "Their induction was met with cheers and applause, reflecting the strong sense of community that continues to unite generations of Bulldogs."

In addition to honoring alumni, the brunch served another purpose: more than $1,400 was raised during the event, with all proceeds going to the school's Student Activities Fund to benefit current Scott scholars by providing opportunities, experiences, and support that enrich student life.

Mr. Peterson concludes: "The Golden Bulldog Brunch is quickly becoming a beloved tradition, serving as a bridge between past and present while keeping the Bulldog spirit alive for years to come."

The African American Male Wellness Day at Scott was a lively way to close out summer and kick off the school year, says Mr. Peterson. Centered on health, wellbeing, and community, the event featured a walk/run through the Old West End and drew hundreds for a celebration of fitness, awareness, and support.

While focusing on men’s health, the day was a true family affair, with parents, children, and community members of all ages joining activities, screenings, and wellness resources to encourage healthier lifestyles. Community partners also joined as vendors, offering services and information to help families take steps toward wellness, highlighting the power of collaboration.

"More than just a health fair, Men’s Wellness Day provided a powerful reminder that when families and partners come together around wellness, everyone benefits," Mr. Peterson writes. "It was a vibrant, energetic start to a school year filled with opportunity, hope, and community pride."

DID YOU KNOW...

...that Toledo Public Schools is very engaged with the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) and the Coalition for Community Schools? These entities drive strategy research, model improvements, and federal advocacy efforts. Recently, IEL has done heavy advocacy to promote the importance of preserving a federal investment in community schools/Schools as Community Hubs work. Our school district has sought federal funds to support this work in the past, and is prepared to do so should they be available in the future. We appreciate our partnership with IEL as they continue to fight to protect and advance community schools (Hubs) across the country.

A portion of their recent advocacy efforts highlighted:

Community Schools [Hubs] are an effective strategy for coordinating and aligning school and community resources, thereby increasing family and community engagement to support students’ success. Doing so proves to be a wise investment: coordinating resources at the school and system levels translates to a return on investment of over $7 for every $1 invested in a Coordinator's [Hub Director's] salary.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Another upcoming event is the Q1 Power Hour that will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, in the cafeteria at Scott High School. These Power Hours are focused, interactive sessions - usually lasting about an hour - designed to provide students and community members with exposure to valuable resources, skills, or opportunities. These sessions often feature guest speakers, workshops, or presentations on topics such as career pathways, health and wellness, leadership, or community engagement. The goal is to empower participants with knowledge, connections, and inspiration in a short, impactful format.

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.org.