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Community Schools

Community Schools are designated by the Maryland State Department of Education based on criteria in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. These schools receive Concentration of Poverty Grant funds to help address challenges faced by students and families living in poverty. Each school receives a Personnel Grant and, after the first year, a Per Pupil Grant based on the number of students in poverty.

The goal of a Community School is to serve as a hub for services that reduce barriers to learning. Funding must directly support the identified school and its students, both academically and non-academically, often through partnerships with community organizations.

 

Extended Learning

A fundamental service of Community Schools is providing opportunities for learning outside of school time.  

In the 2024/2025 school year, Hickory Elementary provided extended learning to 149 students, many participating in multiple session.  We also expanded our extended learning days to four days a week (Monday-Thursday).

Transportation is provided home to HUB stops for students that request bus transportation. Meals are provided to all students through Food and Nutrition services.  

Extended Learning programming has included cooking, sports, crafts, building, gardening and more!  We have partnered with agencies such as Girls on the Run, Police Athletic League, 4H, HARC and Maryland State Youth Soccer Association. 

Extended Learning will continue in the 2025/2026 school year and will be expanded to include more academic support opportunities for students.  Fun is always built into the extended learning plan! 

Information will be sent home for each session if your child does not participate in session one. 

If you have questions regarding the program, please reach out to our Community School Manager, Julie Matheny 301-766-8199 (call/text), mathejul@wcps.k12.md.us or Extended Learning Lead, Kathy O'Reilly 301.766.8198 ext 71806.

CONTACT INFO

Julie Matheny

Community School Manager

  • Phone (Call/Text): 301-766-8199 
  • Email: mathejul@wcps.k12.md.us
  • Fax:301-766-8847

Please let us know if you need resources for your family! You can also view our helpful resource guide on this page. 

Community School Advisory Committee

The Community School Advisory Committee is a team of students, parents/caregivers, staff, and community partners who meet once a month to address our priorities as a community school.

We would like to invite all families to be a part of our Community School Family Advisory Committee.   We value parents as partners and encourage you to join a meeting (or all) to provide ideas, insights and feedback.

Meeting Information

The Community School Advisory Committee will generally meet the second Tuesday of each month at 8:30am.  

 

Asset Mapping

As part of our needs assessment process during the 24-25 school year, we conducted an analysis and completed a map of area resources.  View and find local businesses and services in Washington County. Services range from laundry and grocery stores to healthcare and family fun. Don't see something listed? Please contact Julie Matheny, Community School Manager (301-766-8198 or mathejul@wcps.k12.md.us) to have it added.

Hickory Asset Map