NEW ULM — New Ulm Public Schools’ Community School program received a positive update from program director Tammy Lorch at a School Board Work Session Thursday.

The program seeks to bring the school together with the students and families both in and outside of the school. Their focus is on finding or making resources, supports, and opportunities to ensure all students across the community can be successful.

The program started two years ago, with Lorch starting her role in March. Lorch began her presentation focusing on the program from March through to May. She shared an impactful story from her first few months, which started with a phone call from a teacher.

“They had a student whose shoes were way too small and falling apart,” Lorch said. “The teacher had reached out to the parent and they said ‘We have used all of our paycheck for this month maybe next month we might be able to afford new shoes’. I reached out to churches who were willing to put money toward a new pair of shoes. I went to Shoe Sensation to find out how much a pair of shoes for the child’s size costs. I walked out of Shoe Sensation [that day] with a donation of a pair of shoes. I wanted to tell you about the generous community we have here.”

Lorch then discussed several other initiatives Community School has spearheaded throughout the summer and into the new school year. Most notable among them is the Sleepy Eye Carpool Connection. Lorch said she talked with a student whose family had moved to Sleepy Eye. She met with school officials and students there but wanted to continue attending New Ulm Public. Through networking, a web of 40-50 Sleepy Eye families with children attending New Ulm organized a carpool network to ensure kids in Sleepy Eye can continue to attend New Ulm via open enrollment.

Lorch ended her presentation by discussing current initiatives the Community School program is pursuing. New Ulm Schools in general has made inclusion and diversity a major focus for improvement in the short and long term. Lorch presented a positive development toward this goal.

“There’s a strong Hispanic Latino community within New Ulm,” she said. “It’s not well connected to the community itself, but they’re well connected to each other. Through trusting relationships with different people, I’ve been able to meet with three Latino women. They are very excited to have me as a connection to the school and how we can work together to make the school but also the community more welcoming to Hispanic families and what other baby steps we can do.”

After her presentation, board member Melissa Sunderman commended Lorch for her work and the work of the Community School program since she became its director.

“Sounds like you’re doing amazing,” she said. [You’re] reaching out, getting resources, different community people, and workplaces involved. I think you’ve been doing a good job.”

The next School Board meeting will be held November 16 at 5 p.m.