BENTON HARBOR, Mich. - Aug. 30, 2019 - Benton Harbor Area Schools (BHAS) announced today that the district is opening a new Family Center at Benton Harbor High School (870 Colfax Avenue).

The center, slated to open September 3 in room 117, was supported in part by KitchenAid Day of Caring as well as by anonymous BHAS alumni. The space is equipped with new computers, a state-of-the-art digital display for presentations, a lounging area with coffee machines and more. The center will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, with some weekend hours for events.

"Our new Family Center is going to be full of magic," said Traci Burton, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator for BHAS. "The district has created the Family Center as a space for community building, financial resources, health and mental health awareness resources, and every wraparound service you can possibly think of that will positively impact families."

The center is one of several creative measures the district is taking this year to engage students, their families and the whole Benton Harbor community.

Burton herself is in a position newly added as part of a plan to meet mounting challenges facing the school district. In her community-facing role, she will work alongside school administrators, faculty and staff this upcoming school year to serve the school district in two main areas: family engagement and community engagement.

Burton has a professional background as a community builder and nonprofit advocate. A native of southwestern Michigan, she is a graduate of Western Michigan University.

In April, Burton worked with Benton Harbor High School students to create a viral video titled "Get Up." View the video at https://youtu.be/vFlmZaSlhMQ.

This year, Burton will be working with BHAS to develop partnerships that will strengthen the district while better supporting students and families in Benton Harbor. Part of her work will involve close collaboration with Communities In Schools, another new program BHAS has added this year to build relationships that empower at-risk students to stay in and perform well in school. The district's new Communities In Schools site services director is M'Shannon Rockette.

Burton is also working on creating after school media arts programs and other projects to be introduced this academic year.

To schedule a tour of the new Family Center at BHAS, contact Burton at 269.759.0551 or traci.burton@bhas.org.

About Benton Harbor Area Schools
Benton Harbor Area Schools is a public school district serving K - 12 students in Benton Harbor, Michigan and surrounding areas. Learn more about Benton Harbor Area Schools at http://www.bhas.org.

Contact
Traci Burton
traci.burton@bhas.org