United Way of Erie County

📣 United Way of Erie County is proud to welcome Autumn Shuskie as the new Community School Director at Middle, a Community School !

With a master’s degree in educational psychology and a background as a Learning Support Teacher at East, Autumn brings both expertise and strong relationships within the school community. She’s committed to fostering meaningful connections between families, staff, and partners through inclusive, proactive engagement.

Autumn will play a key role in advancing the Community School Model at East by expanding access to resources and amplifying student and family voice.

Join us in giving her a warm welcome! 💙

🎉 School’s Out for Summer! 🎉

As the school year wraps up today, United Way of Erie County wants to give a special shout-out to all of Erie’s amazing crossing guards! 💜🚦☀️

Rain or shine, snow or heat - you are out there each day keeping our children safe. Your dedication, kindness, and patience do not go unnoticed, and we deeply appreciate the vital role you play in our community.

Thank you for another great year. Enjoy your well-deserved summer break!

What a great way to end the school year! 🎉

At Union City Elementary, a United Way Community School, the annual Pre-K graduation was extra special as the students walked hand-in-hand with Union City's graduating seniors.

Thanks to the Community School Model, both the Pre-k caps and gowns—and the inspiring idea to connect Pre-K students with graduates—were made possible. It's a powerful symbol of what's possible when we invest in students from the very start. 💫
Congratulations to the Class of 2025 & Best of luck to the future Class of 2038!

Union City Area School District

A big congrats to both teams—sportsmanship was the real MVP! 🏀 💙

For the first time ever, a Harding parent nominated a staff member for the Harding Hero Award, and it was none other than our incredible Community School Director at Harding Elementary, a community school - Shanna Potter! ❤️💙

Each quarter, this award recognizes students and staff who go above and beyond. Shanna’s unwavering dedication to Harding families didn’t go unnoticed, so much so that a parent approached the principal to nominate Shanna.

In their words:
“She has gone above and beyond for not just my family, but for everyone at Harding. She genuinely cares and shows it every single day.”

The Harding admin team planned a surprise celebration, even inviting her family, just like Shanna always does for her students. 💫

Please join us in celebrating Shanna—a true Harding Hero and a shining example of what it means to lead with heart.

We’re proud to share that Sara Naughton, Director of Data and Evaluation at United Way of Erie County, has been named Co-Chair of the National United Way Learning Community, a network facilitated by the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL)! 🎉

Sara’s leadership, data-driven mindset, and passion for Community Schools will help guide this national network of changemakers working to remove barriers to learning and advance equity in education.

➡️ Catch more highlights from our team’s time at the 2025 National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference in this week’s WIB: https://conta.cc/4mKtQHt

🎉 Wrapping up the school year in style! From safari sightings to color explosions, banquets to backyard carnivals—our United Way Community Schools brought the fun and connection to families all across Erie County.

Here’s a glimpse at just a few of the joyful moments from:

✨ Harding’s 5th Grade Ambassador Banquet
🌈 McKinley’s Color Blast Party
🦁 Lincoln’s Safari Night
🎡 Edison’s Carnival

Harding Elementary, a community school | McKinley Elementary School "Home of the Mariners" | Lincoln Elementary School | Edison Elementary School

Rain or shine National Fuel volunteers showed up yesterday at Woodrow Wilson Middle, a Community School, working alongside students to help beautify the school grounds. These hands-on days of service go beyond clean-up—they build connections, boost school pride, and show students that their community believes in them. 🌻🪻🌷

We’re so grateful for Corporate Partners who make a difference every day at United Way Community Schools!

Thank you to the incredible Wegmans employees for raising over $11,000 through their Annual Bingo Event and more than $48,000 through their scan campaign in support of United Way of Erie County! Your generosity is helping United Way Community Schools grow stronger and reach more students and families—and your impact does not go unnoticed. 💙❤️💛

Amazing work, check out these talented drummers! 🥁 👏

Drumming Dragons 2025