This project documents the leaders that uphold the framework of a Community school at Lakewood Elementary, as well as the philosophy they enforce at their school. This Community Public School in Durham, North Carolina is one of three in its district. Taking on the role of a Community school before there is even a code outlining the responsibilities of one and the jobs associated with it (like a Community School Director), Lakewood is defining their role on their own terms. The strong and inclusive leadership at the core of Lakewood maintains the strong proven curriculum, family and community partnerships, wrap around support, and equitable caring environment that the school values above all else. The leaders I documented include Principal Jeri Jackson, Community School Director Ms. Charryse Frederick, Vice-Principal Dr. Nan Lujan, Literacy Coach Ms. Amanda Fuentes, Math Coach Ms. Marianne Mccoy, and Student Support Director Mr. Antoine Hargrove.

A challenge I noticed as a Duke student in my position (as just an observer documenting the school and community) was not immediately thinking about problem solving and how to "help" the community. I was thinking mainly about all the things I could add to the community during our first visit. Reflecting on that urge, I came to realize how we were only part of the resources that Lakewood has gathered for itself. The real agent of change isn't our course or any of the other volunteers, but rather the leaders at Lakewood that direct resources to better their community. They are all the pillars that uphold the community school framework.

Notes of gratitude:

Thank you to every faculty member that let me into the building, let me photograph their interaction with my subjects, and greeted me warmly every day I went to visit. Thank you to every student that let me be a fly on the wall during their childhood experiences.

Most importantly, thank you to my five subjects that trusted me enough to follow them around and document their days. Thank you to Ms. Charryse Frederick for conversations and hospitality that have made me a more sensitive and critical person for life! Thank you to Ms. Lujan, Mr. Hargrove, Ms. Fuentes, and Ms. Mccoy for their smiles and encouraging presence. Finally, thank you Principal Jackson for trusting our entire class to visit and work at your school.

A special thanks to Dr. Anderson and Ms. Parker for invaluable information and impromptu photoshoots! My last note of gratitude must be directed towards the professor that imparted the skills, resources, and most importantly the encouragement, to make this project possible. Thank you, Susie!