Devonshire Elementary School opened its doors to host the Community Partner Cafe on Oct. 28. The cafe was an opportunity to bring together the school’s partners – and future partners – to first gather for breakfast, then focus on how they can strategically pool their resources to help Devonshire reach its goals.

“One of our other focuses through this event, though, is making sure that we’re establishing mutual partnerships so it’s not all just one way,” said Devonshire Principal Erik Barton. “We want to know how we can continue to support our partners, as well.” 

Devonshire serves about 550 students; about 70% are Hispanic, 15% African American and 15% other races. Year-end results for 2024-25 showed the school improved its school letter grade, exceeded growth and increased proficiency. 

“We have some lofty goals this year with a heavy focus on literacy,” he said, “and we’re looking at ways to help our students boost their ability to read.”

Devonshire is one of eight schools piloting the Adopt-a-School model through Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Strategic Partnerships and Family Engagement department. The model is a collaborative community partnership-driven approach aligned with individual school goals, said Chiquitha Lloyd, executive director of Engagement, Access and Supplier Development.

“What makes this model special is the strategic focus and strength of its partnerships,” Lloyd said. “Schools will be surrounded by a network of organizations from the community, providing resources and volunteers. The Partnership team is leveraging our School Connect and Read Charlotte partnership tools to assist in creating the customized family and community engagement strategy for each school.”

Each school will be supported by four types of partners: corporate partners, community and civic groups, faith-based organizations and higher education institutions. They will focus on:

• A customized family and community engagement strategy
• An asset map of school, community partners and neighborhood associations
• Key indicators for students, parent and educators
• A yearlong engagement calendar
• A marketing Pitch Plan
• One-to-one support provided by the CMS Engagement team

The other schools participating along with Devonshire are Hornets Nest, J.H. Gunn, Nations Ford, Pineville and Sterling elementary schools, Reid Park Academy and Thomasboro Academy.

David Farmer is a Devonshire volunteer who attended the cafe event. He was part of the inaugural 10-week program called Gentlemen of Devonshire, where 10 boys were mentored in fundamental traits of being a gentleman, such as respect and accountability.

“I think these kinds of events are great and needed,” Farmer said. “I believe that a lot of the work that needs to be done is not always from outside of the community; I think it has to come from the community.”