; and students in grades K to 3 had 53 percent fewer suspensions and 55 percent fewer misconducts. (B) In a 7-year study of 200 Chicago public schools, sociologist Anthony Bryk demonstrates that in schools where grassroots organizations forge strong connections with their schools, trust levels are greater, the school environment is civil, and parent involvement is greater. (C) United Way of Salt Lake’s Promise Partnership, an initiative across multiple school districts in the Salt Lake, Utah area, has helped increase student achievement and graduation rates. At one of United Way’s partner schools, Granite Park Junior High, the percentage of students completing 9th grade and on track to graduate has more than doubled in 2 years. Their efforts also have increased preschool opportunities in their poorest neighborhoods so that 1,000 additional low-income students attend high-quality preschool. Third grade reading proficiency scores rose 15.5 percent from 2013–2014, and chronic absence decreased from 21 percent to 14 percent from 2013–2014. A Promise Partnership Regional Council, which was formed in 2014, includes education, business, government and nonprofit leaders, guides the initiative and focuses on keeping the work aligned. (D) In Wisconsin, where partnerships are required for grant programs, non-traditional partners have proven to be instrumental for smaller communities to enrich after school programs. Those have included local trucking companies, statewide nonprofit organizations like the Grange, Farm Bureau, small retailers, and retirees. (E) Union City (New Jersey) school district proves that by breaking down institutional silos and creating deep partnerships, collaboration and municipal involvement, schools can be vibrant places of hope despite poverty, unemployment, and lack of affordable housing. (F) Social Justice Humanitas Academy in Los Angeles, California enrolls approximately 500 students with 88 percent eligible for free or reduced school lunch. Students are supported by Individualized Pupil