A Model Community School on Display
State and Local Leaders Visit B.C. Gregory Elementary
On Friday, February 13, 2026, B.C. Gregory Elementary School in Trenton, a Mercer Street Friends Community School, welcomed state and local leaders for a special visit highlighting the power and promise of the Community Schools model. Among the guests were Dr. Lily Laux, Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education, Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, county education partners, and leaders from Trenton Public Schools.
From left to right: Daryl Minus-Vincent, Executive County Superintendent, New Jersey Department of Education; Deniece Johnson, Vice President, Trenton Public School District Board; Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-15); Bernadette Trapp, Director of Community Schools, Mercer Street Friends; Senator Shirley K. Turner (D-15); Reed Gusciora, Mayor, Trenton; Principal Jeannette Harris, B.C. Gregory Elementary School; Dr. Lily Laux, Acting Commissioner of Education, New Jersey Department of Education; James Earle, Superintendent, Trenton Public Schools; Kathy Goldenberg, President, New Jersey State Board of Education; Gerald Truehart, President, Trenton Public School District Board; and Ambrose Duckett, New Jersey State Board of Education, Mercer County.
Under the leadership of Principal Jeanette Harris, the B.C. Gregory “Schoolhouse” is more than just a building. It demonstrates what it truly means to be a Community School: a welcoming, inclusive hub where students, families, educators, and community partners work together to support the whole child. Visitors saw firsthand how strong partnerships, dedicated staff, and aligned resources create a nurturing environment where every student can truly thrive.
As the lead agency, Mercer Street Friends supports B.C. Gregory’s Community School strategy by strengthening Social-Emotional Learning,
delivering targeted and rigorous Reading Intervention, leading a robust Summer Bridge Program, and providing comprehensive family supports through our Choice Pantry, case management and connections to vital community resources.
B.C. Gregory Elementary stands as a powerful example of how Community Schools expand opportunities for students and deepen family and community engagement, which ultimately leads to stronger neighborhoods.
Mercer Street Friends is honored to stand alongside B.C. Gregory and our other Community Schools, and we remain comm
itted to expanding opportunities that empower students and their families to succeed – in school and beyond.
Read more about the Community Schools Initiative here.
