This paper describes and justifies The Schools Reaching Out Project on the basis of research proving that urban families and communities that build stronger connections to the schools are linked to healthy child development, the academic and social success of children in school, better teaching, cost savings and improved educational services and deliveries, and effective citizen (parent) involvement in educational policy. Two elementary schools will be engrossed in efforts to improve the involvement of families and the community to enhance school effectiveness--the David A. Ellis School in Roxbury in Boston, and PS 111 on West 53rd Street in New York City. Linked with this two-school effort is a 19-member national commission to oversee the project. The project's proponents hope for three outcomes: First, a substantial cadre of classroom teachers will be encouraged to facilitate improved school-family-community connections. Teacher training programs will infuse teachers with the skills necessary to succeed in this endeavor. Second, family and community activities will be linked to school reform. Finally, grassroots advocacy in the wake of family-community involvement will lead to shared responsibility for educational improvements and school reform. (JAM)