Suffolk Public Schools honored the community organizations and businesses that provide time, resources and services to the city’s schools at its Partners-in-Education Luncheon Monday.

The event was held at King’s Fork High School and brought together faculty members from the schools and representatives from some of the 130 partners in education.

At the luncheon, Superintendent Deran Whitney said even though the schools have noticed a decline in active participation of partners, it has not affected the quality of the services provided.

“We appreciate every effort (organizations) provide when it comes to the partnerships,” he said.

Three churches were recognized for their outstanding involvement with their school partners.

St. Paul Baptist Church was named the Partnership of the Year for 2010-2011 for its work with Kilby Shores Elementary School.

Although the church has helped out at Kilby Shores for the past three years, this was its first year as an official school partner.

In the last year, church members led the mentoring program, hosted the Youth Engaged for Success club for boys in grades 3-5 and participated in several holiday service projects.

St. Paul senior pastor Bishop Clarence Russell III said the church is blessed with a great team of people who are willing to give their time to help the Kilby Shores community.

“The congregation as a whole gives to the effort,” he said. “It’s a church-wide effort.”

Kilby Shores principal Seazante Oliver said she was impressed with St. Paul Baptist Church because they took the first step in contacting the school to help out.

“They reached out to us, and I think that makes a difference,” she said.

Russell said he thinks everyone has a responsibility to help within the community, and that’s why they do the work they do.

Additionally, Southside Baptist Church and Little Mount Zion Baptist Church were recognized as Star Partners for their work with Forest Glen Middle and Mount Zion Elementary schools, respectively.

Schools spokesperson Bethanne Bradshaw said it has a positive effect on children’s development when community members who aren’t required to be concerned with the lives of students decide to get involved.

“The future is important, and it’s important to get involved in the lives of our children,” she said.