When schools and public health agencies join forces, communities are stronger, safer, and better prepared for what's next. Project Ready Schools (PRS), developed by the Upper Midwest Center for Public Health Preparedness and Response, is advancing how K-12 institutions engage in emergency response, communication, and coordination. This poster showcases PRS's multi-year framework, which includes a tailored professional learning curriculum designed to equip school personnel with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to support effective emergency response and rumor management. Through joint planning processes and tabletop exercises, PRS fosters meaningful collaboration between educators and public health practitioners. Gain insight into lessons learned from pilot site engagement and explore how this adaptable, evidence-informed model enhances preparedness, builds communication capacity, and advances collaboration across schools and communities.