Meet Sophia

CIS Student Support Specialist Megan New worked with Sophia throughout middle school to help her improve her grades and behavior. Then, Sophia had to navigate the challenges of a school year affected by COVID-19.

Sophia, who lives with her grandparents, transitioned from her middle school to an alternative school in 7th grade after her dropping grades and behavior issues threatened her basketball eligibility. Megan worked with Sophia and her grandparents to improve her coursework and behavior, and in 8th grade, Sophia returned to her old middle school.

When the pandemic closed school buildings, Megan texted and emailed Sophia daily to help her finish middle school strong. Now in high school, Sophia continues to use CIS as a resource.

“Throughout her short life Sophia has experienced more traumatic events than most people experience in a lifetime and she continues to smile and succeed,” CIS Student Support Specialist Megan New said. “Resilience is the definition of Sophia.”

Like so many other students, Sophia relied on Megan daily as a safe-haven where she could find the academic and social-emotional supports she needed to stay on track for success and cope with the stress of social isolation and switching schools.

Thanks to support from Megan and CIS, Sophia now has access to the tools she needs to thrive and succeed as she navigates high school.