Student Success Stories

Meet AbriyaAbriya was referred to Communities In Schools during her junior year. She was struggling academically because she was not present in class and lacked the motivation to complete assignments. CIS Student Support Specialist Micheal met Abriya and began working on a success plan to improve her grades and start thinking about post-graduation goals. Despite the challenges she faced, Abriya was always respectful and receptive to the changes suggested by Micheal. She began opening up more and her new outlook was reflected in the classroom. The wall she had built was slowly coming down. Through CIS, Abriya changed the way…

Meet CourtneyCourtney is a senior who is now on track to graduate in June. She was referred to Communities In Schools for targeted intervention to ensure she graduated. She was struggling academically and was chronically absent, jeopardizing her opportunity to walk across the stage.  Courtney was referred to her CIS Student Support Specialist, Ms. Watkins, who worked with her to address her attendance barriers and develop a plan to make sure she attended school regularly. Developing a one-on-one relationship with Courtney helped Ms. Watkins learn more about her underlying issues at home.  She connected Courney to resources to improve her…

Jaleel is a senior in high school, something that he did not think possible just two years ago. Jaleel was referred to Communities In Schools during his sophomore year because he was chronically absent, a serious risk factor for adverse outcomes. He was out of school at least two days every week. Not surprisingly, his grades suffered. CIS Student Support Specialist David Nobles met Jaleel, built a connection with him, and found that the root of the problem for his absences was a lack of transportation. Some days Jaleel walked to school. It was not his intention to skip school,…

Antonio is a bright, dual-sport student athlete entering his final year of middle school in Cumberland County. Antonio was initially referred to CIS because of his behavior in the classroom. He was at school on time every day but struggled to pay attention. He lacked the motivation or the discipline to focus on his schoolwork.  Instead, he preferred to talk and joke with his peers, disrupting learning for other students.  Antonio met his Student Support Specialist (SSS) Mr. Ashford in seventh grade. Mr. Ashford began working with Antonio to figure out why he wasn’t applying himself in the classroom. He…

Meet Kurt Kurt came to the JNCG program as a senior. Before joining the program, he was very reserved and attended a different school because he benefitted from a smaller learning environment. He eventually joined the yearbook staff as a photographer which is where his JNCG Specialist Dustin really began to see him blossom.  As the school year began, Kurt attended school each day still wearing his mask, and draping his hair across his face as he was very shy. During the fall spirit week, Kurt made a deal with a school counselor to switch roles, pull his hair back,…