Student Success Stories

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,…

Meet Oriyana When Oriyona was referred to CIS six years ago, she was struggling to stay on track with her grades, had difficulty staying focused, and kept to herself. She had trouble building social relationships and lacked the confidence to talk to people around her. Oriyona’s CIS circle of support has included multiple Student Support Specialists over the years, and she credits them with helping her get back on track academically, build social relationships, and gain some clarity about her future. “Since I became a part of CIS I have grown academically, socially, and mentally,” Oriyona said. “CIS has given…

Although Josiah enrolled in CIS in middle school, he said he did not begin taking full advantage of the program until 10th grade. By that time, CIS had provided Josiah with the opportunity to visit a museum for the first time, and his first college tour was a CIS-led trip where they toured Edgecombe Community College.