Our Unique Model
Communities In Schools of Richmond supports K-12 students in 39 Richmond City and Henrico County high-poverty neighborhood schools. Through early interventions and enrichment opportunities, CIS works with the community inside schools to help students succeed. Our evidence-based approach, adapted to meet each community’s unique needs, is the basis for our success.
The Problem:
The Dropout Rate
Almost 4 million students start ninth grade every year. One in four won’t graduate.
For many of our students, poverty places kids at risk for school failure. It robs children of school readiness, creates obstacles to consistent school attendance and can often be the root of profound behavioral issues.
Communities In Schools of Richmond takes action to address these barriers by working hand-in-hand with students on personal goals, helping them pave the way to success.
The Solution:
CIS Site Coordinator
The Site Coordinator fills a pivotal role as the single point of contact working inside the school to provide integrated student services. Site Coordinators connect students and families with community partners and resources that address both academic and nonacademic needs.
A Collaborative Effort
Working together, the Site Coordinator and the school staff facilitate a needs assessment and annual plan. This process determines the specific initiatives, partners and projects for the upcoming school year.
Integrated Student Services (ISS)
The Site Coordinator works with volunteers, partners and the local community to provide students with the resources they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. These services range from meeting basic needs to matching students with a mentor to engaging in mental health services or accessing an academic tutor.
Monitor and Track Success
Our goal is to ensure that all groups are working to support the goals of the school and that the services are measurable and meaningful for individual students. Site Coordinators both lead the process of coordinating a specific set of services for students as well as tracking progress to make sure those services are meeting student need.
Proven Success
At the end of a school year, our benchmark for success looks like 70% of students making positive, measurable progress around attendance, behavior and course completion.
De'Jona Spencer
How You Can Help
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