CIS NOVA and Amazon have teamed up since the onset of the pandemic to provide all students and families across Alexandria City and Arlington with basic need support through Amazon's Right Now Needs program, so students are ready to learn. These items include school supplies, clothing, shoes, undergarments, outerwear, PPE, books, and non-perishable food items. To date this school year, CIS NOVA has coordinated $475,000 in basic needs support across 47 schools, already serving nearly 27,000 students! CIS coordinators and school social workers are also using Right Now Needs (RNN) to engage hard to reach families via family engagement learning series [...]

At the beginning of this school year, Alex was struggling academically and was referred to CIS NOVA Site Coordinator, Miss Henry. As the year went on, Miss Henry met with Alex and explored ways for him to take ownership of his success. Eventually, Alex proposed an idea: if he met his academic goals this quarter, Miss Henry would have to face him head-to-head in a penalty kick shootout. Knowing Alex's passion for soccer, Miss Henry gladly accepted the challenge and there was a noticeable shift in Alex's performance and attitude. Every morning, he reminded Miss Henry of their pact and was eager [...]

From the MDRC site: https://www.mdrc.org/publication/reconnecting-students-educational-pathways BRIEF Reconnecting Students to Educational Pathways Learning from the Communities In Schools Reengagement Coordinator Initiative 01/2023 | Zeest Haider, Leigh Parise When students drop out of high school, substantial social and economic consequences can persist throughout their lives. They are more likely to be unemployed, to become teenage parents, to become involved in the criminal justice system, and to earn low wages throughout their lifetimes. Dropout rates soared during the COVID-19 pandemic as schools struggled to adapt and keep students engaged. Virtual classes, hybrid learning options, and unexpected closures characterized the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 school years, complicating [...]

Since the start of the school year, life has been treating me pretty well. I have an awesome job that I love, and I am surrounded by co-workers who feel like family. Together, we've tackled some tough goals and come out stronger for it. Thanks to my friend who helped me get this job, I now have access to college tuition benefits, which I'm considering taking advantage of and sticking around for a management position after graduation. I'm also still taking architecture class; it's my favorite class. I've always felt like I have great leadership skills, and becoming a manager would [...]

College admissions decisions are right around the corner! What if I don't get in? Not knowing is kind of nerve-wracking. My friend and I plan to record our admission letter openings together, and I'm excited to see what happens. Applying to my top school took courage. Aviation school in Florida? I really love that for me. I applied to several schools, so I'll be happy with whatever happens. If I don't get in, I'll keep trying. There's so much opportunity out there, and I have an amazing support system that's always got my back. They believe in me, and I BELIEVE IN [...]

Basma believes that every kid deserves the opportunity to learn. She studies fiercely, knowing no one can take away her goal to graduate and become a successful entrepreneur. Basma understands that she can shape her future by staying focused on her dreams and working hard to achieve them. She plans to travel the world and help others, ultimately choosing a career that will allow her to leave a positive mark on the planet. She realizes her dreams are attainable; even if the path to getting there has sometimes been rough, her belief in herself remains strong. Basma and her family originate [...]

When our Site Coordinators evaluate their schools' needs, they develop a plan to provide support where needed. Individualized support is necessary for some students to give them a real chance to challenge the systems and barriers that stand between them and their success in life. The student progresses, graduates high school, and is better prepared for life. Along the way, our Site Coordinators establish one-on-one caring relationships with these students and become someone that the child can trust, depend on, and look up to. For our senior student Lilia, Wakefield High School Site Coordinator Jackie helped give her the extra dose of empowerment [...]

Senior Spotlight: Juan, a senior at Alexandria City High School. When Juan came to the United States from El Salvador, he had questions about how things would go for him and his family. One thing he was sure of, though, was that his family would be better off regardless of how difficult things would be here. Juan and his family left their home country, seeking a better shot at life. Juan is set to graduate from ACHS at the end of this school year and has already surpassed his own expectations. He was the first person in his family to learn to [...]