The Challenges of Rising School Enrollment

Over the next ten years, Arlington Public Schools is anticipating to add 6,655 students across all schools, exceeding the current projected capacities in nearly every school. Rising enrollments bring obvious challenges (maintaining student:teacher ratios) and not so obvious challenges (how to fit 5 lunch periods into the school day!). While school districts must focus on the logistical challenges that rising school enrollments will present, CIS of NOVA is working to ensure that each student not only receives The Five Basics, but has the opportunities to fully grow in the 40 Developmental Assets. In recent surveys conducted by the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and [...]

2016-08-16T15:26:02+00:00February 5th, 2016|0 Comments

CIS of NOVA Accepting New & Gently Used Winter Clothing

As the weather is getting colder, many of our students are in need of extra articles of clothing to keep warm and arrive to school in proper attire. Communities In Schools of NOVA is in collaboration with their four partner schools to collect new and gently used clothing as a way to allow the community to give back and donate to students in need. CIS of NOVA Site Coordinators will be collecting the winter accessories, which will then be donated to our middle school, high school, and adult students for the cold weather. Examples of clothing that may benefit students are: Jackets Scarves Warm sweaters Gloves Ear [...]

2016-08-16T15:25:30+00:00January 18th, 2016|0 Comments

Science Fair Judges Needed for Gunston Middle School!

If you are passionate about helping students fulfill their potential and help them develop leadership skills, and you have time on January 12 and/or 13 from 2:30 to 4pm, the Gunston Middle School Science Fair needs your help!  We need adults to judge the Science Fair - you will be evaluating four to six science fair projects by our 7th and 8th grade students in the course of one or two hours.  You will be given a rubric on which to evaluate the students’ presentations. Gunston students started working on their projects in October, and finished recently by creating a presentation and [...]

2016-08-16T15:25:16+00:00January 6th, 2016|0 Comments

Wakefield High School Brings Developmental Assets To Student Groups

Student group meetings focused on the 40 Development Assets have begun at Wakefield High School! October and November were focused on introductions, establishing group expectations, exposure to school clubs and time management skills. The students, mentors, Ms. Pauline Jo and Dan have been acquainting themselves with one another. Activities have included: ice breakers, time management activities, and completing self-addressed letter that students will reflect on a year from now. Ms. Pauline Jo has high hopes for the freshman students. She has plans to bring in guest speakers into the after-school tutoring sessions and give the students a chance to discussion that week’s [...]

2016-08-16T15:24:52+00:00November 30th, 2015|0 Comments

Partnerships In Service to Community: Abby Raphael & Arlington Public Schools

CIS of NOVA is a key partner with Arlington Public Schools in helping our students succeed. During the 2013–2014 school year, CIS of NOVA worked with more than a thousand students and family members, marshaling the Arlington community’s resources to provide tutoring, college and career counseling, and assistance with food, clothing, and health services. The results of these efforts are measured in students’ improved school attendance and academic performance. —Abby Raphael, School Board Member, Arlington Public Schools

2016-08-16T15:21:39+00:00June 5th, 2015|0 Comments

Partnerships In Service to Community: Gunston Middle School Site Coordinator Alessandra Domestici

I’m a listening ear that has the time. I know their teachers would love to be there for them, and want to be there for them. But sometimes their plates are full and they have too much to do. For me to be able to be in that school all week, all day, and be there and be like, “I’m going to listen to you. I’m sitting here, I’m ready, I’m waiting. Tell me everything." I think that’s what really opens up a whole new door to these kids. —Alessandra Domestici, Site Coordinator, Gunston Middle School

2016-08-16T15:21:22+00:00June 4th, 2015|0 Comments

Partnerships In Service to Community: Dr. Jean Milliken

From the beginning of Communities In Schools 37 years ago, I have had the opportunity to see CIS grow and benefit hundreds of thousands of children and teenagers. I am so pleased that CIS has begun to serve young people in Northern Virginia, beginning in Arlington, where I live. My experience of serving on the CIS of NOVA Board and volunteering in one of the high schools this past year has confirmed for me the value this organization brings to underserved youth in the community. I look forward to our expanding into other school districts throughout Northern Virginia so that more young [...]

2016-08-16T15:22:33+00:00June 3rd, 2015|0 Comments

Partnerships In Service to Community: Koube Ngaaje & AFAC

CIS of NOVA was truly instrumental in establishing the [Arlington] Career Center as the first AFAC distribution site within a school for students and families. This partnership not only introduced AFAC’s services to several families suffering from food insecurity in silence, but has also provided a strong incentive for students to pursue their education and helped establish CIS of NOVA as a resource to students and to the broader Arlington community. —Koube Ngaaje, Director of Operations, Arlington Food Assistance Center

2016-08-16T15:22:38+00:00June 2nd, 2015|0 Comments

Partnerships In Service to Community: Debbie Polhemus & Phoenix Bikes

  Working with my students and Phoenix Bikes has been the high point of my year. With all my other responsibilities, I didn't have the time or perseverance to make the connection to Phoenix Bikes myself. But once I heard that you had brought them to Wakefield, I jumped right in. As an English teacher of newly arrived immigrant teens--many with interrupted formal education, I struggle to determine what "relevant" instruction is. There is no doubt in my mind that the training offered through Phoenix Bikes is relevant. My students learned repair skills and English vocabulary. They learned to observe and collaborate. [...]

2016-08-16T15:22:45+00:00June 1st, 2015|0 Comments

After-School Success At Wakefield High School

The 2014-2015 school year saw many great additions to CIS of NOVA at Wakefield High School. One new program that was launched, with the support and assistance of the Wakefield staff and dedicated CIS of NOVA volunteers, was an after-school study hall. By combining the principals of Communities In Schools Five Basics, CIS of NOVA was able to facilitate a safe and positive environment for personal success and growth. Along with the focus on academic success, students also met with partner organizations and Wakefield staff members to work on resume writing, summer job searches and setting personal goals. The consistent and long [...]

2016-08-16T15:19:52+00:00May 22nd, 2015|0 Comments
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