HMS - Communities In Schools of NOVA

In-Classroom Math Tutoring in the International Academy Adds up to SUCCESS

Perrin Keeler, a CIS of NOVA tutor at Hammond Middle School, worked with English language learners in the International Academy since the past school year. Although not a requirement to becoming a tutor for CIS of NOVA, Perrin has been involved in education for many years, and upon completing her Master's degree, she taught second grade in Washington, DC, as part of the DC Teaching Fellows program. In a meeting with the CIS of NOVA Outreach Coordinator, Perrin talked about why she volunteered with CIS of NOVA. "I have always enjoyed working with kids. I like making connections, personally and academically, particularly [...]

Madelon Brennan2020-03-08T14:18:59+00:00August 15th, 2016|0 Comments

International Academy Soccer Club at Francis C. Hammond Middle School

With support from Communities In Schools of NOVA, the International Academy Soccer Club at Francis C. Hammond Middle School had its inaugural practice in March 2016. 84 young men and women signed up to participate, with the leadership of four volunteer International Academy faculty and CIS of NOVA’s Outreach Coordinator, Candace Hill. This startup venture was supported by a partnership with the NOVA Gang Prevention Task Force, and the Alexandria Soccer Association, with enthusiastic support from International Academy Academic Principal, Tim Brannon, and Hammond School Principal, Pierrette Hall. It originated after a discussion regarding gang prevention amongst the faculty. The consensus was [...]

Madelon Brennan2020-03-08T14:19:41+00:00June 27th, 2016|0 Comments

A New Beginning: Outreach Efforts in Alexandria

By Candace Hill, CIS of NOVA Outreach Coordinator As the Communities In Schools (CIS) of NOVA Outreach Coordinator for Alexandria, I feel fortunate to be a part of a team that’s out there helping to educate our city residents and businesses on the needs of Alexandria City Public School’s students, and to find the resources needed to enable their success in school. The journey that led me to CIS of NOVA is one that has consistently involved working with youth, as I’ve always been fascinated with child development. My career began in research, managing the Temple University site for the NICHD Study [...]

Madelon Brennan2020-03-08T14:21:00+00:00June 2nd, 2016|0 Comments

Healthy Hammond Community Fair & 5k Color Run

By Candace Hill, CIS of NOVA Outreach Coordinator The forecast had predicted a torrential downpour with heavy winds and rain, but there was no turning back, as the already rescheduled Healthy Hammond Community Fair and 5k Color Run was going to happen on May 21st, rain or shine! Even with the unpredictable morning rain, there were many “shining moments.” I could talk about the girl that came to the event alone, walking 1.5 miles from home to participate in the 5k, only to walk 1.5 miles back home after running the 3+ miles. Or about the other student who showed up an [...]

Madelon Brennan2020-03-08T14:21:26+00:00May 27th, 2016|0 Comments

UPDATED! Healthy Hammond Community Fair & Color Run 5k School Fundraiser

Walk, jog, and run your way toward a healthier life while raising funds for Francis C. Hammond Middle School. All are welcome! See the event information below. Date: Saturday, May 21, 2016 (new date!) Location: 4646 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, VA 22304 Time: 8:30am to 12:30pm Deadline: Register by May 5th Please contact Candace Hill at candace@cisofnova.org for more information.

Madelon Brennan2020-03-08T14:25:11+00:00April 8th, 2016|0 Comments

CIS of NOVA Celebrates Programming at Hammond MS & Joins Spring2ACTion in Alexandria

Communities In Schools of NOVA will be participating in SPRING2ACTion, a one-day online fundraising event on April 20th, sponsored by ACT for Alexandria. Help spread the word that CIS of NOVA has expanded programming to Alexandria by sharing our Spring2ACTion LINK with your contact list and friends on social media. What if we all gave on one day – APRIL 20th? How much can we raise to support our students? We believe that when the needs of children are met, they can be free to learn and teachers can be free to teach. We believe ALL kids can succeed. We never give up on [...]

Madelon Brennan2020-03-08T14:25:38+00:00April 7th, 2016|0 Comments

Hammerheads After School Club with the Alexandria Seaport Foundation

The Alexandria Seaport Foundation helps to support students at the middle school level to build model boats, cigar box guitars, skateboards and much more. This is a hands-on experience for our students to learn to build while applying math and science skills all the while having fun! This program also supports the IB Middle Years Program goals in the subject area of technology, as well as promoting community and service. We successfully completed our first trebuchet project, which turned out to be amazing Skittle launching devices! Next up: skateboards! Cowabunga!

Madelon Brennan2016-08-15T15:07:19+00:00March 29th, 2016|0 Comments