A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

This month, we have extra love for so many partners, volunteers, and donors - you make our hearts go pitter-patter! This is especially true at a time when we have some incredibly big things happening that are only possible because of our supporters. Learn more about some of this BIG NEWS in this issue.

Looking to spread a little love? Consider a donation to support the 11,000 students (and growing) that we serve. Whether it is $5 or $500, you will make a difference in the lives of students who need those critical CIS wrap-around supports to reach educational success.

Perhaps it could be a gift in your loved one's honor - we'll send them a "love" note to let them know!

Enjoy this issue and whatever fun plans you have for this Valentine's Day!

With gratitude,

Ashley Hall, Executive Director

The funding, made possible through Governor Youngkin's education priorities, was established in this year's state budget to support Community School models across the state. Organizations carrying out the Community School Model "meet the unique needs of the neighborhoods they serve by leveraging local non-profit, private sector, and public partnerships to bring wraparound services into school buildings." Communities In Schools is the largest and most effective provider of the community school model.

This award is huge for CIS of Chesterfield, and we have you to thank! Without your support of our work and mission, we would not have the leverage to go after funding sources like this one. Thank you for helping us reach this incredible achievement!

We look forward to sharing more about this funding opportunity and its outcomes for our students in the near future.

THE POSITIVE LINK BETWEEN FAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

A child’s parent or guardian is their primary teacher and caregiver. We therefore implement family engagement events, programs and activities so that we can reach and support the families of the students we serve. These opportunities are not only vehicles to provide resources and open up communication, but also allow Site Coordinators to strengthen the greater community around the school. To boot, research shows that family engagement in schools results in positive academic outcomes for students - when parents and school staff are collaborating around a child's education, the work is being done both in school and at home!

CIS Family Engagement is happening across all 11 of our schools. To name just one example of this important work, we have a highlight from Manchester Middle (MCMS). Ms. Reynolds (MCMS CIS Site Coordinator) works with her colleagues to host regular family nights with their English Language Learning students and their families! The nights include music, games, prizes, and lots of delicious food brought by the families! More importantly, these are times when students and their family members have the chance to spend time together and connect with school staff, all in the name of success in school!

Last Bus Tour of the Year:

We will host our final tour of the 22-23 school year in March. If you haven't joined or know someone who would like to participate, be sure to sign up and share! These are a great opportunity to see first-hand how our model is positively impacting our students in Chesterfield. Space is limited so sign up now!

Date: Friday, March 24th
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Salem Church Middle School

All Site Volunteer Week:

It's almost that time of year again! This year's annual All Site Volunteer Week will take place the week of April 17th when you can support us through a number of in-person and remote volunteer opportunities. Check out a few of the opportunities below. If you, your family, friends, or a group you're a part of are interested in participating, reach out to Wendy at wendy_lively@ccpsnet.net.

•     Courtyard Clean-ups
•     School beautification projects
•     Assembling basic needs kits
•     And more!