CIS site coordinators are our frontline defense in the battle against chronic absenteeism.
Communities In Schools offers a unique solution to combat chronic absenteeism through a trained, caring adult—sometimes referred to as a site coordinator. Across the U.S., many barriers affect students' ability to be present in school, and those challenges vary depending on the individual student and the community in which they live.
CIS site coordinators are finding solutions to those challenges, working in schools to make the connections for students to thrive.
Site coordinators work daily inside CIS partner schools to implement the CIS model of integrated student supports. They partner with parents, educators, community-based organizations, and school and district leaders every day. Together, this network of support motivates and encourages students to stay on a path to graduation and to achieve in life.
We know that having a connection to a caring adult is critical to keeping a student engaged in school. CIS site coordinators take the time to understand each student's unique needs and challenges and then work with them to set goals and track their progress during regular check-ins. They celebrate their student's wins and encourage them to keep going if, at first, they don't succeed.
The Push is a short film that follows the inspirational relationship between Darrell Smith, a caring CIS site coordinator, and Ja-Mez, who is about to graduate from high school full of self-confidence and with the promise of a bright future — an event that seemed impossible just two years earlier. The moving film provides an inside look at one of the many stories unfolding in thousands of CIS schools across America.
Through implementation of our evidence-based model, CIS not only supports individual students but we support the entire school. CIS site coordinators are experts in building strong relationships. They collaborate closely with administrators and educators to establish strong connections between students and their families, making them pivotal figures in schools. They also support creating school environments where all school faculty, students, and families feel safe and welcome.
“The school received tons of positive feedback from parents. Students are excited to attend school so they can be in the attendance class of the month. In fact, they hold their parents accountable to make sure they get them to school on time.”
Shannon Young
Site Coordinator
CIS of Rural Eastern Washington
Learn more about the impact of CIS on individual students and school-wide success.
“If it wasn’t for CIS, I would not be walking that stage,” Esteban, 18, admitted. “School was never really my thing.”
Read more of Once at Risk of Not Graduating, Esteban Graduated with Honors
CIS of Rural Eastern Washington prioritized attendance in their Tier 1 School Support Plan. CIS Site Coordinator Shannon Young implemented a proactive strategy to address the issue, including school-wide services and resources available to all students.
Read more of Making Every Day Count: CIS Attendance Initiatives Motivate Students
“I never thought I’d make it to graduation," Andrea said. "School just wasn’t for me. But Mr. Walker changed everything."
Read more of Andrea's Connection Leads to Turnaround
Communities In Schools Affiliates of Central Texas, Houston, San Antonio, South Central and Greater Tarrant County received the All In for Students: Presidential Award of Excellence for their leadership and commitment that supported community recovery efforts in Uvalde, Texas.
Read more of CIS Support in Uvalde
Ashley, a fifth-grade student at 107th Elementary, is described by Communities In Schools of Los Angeles (CISLA) Site Director Clara Ortiz as well-rounded, with a deep love for learning and a go-getter attitude. But what many may not know about Ashley is that her family recently left El Salvador, making personal sacrifices to start a new life in the United States.
Read more of The Power of Presence: How Caring Adults Provide a Community of Support
Communities In Schools of Cape Fear is no stranger to preparing students to return to school. Last year, their site coordinators provided programming and support to nearly 35,000 students.
Read more of Investing in Back-to-School Readiness at All Levels
I’m Kai Green. I joined the CIS of Memphis program as an alumna after being introduced to CIS in 2023 while working toward my degree in Business Administration from Lane College in Jackson, TN. I felt this program was perfect for me once I met the onsite coordinators. It was full of professionals who saw potential in me and wanted to support me in any way they could.
Read more of Alumni Spotlight: Kai Green
In November, Marco and Esteban were invited to attend CIS Nevada's annual fundraiser as guests and featured speakers. During the event, Esteban shared a beautiful speech about his experience in CIS, and as a CIS alum. CIS of Nevada also showcased their involvement in the “Being Present Matters” campaign and roles as the faces of the national PSA promotion.
Read more of Esteban: A Full Circle Moment
This month we proudly spotlight one of our Communities In Schools Licensed Partners, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA). Together, we are working to ensure that every student, regardless of background or circumstances, has access to the resources, opportunities, and relationships they need to thrive in school and life.
Read more of Licensed Partner Spotlight: National Indian Education Association
As a middle school student, Zoe was very quiet and stayed to herself. Like many teenagers, self-esteem and anxiety are normal emotions on a daily basis. But for Zoe, the thought of going to school felt overwhelming.
Read more of A Boost of Confidence Helped Zoe Soar
Read a Q&A with Jessica Martinez, a financial analyst and CIS of Atlanta alumna.
Read more of Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Martinez
Hi! My name is Malik. I'm an alumnus of Communities In Schools of Baytown. In September 2024, the CIS National Office invited alumni from across the country to attend their annual Leadership Town Hall, and I was able to attend!
Read more of Malik: My Experience at Leadership Town Hall 2024
Communities In Schools has established successful licensed partnerships with state education agencies, school districts, and community-based organizations across the country, enhancing support systems for students. One notable partnership is with Volunteers of America North Louisiana (VOANLA) in Shreveport, La., which dates back to 2013 and remains CIS' longest-standing licensed partnership.
Read more of Communities In Schools and Volunteers of America North Louisiana Celebrate Long-Standing Partnership
Since May, CIS has celebrated the remarkable achievements of students ready to embark on new adventures—whether that means entering the workforce, serving in the military, or pursuing higher education.
Read more of Communities In Schools Celebrates the Class of 2024
Every day, millions of retail, restaurant, and online shoppers are given the choice to add a donation to their purchase. Most often, it involves rounding up to the nearest dollar—which could be anywhere from a few pennies to ninety-nine cents.
Read more of Why Rounding Up at the Register Makes a Difference
There are many success stories from our work at CIS HOT. In 2023, we helped 50 students get paid internships and earn more than $63,000 in wages. This school year, we served more than 4,000 students – and each one of them has their own dream for their future.
Read more of Empowering Success: How CIS Helps Students Define Their Own Paths
When I was a sophomore I joined Communities In Schools (CIS) not knowing that this decision would change my next three years in high school. I am a shy and introverted person. I don't usually talk to people much but volunteering with many people and going and seeing many places helped me with my shyness so I could make new friendships.
Read more of Milexy: Giving Back to the Community
Jaleel is a senior in high school, something that he did not think possible just two years ago. Jaleel was referred to Communities In Schools® (CIS®) during his sophomore year because he was chronically absent, a serious risk factor for adverse outcomes. He was out of school at least two days every week. Not surprisingly, his grades suffered.
Read more of Jaleel: Overcoming Obstacles
“The single thing I'm most proud to have accomplished is not caring what others think or who does not like me. I tend to visit Mrs. Miller during lunch and talk to her about personal life situations. She always provides advice using her personal experience to connect relevance.” -Mariyah
Read more of Mariyah: Engineering a Bright Future
To the class of 2025, Bria offers words of encouragement based on her own journey: "Stay positive. Staying positive will help you make better health and life decisions and focus more on long-term goals. I stayed positive, I believed in myself that I could graduate. It might be hard, but just keep in your head that you got this."
Read more of Bria: Finishing Strong
Meet future physician Nia, a senior at Billy Ryan High School who aspires to make a difference and a living helping others. Nia is an active participant in Communities In Schools of North Texas' (CISNT) college and career readiness group, where she receives support and guidance as she prepares for life after high school.
Read more of Nia: Motivated to Make a Difference
Communities In Schools (CIS) is not just an organization; it's a lifeline for students like Jy'Mir, who, since 2015, has found guidance, support, and a pathway to his dreams. Starting his journey in second grade at Virginia Cross Elementary, Jy'Mir is just one of the many students whose lives have been transformed by CIS, propelling them toward graduation and fulfilling career goals while opening doors to new opportunities along the way.
Read more of Jy’Mir: Creating a Pathway to a Bright Future
CIS of Pennsylvania site coordinator Jeffrey Suarez identified the need for post-graduation planning programs and organized a career day that was a hit. Learn about the transformative power of community engagement and support programs in shaping student outcomes.
Read more of Innovative Engagement: The Story of Lebanon High's Career Day Success
“[Mr. Primer] was definitely the role model that I needed at the time to help me and guide me onto a positive path for myself... CIS has definitely been able to prepare me in ways I don't think I would have been prepared had I not been in CIS.” – Serenity
Read more of Serenity: Reflecting on Life After Graduation
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