The mission of Chatham County Schools (CCS) is “to graduate globally competitive and confident students by providing a rigorous and relevant curriculum in a supportive, safe and nurturing learning environment.” This is a lofty mission, and it’s difficult to achieve when many students face serious challenges both inside and outside of the classroom. That is … Continue Reading
impact
“Our kids are hungry for knowledge. We just need to feed them the right way.”~Jazmin Mendoza Sosa
In November 2016, with increased support from Chatham County Schools, Communities In Schools Chatham County (CISCC) expanded its services to Virginia Cross Elementary (VCE) in Siler City to reach the younger siblings of Chatham Middle School (CMS) students and their classmates. Jazmin Mendoza Sosa is the CISCC Student Support Specialist at VCE, and she … Continue Reading
Where Are They Now? CIS Chatham Nurtures Growth
Communities In Schools Chatham County (CIS CC, and formerly Chatham County Together!) has been serving at-risk youth in Chatham County since 1989. Over the years, programs have evolved, new programs have been added, programs’ names have been changed, and some programs have even been moved to other local agencies to oversee. What has stayed … Continue Reading
Restorative Justice: An Opportunity Rather Than a Punishmet
It’s not a person’s mistakes which define them—it’s the way they make amends. ~Freya North Teenagers often make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes get them in trouble with the law. When someone breaks the law, they have to face the consequences. What if the consequences for delinquent youth focused less on punishing them and more … Continue Reading
“Relationship Before the Task”
Erika Guy’s entrée into CISCC came by way of “Challenge Day” held at Chatham Middle School (CMS) in Siler City in October of 2016. The Challenge Day school program provides teens and adults with tools to break down the walls of separation and isolation, replacing them with compassion, acceptance, and respect. Retired after having worked … Continue Reading
Leading by Example-
Josilyn is a warm, smart, friendly 5thgrader who attends Virginia Cross Elementary School in Siler City. Susan Collins Thompson is a creative, resourceful retired educator. Josilyn and Susan are friends as part of CIS-Chatham County’s (CIS-CC) Mentoring Program. Matched in late February, 2017, the pair meets regularly to have lunch together, work on school work, … Continue Reading
April 23-29 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week!
“Volunteers Are Love In Motion” – Anonymous Volunteers give freely of themselves to serve the needs of others. In 2015-16, over 100 CIS CC volunteers gave over 7,070 hours of service! Please consider becoming a volunteer! CIS CC has a variety of opportunities for those willing to share their time and talents. YOU can make the … Continue Reading
Thank You, Celebration of Educators Sponsors!
Over 60 local businesses, families, and individuals have sponsored our April 23 Celebration of Educators fundraiser! Their continued support and generous donations have helped us exceed our sponsorship goals for this year’s special event. We couldn’t do it without our sponsors! Valedictorian & Salutatorian Sponsors Absolute Construction & Development, LLC Angelina’s Kitchen CRA, Associates Edward Jones, … Continue Reading
A Busy Summer
*Please note: Personal names in this story have been changed to protect identity. The chances of Wayne committing a juvenile offense were high that spring. The weather was warm and the teens were just “hanging out” killing time. It was a simple act, just something to do for fun. The fun was short lived and … Continue Reading
A Match Made in Heaven: Carlos’ Story
When Enrique and Amanda Rojas met with CIS of Chatham County’s Mentoring Program Manager Shirille Lee more than 2 years ago, they said mentoring would be a family commitment. The mentee would be participating in family gatherings, and interacting with their own children. So before they made the commitment, their children would have to also agree … Continue Reading
