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
youth
“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
Teen Court: A Positive Side of Peer Pressure
The courtroom was silent, except for some shuffling papers and nervous whispers. Eyes locked on the judge: “Would the defendant please stand and face the jury. Now, if the Foreperson would please read the sentence of the jury.” Eyes shifted to the Foreperson as he stood and read the verdict: “Four hours of jury duty; … 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
What A Difference One Person Can Make
On a cold January morning in 2015, in the middle of the school year, a school bus pulled up to the America’s Best Inn motel in Siler City. It was the first day of school for Kaylin, a new sixth grader at Chatham Middle School whose family had just arrived in town. Neither of … 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
Youth Garden
Youth Garden From the time they arrived early Sunday morning until just after lunch time, Chatham Community Church/Chatham SERVE volunteers worked to ready the CIS Youth Garden for winter. New greens were planted, perennials were trimmed and cleaned and blueberry bushes transplanted … and the list goes on! The garden literally glowed with the … Continue Reading
Youth Garden Cistern!
CIS CC had a wonderful Youth Garden workday on Sunday, June 4th, installing plumbing for the cistern that will help us harvest rainwater off of the roof of an adjoining bulding. Participating members of the Chatham Community Church included Rick McDonald, Jim Bridgeman, Rachel and John Carpenter, Gary Plontak, and Brian Spiller. CIS board member … Continue Reading
Congratulations to Chatham County Teachers of the Year!
CIS CC thanks all of you for your hard work and dedication. Together, we CAN make a difference in the lives of Chatham County youth! Amy Andrews (Siler City Elementary) Pedro Anzola (Chatham Middle School) Sarah Askins (Chatham Center for Innovation) Christopher Atkins (Northwood High School) Erin Boecke (Perry Harrison Elementary) David Clark (Bonlee School) … Continue Reading
